Wanderlust is not a rare feeling. It’s something that passes over a great many of us, whether we’re appealing for some higher, global purpose, intrigued by the rich cultural tapestries on the other side of the planet, or simply itching for some relief from the rat race. It’s in our bones, it’s in our blood – and, luckily enough for you, it’s in your itinerary.
If you’re reading this, you’re about to jet off for a travel experience that few get to experience; you’re raring to go, your flights are booked, but you have some final things to sort before you go. Namely: connectivity. Though the world is more connected than ever before, that interconnectivity is not equal. Staying connected, without the proper planning, can become very expensive indeed. We’re about to find out why, and how to stay connected for less.
Roaming Charges and Mobile Network Policies
Before we begin, it’s important to understand the ‘status quo’ with respect to mobile and data policies on the global stage. Put simply: your data plan won’t allow you to enjoy the same level of inexpensive connectivity everywhere. When you travel abroad, your phone connects to different data and network providers – it is ‘roaming’, and you are charged accordingly.
Roaming charges are now, thankfully, somewhat regulated – there was a time when providers would unscrupulously charge hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to unsuspecting travelers. Now, fees cannot exceed $100 for Canadian travelers per billing cycle without permission. Still, that’s a lot of money, especially if you connect to multiple networks in a trip.
Consider eSIMs and Local SIM Cards for Flexible Data Access
For this reason, it’s important that you look at alternative ways of staying connected while traveling. It is possible to turn off roaming on your phone, thus prevented unexpected phone bills – but this could also cut you off from contacting family altogether. Instead, you might use a travel-oriented data plan. eSIMs are the new normal on this front, enabling you to access local data plans without having to switch hardware in the process.
Stay Secure on Public Wi-Fi Networks
eSIMs aren’t the only way to stay connected, of course. Public WiFi is an increasingly common find, even in farther-flung locations. But there are inherent risks to using unsecured public Wi-Fi, whether in remote bars or in international airports. Without the right protections, you may not safely be able to access social media or banking apps.
This is why encrypted browsing is key. VPNs obscure your device, spoofing as if you’re accessing the internet from a different location altogether; you can get a free VPN for Android, and be sure that your phone activities are safe from prying eyes. There’s also the added bonus of accessing content that may be otherwise blocked by the country you’re visiting.
Plan for Connectivity Gaps and Emergencies
However much you prepare, you can be sure to find some areas with no connectivity whatsoever. These contact black-spots need to be planned meticulously; telling loved ones when they can expect to hear from you next means they can contact local emergency services if you don’t re-appear when you were expected to.
Explain how to prepare for areas with weak signal, including downloading offline maps, boarding passes and travel documents in advance. Reference Canadian government travel advice updates, which often highlight communication considerations during disruptions.
