How to Stay Connected While Traveling

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Many travelers get anxious when they cannot use data to navigate a foreign destination. This anxiety can be worse when you’re just starting your travel journey.

I have been solo traveling for 20+ years, and people still think I am crazy for that. I have learned some things along the way to help new and experienced travelers have a safe and fun time.

If you’re wondering how you can stay connected while traveling, here are some tips to help you do just that.

#1 Use an e-Sim

eSIMs are compatible with most phones nowadays. You buy it online and follow the instructions to activate it on your phone. It typically takes no more than 3 minutes to set up.

We highly recommend checking out SIMOVO for all your eSIM needs. They have service in 180 countries, are affordable, easy to use, and have reliable customer support should you need it.

I have used SIMOVO in Brazil & Asia and highly recommend them.

#2 Join an Expat or Travel Group

Couchsurfing Meet Up in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Every time I travel to a new destination, I try to find others who may want to team up with me to explore. Solo traveling can be risky, but you can take precautions and stay safe by traveling with others.

I use Facebook groups (such as Girls Love Travel or TravelBFF) and Couchsurfing to find travel companions.

I am considered a “veteran” Couchsurfer, so if my Couchsurfing friends are visiting a country, I will try to connect them with friends I’ve met along the way. I’ve made some amazing friendships through Couchsurfing!

My friends have also used social (Instagram & TikTok) and dating apps such as Tinder or Hinge to connect with others.

#3 Download Google Maps for Offline Use

I always download an offline version of Google Maps before arriving at a destination. This helps me get around easily by just searching and plugging in an address.

#4 Download Languages in Google Translate

I also recommend downloading a language in Google Translate so that you can use it offline. It’s best to download it on WiFi prior to your visit so that you don’t use up your data.

#5 Stay at a Hostel

Hostels are a great way to save money while traveling AND meet others! Hostels often have events such as bar crawls or parties, so you can meet locals and other fellow travelers.

I typically look for hostels using a simple Google search and reading the reviews to get an idea of what to expect.

#6 Use WiFi + VPN for Added Security

To save my limited eSIM data, I always connect to WiFi when I can. This can be at cafes, museums, parks, etc. Wherever there is free WiFi, I will make the most of it.

The VPN service I recommend is Nord VPN.

#7 Download WhatsApp or Telegram to Connect with Others via WiFi

When meeting people during your travels, many of them will use WhatsApp or Telegram. In Asia, you’ll find Kik and Line Chat users.

Using these services allows people to communicate via calls or texts through WiFi.

Personally, I use T-Mobile, and they offer free international texts as part of my plan. But be mindful that not everyone you meet can use SMS while traveling.

#8 Use Live-Translation Technology

Did you know there are devices that help translate almost instantaneously?

Two products that I highly recommend are Meta AI Glasses and Apple AirPods. You can opt to live translate wherever and whenever you want. Just make sure you are connected to data or WiFi first.

#9 Stay Charged!

Having a dead phone while you’re out exploring is a pain. It can also be dangerous if you cannot find your way back to your lodging.

I stay charged by bringing my travel adapter and charging cord with me everywhere I go. When I cannot find an outlet, I also have a portable charger with MagSafe for my iPhone.

I have an entire list of travel gadgets that you should check out.

#10 Talk to People

If you’re extroverted like me, talk to others! The worst that can happen is they say they’re not interested, and you find someone else who is. You’ll never know unless you try!

I saw a couple with the same camera body as mine and decided to chat them up. They wandered around Osaka with me, and we helped each other capture fun images such as this one.