How to Get High-Speed Internet While Traveling: Stay Connected

Struggling to Stay Connected While Traveling? You’re Not Alone. Imagine you’ve just arrived at a charming coastal village. The views are perfect, your Airbnb is cosy, and the internet is barely loading, making it challenging to check emails.

Staying connected while travelling can be frustrating, especially when you need reliable internet for remote work, video calls, navigation, or even streaming your favourite shows. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a business traveller, or just someone who wants to share their adventures online, having high-speed internet on the road is a must.

What Kind of Internet Do You Actually Need?

Before choosing any internet setup, it helps to figure out your actual needs. You don’t want to overpay for speed you won’t use—or be stuck with a slow connection when you need to work.

Think about how you use the internet while travelling:

• Remote Work: Need to upload files, join Zoom calls, or use cloud-based apps like Google Drive or Notion? Aim for at least 10–25 Mbps.

• Streaming and Entertainment: Watching Netflix or YouTube in HD? You’ll want around 5–15 Mbps for smooth playback.

• Social Media and Browsing: Posting photos, checking email, and reading blogs only needs 1–5 Mbps, but faster speeds will help avoid lag.

Ask yourself:

• Will you stay mostly in cities or venture into rural or remote areas?

• Are you hopping countries or spending weeks in one place?

• How many devices do you need to connect?

Understanding your internet habits will help you pick the right tools—and avoid unnecessary costs.

Compare Your Internet Needs by Activity

Different online activities require varying levels of speed and data usage. To ensure you choose the right internet plan or stay connected while travelling, here’s a breakdown of recommended speeds, data usage estimates, and additional considerations for everyday activities:

Key Takeaways

• Speed Matters: Match your internet plan to your primary online activities. For example, streaming and video calls demand faster connections than browsing or emailing.
• Data Usage Awareness: Activities like HD streaming and large file downloads consume significant data, so monitor usage if you’re on a limited plan.
• Stability is Crucial: Some tasks, like video calls, rely on both download speed and consistent upload speeds for optimal performance.

By understanding your needs, you can select the best internet solution to stay productive and entertained, whether at home or on the go.

There are several ways to access high-speed internet while you’re away from home. Each method has pros and cons depending on where you’re going, how long you stay, and what kind of traveller you are.

Let’s explore your main options:

1. Mobile Hotspots:

A mobile hotspot (a MiFi device) is a small, portable gadget that uses cellular data to create a private Wi-Fi network.

Pros:

• Works in most countries with a local SIM card or global plan

• Can connect multiple devices (laptop, phone, tablet)

• Often more secure than public Wi-Fi

Cons:

• Needs good cell signal to work

• May have data limits depending on your plan

• Requires charging

Popular devices: Skyroam Solis, GlocalMe G4 Pro, Netgear Nighthawk M6

Tip: Look for hotspots that support 4G LTE or 5G for better speeds, and check coverage maps of the country you’re visiting.

2. Local SIM Cards:

Buying a local SIM card in your destination country is often one of the cheapest and most reliable ways to get internet.

Pros:

• Inexpensive with high-speed data plans

• Widely available at airports, kiosks, or mobile stores

• Offers fast, local network speeds

Cons:

• Requires an unlocked phone

• Some countries need ID or passport for purchase

• May not work across borders

Pro tip: Research the best mobile carriers in your destination ahead of time. In Thailand, try AIS or TrueMove. In Italy, Vodafone or TIM.

3. eSIMs:

An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that you install directly on your phone—no need to swap out a physical card.

Pros:

• Quick setup, often within minutes

• No need to visit a store or handle tiny SIM cards

• Works in many countries with one app

Cons:

• Only works with eSIM-compatible phones (check your device specs)

• Usually data-only (no calls or texts)

Top eSIM providers: Airalo, Holafly, Nomad

Travel tip: Use an eSIM as your main internet source and keep your physical SIM for emergencies.

4. Portable Wi-Fi Routers:

A portable Wi-Fi router works like a mobile hotspot but often has a stronger signal, better battery life, and can support more users at once.

Pros:

• Great for group travel or families

• Stronger connection than basic hotspots

• Some models support Ethernet backup

Cons:

• More expensive than hotspots

• Bulkier to carry

• Needs power supply or battery backup

These are ideal if you’re staying in one location for a while, like an Airbnb or long-term rental.

5. Satellite Internet:

If you’re going off-grid—camping, overlanding, or exploring rural areas—satellite internet may be your only option.

Pros:

• Works where there’s no cell signal at all

• Covers remote islands, deserts, and mountains

Cons:

• Expensive setup and monthly fees

• Slower upload speeds

• Requires a clear view of the sky

Starlink Roam is the most popular option today for travelers seeking satellite internet.

Useful Apps That Help You Monitor and Optimize Internet

These tools can help you check speeds, find better networks, or troubleshoot problems:

• Speedtest by Ookla – Measures current upload/download speed.

• OpenSignal – Maps out nearby cell towers and network strength.

• NetSpot – Helps analyze Wi-Fi signal in your location.

• WiFi Map – Finds public Wi-Fi nearby (good in cities, but use with VPN).

What Real Travelers Are Using (and Loving)

To give you the full picture, here are some real-life insights from travelers who rely on high-speed internet abroad:

“When I worked remotely from Mexico, I used a Telcel SIM card with 10GB for $15. It worked great—even for video calls.” – Alex, Web Developer

“I travel between countries every few weeks, so I use Airalo eSIMs. It’s super fast to set up and works in most places instantly.” – Jen, Content Creator

“Camping in Utah with no cell service, Starlink Roam saved us. It’s pricey, but worth it when you really need internet in the middle of nowhere.” – Brian, Travel Blogger

Their secret? Always have a backup. Many digital nomads carry both a local SIM and a global hotspot just in case.

Final Thoughts

Reliable internet is just as important as your passport when you travel—especially if you work remotely or depend on staying connected.

The good news is that you don’t have to compromise on speed or security with mobile hotspots, eSIMs, local SIM cards, and smart planning.

Choose the method that fits your travel style, test your tools before you go, and keep a backup ready. That way, you’ll always be connected—whether you’re in a high-rise coworking space or a mountain cabin.

✈️ Have your own travel internet tips or stories? Share them in the comments or send us a message—we love learning from fellow travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much data do I need per month when travelling?
A: If you work remotely, stream, and use maps, you’ll likely use 20–50GB per month. Add more for HD streaming or large uploads.

Q: Can I rely on hotel or Airbnb Wi-Fi?
A: Sometimes, yes—but it’s often slow or unreliable. Use it as a backup, but have your connection for work or video calls.

Q: Is public Wi-Fi safe?
A: Not really. Always use a VPN to connect to public networks in airports, cafés, or hotels.

Q: How do I avoid roaming charges?
A: Use local SIMs or eSIMs instead of your home carrier. Without an international plan, roaming charges can be very high.