Internet for Travelers: Your Guide to Staying Connected Anywhere

When planning logistics for international travel, figuring out how to stay connected is one of the most important parts of travel. 

While unplugging while traveling is good for the soul, it’s not good for logistics. You need an internet connection to navigate new cities, authorize transactions, and communicate with people around you and back home.

Luckily, there are a few ways that you can ensure Internet connectivity in a safe, efficient manner no matter where you are. 

Look Into VPNs

One of the first things that you should do when planning on traveling abroad is to research VPNs. VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are connection points that establish a private connection between your device and the internet source.

Some VPNs can even change your IP so that it seems to be coming from a different country. Using a USA VPN while abroad means that websites will read your device as if it is coming from the USA. This is helpful if you want to access geo-blocked content on streaming services to entertain yourself during downtime, or if you need to check into USA-based websites for remote work.

VPNs are also important for digital safety. Many travelers rely on public Wi-Fi networks while abroad, but these networks are often nodes for hackers who want to steal your private data. A VPN prevents someone from hacking your smartphone or laptop, which is particularly important for personal banking.

Ask Your Network About International Coverage

Some phone and Internet providers in the USA offer limited international coverage as part of their plans. You can get a phone plan that includes international coverage as part of your monthly fee, or buy an add-on to your plan that includes international coverage for the duration of your trip.

Travelers have put together guides comparing different international roaming plans offered by US-based networks. Be sure to compare factors such as price, length of coverage, and size of the package. 

However, look carefully at the fine print of these plans. Some offer coverage only in certain countries or have limits on how long you can use them. 

Look Into ESIMs

Another option for staying connected while abroad is an eSIM. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that connects to local networks for phone service and Internet. Instead of buying a physical SIM card, you activate an eSIM that is local to your destination from your phone.

You can get eSIMs through different digital providers. Then, you choose your country and the size of the package. 

Before relying on eSIMs for your Internet connectivity, make sure that your phone supports this technology because some older models do not. Compare a few different companies offering this service to see which one has the best terms and conditions.

Secure Internet, Anywhere

Traveling internationally does not have to mean going off the grid. With increasingly generous roaming plans from US providers and digital technology such as eSIMs, you can use the Internet abroad without paying through the nose once you come home. 

Make sure to take precautions to ensure that you are using the Internet safely. Using a VPN and double-checking which Wi-Fi network you are connected to can help you protect your data.