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With Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 list featuring nearly 30 top travel destinations, staying connected has become essential for travellers. Whether sharing your journey with loved ones, accessing maps, or simply staying online for convenience, being prepared for connectivity challenges is crucial. Connectivity experts at Saily have shared top tips for avoiding unexpected roaming fees, ensuring data security, and optimizing internet access so you can stay connected anywhere.

1. Understand Roaming Plans and Fees Before You Go

If overlooked, roaming charges can surprise even seasoned travellers. Before heading out, check your phone carrier’s roaming plans to avoid unexpected expenses. Roaming charges vary significantly, and relying on pay-per-use data can easily lead to high bills in popular travel destinations.

“Check if your mobile plan includes roaming and be cautious of fees, ” says Maknickas from Saily. “High roaming fees have shocked many travellers, such as a Scottish minister who faced an £11,000 roaming bill. To avoid this, ask your provider for a cap on roaming charges or consider a more budget-friendly data plan for international use.”

For those with eSIM-compatible phones, exploring options with eSIM providers like Saily’s eSIM may provide more cost-effective data plans tailored to international travel needs.

2. Limit Data Usage by Adjusting Phone Settings

Data usage abroad can quickly increase if automatic updates and app refreshes aren’t disabled. To reduce data consumption, adjust your settings to turn off automatic updates and restrict mobile data use for non-essential apps. This simple step can help you stay within data limits, especially in countries where data charges are high.

Additionally, iOS users can disable “Wi-Fi Assist,” which switches to mobile data when Wi-Fi is weak. Android users should turn off the “Smart Network Switch.” Both settings help prevent unintentional data usage that could otherwise inflate your bill. Disabling cloud backups is also recommended to avoid excessive data transfer.

3. Research Internet Availability and Download Essentials

Internet speeds and access vary widely depending on the destination. In many places, reliable high-speed internet may be challenging, especially in incredibly remote areas. For example, in some parts of Asia and Africa, network speeds can be slower than expected, and public Wi-Fi availability may be limited. Downloading essential items, such as maps, boarding passes, and hotel reservations, beforehand can save time and reduce stress.

“Researching internet availability can help travelers prepare,” says Maknickas. “When speeds are low, having documents stored offline ensures you’ll be able to access crucial information without waiting for a stable connection.”

Tools like the Speedtest Global Index can provide insights on connectivity worldwide, helping you check internet speeds and availability at your destination.

4. Use Public Wi-Fi Cautiously: Protect Your Data

Public Wi-Fi is widely available in airports, cafes, hotels, and even aeroplanes, making it convenient for travellers. However, it’s also one of the easiest ways cybercriminals intercept personal data. A Forbes Advisor survey found that 40% of travellers have had their online security compromised when using public Wi-Fi.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data on public networks to protect yourself. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts, like financial or personal email accounts, over public Wi-Fi. Instead, limit your activity to low-risk browsing.

“A good rule of thumb is to only share information on public Wi-Fi that you wouldn’t mind being visible to others,” advises Saily’s Maknickas. “Refrain from logging into important accounts and avoid financial transactions on these networks.”

Reliable VPNs, such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN, offer user-friendly interfaces and compelling security features tailored to travellers.

5. Consider eSIM for Greater Flexibility and Affordability

While traditional SIM cards have long been a traveller’s companion, eSIM technology provides a flexible, affordable option. eSIMs allow users to digitally switch networks and data plans without physically replacing a SIM card. For those travelling across multiple regions, this can be a game-changer in cost and convenience.

If your device supports eSIM, consider exploring options like Saily’s eSIM for Travelers, which offers plans suited for international travel. eSIMs are particularly useful for frequent travellers and those visiting multiple countries, as they eliminate the need to swap SIM cards for different regions.

In Summary: Travel Smart and Stay Connected

Connectivity remains an essential aspect of the journey for 2025’s top travel destinations. From monitoring roaming plans to securing public Wi-Fi connections, these expert-backed tips ensure that travellers stay connected safely and affordably. With a few pre-departure adjustments and a strategic approach, you can avoid connectivity issues and focus on enjoying the experience.

By following these guidelines, you’ll have peace of mind, knowing that connectivity challenges won’t interrupt your travels. This will allow you to immerse yourself fully in each destination on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 list.