Post-pandemic life is getting very difficult, now that almost all offices require a full-time onsite presence of employees. This calls for a weekend getaway where you can enjoy some off time with friends, family, or just yourself. To escape the mundane and hectic 9-5 grind, a good road trip followed by a relaxing yet exquisite dining experience, and some fun adventure sports may seem like a great idea. If you are afraid about the budget and think that you do not have enough, it is all about good planning skills. With the help of online booking sites, you can now save a lot of money by booking in advance. Moreover, most travel sites offer discounts by the end of the month, or during the off seasons, helping you save a lot of money.
Even on a shoestring budget with almost nothing, you can easily plan a good weekend getaway. To save money on food, hotels, and different relaxing activities, you just need to keep an eye on the sites that offer you more discounts. Compare prices as much as possible, and then get straight to booking. While on the go, staying connected to the internet is very important. This will save you a lot of booking time and even as you are traveling, you can easily book things. However, mobile internet is expensive, and it can exhaust your budget. With a shoestring budget, when you are trying to cut expenses you cannot end up exhausting your whole budget on the internet. On the flip side, the internet is a necessity, and being stuck in a foreign place with no internet does not seem like a good vacation plan.
An easy way to cut the internet going cost is to opt for a provider like Optimum that offers top-notch internet service at home plus, access to free Wi-Fi anywhere you go. Thanks to the 2 million Free Wi-Fi hotspots available nationwide for Optimum subscribers, you do not have to drain your budget on data roaming anymore. These hotspots ensure that you are connected to the internet bandwagon at any time of the day you want. You can enjoy the best speeds and seamless connectivity almost everywhere. If you are not already an Optimum subscriber, you can check Optimum Internet Plans and select the one that suits your needs the best so you do not have to worry about internet connectivity while you are on the go.
Best Options for Accessing the Internet on the Go
Just in case you are not an Optimum user, or you are traveling out of the country, you need to explore other options.
Here are some of the ways you can have internet access while traveling.
Use Mobile Data
Pros: Using mobile data is one of the easiest ways to stay connected. You will save yourself from hassle. Even if you have never used internet roaming before, no unlock or extra setting is needed. Just put the phone on roaming, and you can use the internet everywhere your phone service allows.
Cons: The biggest issue is cost and speed. Most companies will cost an arm and a leg for basic 2G internet. Also, due to throttling by the service provider, you will struggle with the speed as well.
For mobile data access, your mobile service company matters a lot. Most companies offer roaming services as part of the package. This applies to national as well as international internet access. Just a heads up, it is super expensive and most companies have limited roaming services. Mobile service companies usually offer international roaming services for countries that are most visited, so just make sure the country you are visiting is on the list.
If you are a US citizen, T-Mobile is a good option, as it covers more than 140 countries with no additional charges. However, the downside is that you will get 2G speed only. A good alternative is Google’s Fi, which offers internet access everywhere with the right plan.
For UK residents, three offers overseas roaming packages for daily use. A little expensive, but it will get you rolling.
Get A SIM Card for the Travel
Pros: This is a go-to option if you are going to stay in the country for more than a few days. It will allow you the best speed within a very affordable range.
Cons: For visiting multiple countries, or if you have a locked phone, this option might not be worth it. Also, since most countries have multiple service providers, you need a lot of research about the best SIM card and best package.
This is one of the most used tricks. Based on the country you are visiting, you can just purchase the SIM online for your phone. However, some countries do not allow tourists to buy SIM cards online, because of the regulation, privacy, and other issues. In case you cannot buy it online, just buy it on arrival.
After purchasing the SIM card, subscribe to the data package, according to your need and you can get things rolling. However, be aware of the device lock system. In case your device is locked, get it unlocked first. This will help you enjoy maximum speed based on the provider, and the package. This is a good option for people who want to use the internet on a laptop via a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Get a Mobile Hotspot
Pros: Perfect for family trips, the mobile hotspot will let you share data with family and friends traveling with you. No compromise on the speed or price, this is the best option for a month-long vacation.
Cons: Not a cheap option if you are buying the device, also, you will charge it on the go, which can be a bit of a hassle.
A mobile hotspot is a simple router device used for creating a local Wi-Fi hotspot, so; you can connect your laptop and other devices. No need to unlock your phone, or buy anything extra and you will still get fast-speed internet with you at all times. Possibly the easiest way to stay connected; you can keep it in your pocket or bag and share it with others as well.
The major setback is that considering you will only be getting data and no call minutes or texts, it can be a little expensive for a solo traveler. Also, the device can be a little expensive because you are getting it for just a few days. A better option is to rent the device for use.
Wrap Up
Internet blackouts can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. However, these options are helpful especially if you are on a low budget, or you need more options.
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