While travelling could be the perfect opportunity to take a break from the internet, there are many benefits to staying connected. Being able to use the web could be handy for navigating yourself via GPS, translating foreign languages, researching local things to do and communicating with people back home. In fact there are all kinds of inventive uses for the internet that could help you to enjoy your travels more. Below are 8 examples of ways to stay connected.
Choose the right phone data plan
When choosing a data plan for your smartphone, consider how it is affected when visiting different countries. Even some ‘unlimited’ data plans can face data caps and roaming charges when abroad. Many mobile networks offer a worldwide roaming package at an extra charge that can allow you to use your data more freely abroad without racking up extra fees. Alternatively, you can buy a foreign SIM to use the internet abroad.
Use your phone’s hotspot
You may be able to use your phone’s hotspot feature to connect other devices (such as tablets, laptops or even other people’s phones) to the internet while travelling. This allows you to use all your devices online wherever you are able to find data coverage. Just be wary that this could eat up your data quickly.
Buy a portable router
Buying a portable router can allow you to connect an array of devices to the internet in almost any location. It’s more secure and stable than using public wi-fi and you don’t have to worry about data charges, however there is the upfront cost of buying the router and it’s an extra device to carry around with you that will need to be kept charged up.
Research hotel wi-fi quality
Many hotels now have wi-fi. However, it is not always free to use and can not always be reliable either. It can be worth doing your research before booking a hotel – there are websites that can help you check the quality of the wi-fi at different hotels, as well as notifying you of any fees.
Travel on a coach or train with wi-fi
Being able to connect to the internet on a coach or train could be useful for occupying your journey – you can play online games, stream movies and listen to music. When booking a long-distance coach or train, check whether the vehicle has wi-fi.
Get internet for your car
Going on a road trip? It’s possible to get wi-fi for your car and even use it as a hotspot for other devices. Many modern cars already have an in-built wi-fi router. If your car doesn’t, you could still buy a router to use with your car.
Use public wi-fi at cafes
A lot of public places like cafes may have their own wi-fi that you can use. Connecting your devices to this could prevent you from having to use your data. However, make sure to use a VPN as this public wi-fi is not always secure.
Travel to cities with free public wi-fi
Did you know that some cities around the world have free citywide wi-fi? Examples include Seoul, Osaka, Tallinn and Barcelona. Choosing these destinations for a city break could allowing you to use the internet freely without having to use your data.
