Staying connected on the go is no longer a dream. If you’re planning a trip away from home, having the privilege of going online at all times would surely be comforting. You can keep loved ones back home aware of your whereabouts and warrant your safety.

Internet access while Traveling helps you navigate new places and find specific locations so you don’t get lost. If you’re a travel blogger or influencer, staying active on your socials and sharing travel stories in real time would be something you cannot compromise on.

Luckily, there are quite a few options to stay connected while you’re traveling within and outside your Country. Some options are free and some require an investment, but none of them cost a fortune, so you’re good!

Thus, let’s see our options:

Best Travel Internet Options:

Utilize Free Wi-Fi Hotspots

If you’re traveling within the country, you might be able to access free Wi-Fi hotspots distributed by your internet service provider (ISP). If you’re a customer of Cox in the United States, you can access almost 4 million Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide, free of charge; you may contact Cox customer service for more details regarding specific locations.

In case you’re traveling outside your country, look up free Wi-Fi options in the areas you are visiting. Most hotels include free Wi-Fi access as a basic amenity while you’re staying with them. Moreover, many restaurants/cafes, international food chains, and public malls also offer free Wi-Fi to visitors or customers.

Check Your Cellular Data Roaming Options

When traveling within the country, one can always rely on cellular data to stay connected to the internet. Cellular data may not always deliver on speed, but it works fine for basic internet usage. You may experience connection problems in rural areas, so you may switch to a satellite internet plan in that case.

When traveling abroad, you should check the data roaming options provided by your cellular network. Some cellular networks provide free 2G internet access in more than a hundred destinations worldwide, without any extra cost. Others may levy charges, depending on your destination and data usage.

Buy a Local SIM card

Consider buying a local SIM card if your stay is more than a few days, there are chances of extending the trip, or you may be traveling to this same country again. Switching to a local network could save you a great deal of hassle and money.

The local SIM card can usually be bought after you reach your destination, but some countries may allow you to buy one in advance. While using a local SIM has its advantages, you may have to pay a fee to unlock your phone for international SIM usage.

Get a Travel SIM card or eSIM

If you’re a frequent traveler to different parts of the world, opting for a Travel SIM or eSIM should be a feasible option. A Travel SIM is expensive, to begin with, but it is practical and even economical in the long run for individuals who are constantly on the go.

An eSIM, also known as ‘embedded SIM’ is a more convenient option, as you won’t need to insert a physical SIM in your phone every time you’re traveling to another country. It is a virtual SIM card that lets you connect to a local network, and it’s more affordable than the Travel SIM.

Rent a Wi-Fi Hotspot Device

A portable Wi-Fi device from your current ISP is the easy solution when traveling within the country. When traveling overseas, you may rent a Wi-Fi hotspot device from local vendors for the duration of the trip. This way you won’t have to unlock your smartphone to use the internet in a foreign country.

Connect to Personal Hotspots

If you have friends or colleagues in the country you are visiting, you should request that they share their internet plan with you via mobile hotspot. Personal hotspots are much safer than public Wi-Fi access points, and you won’t have to pay a dime (courtesy of your acquaintance).

Carry Battery Backup

Now that you know all your options to connect to the internet on the go, you also need to take measures to avoid interruption of access. Whether you’re using a portable Wi-Fi device, public hotspots, or cellular data, all your devices need to be charged.

You may not have the option to charge your phone and other mobile devices while you’re out and about. Therefore, always carry a few power banks in case you run out of battery at the wrong time. Even when you have internet access, a gadget that’s out of charge will be of no use.

Final Thoughts

The optimum option to stay connected on the go ultimately depends upon your frequency of travel, budget, and personal internet needs. Another tip for safely connecting to the internet in a foreign country is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This will help keep your personal information private whilst providing access to restricted sites in the host country.

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