How To Stay Connected While Travelling On A Budget

There are countless things that will be at the top of your mind when travelling on a budget.

13:20 14 December 2017

From finding the cheapest accommodation to identifying the cheapest flights, even through to your E111 renewal, being concerned about how to stay connected while travelling on a budget is a common issue. Whilst most, if not all, mobile providers offer daily data plans to ensure you don’t override your allowance, these aren’t always the most cost-effective solutions to stay connected while travelling  Though it will prevent you racking up a humongous phone bill, the likes of international plans, considering your messaging options and simply taking full advantage of free Wi-Fi found in restaurants, cafes and even your hotel, make it possible to stay connected without spending a single penny. Here are just a few more ways you can stay connected on your break: 

 

International Plans

 

A great way to stay connected while travelling on a budget is to get an international plan. Whilst the common misconception is that international plans are far more expensive that getting a local SIM card, it’s a great way to ensure you don’t overspend. Plus, as one of the most hassle-free methods to staying connected while travelling on a budget, you can be rest assured that you can roam the internet without worry. 

 

Messaging Options 

 

The top reason why travellers want to stay connected while travelling is to stay in touch with friends and family. After all, who wouldn’t want to boast about the fun activities they’re doing abroad? In order to keep in touch with your loved ones back home, consider your messaging options. Certain mobile phone carriers restrict the number of SMS and MMS messages you can send from abroad, or may even charge you per message you send. To ensure you don’t rack up an expensive phone bill, consider using WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger instead. Whilst you will need to be connected to Wi-Fi, you can find the closest hotspot to you using free apps such as Wiffinity and Wifimap with ease. 

 

Take Advantage Of Free Wi-Fi

 

It’s a given. Taking advantage of free Wi-Fi found in cafes, restaurants and shopping centres is a great way to stay connected while travelling on a budget, without having to spend a penny. Whilst it may not be the strongest connection, and you may not be able to load your Snapchat using it, you can certainly send text messages as iMessages if you are an iPhone user. Besides, who wants to sit on their phone all day when there’s a city of hidden gems waiting to be explored? 

 

Get A SIM Card

 

Another way to stay connected while travelling on a budget is to get a SIM card. Whilst your phone will need to be unlocked upon arrival at your destination, getting a SIM card is one of the most cost-effective ways to stay connected and use your mobile phone as you would at home, which is perfect for those who want to cut the cost of updating their Instagram abroad. It’s simple, inexpensive and you can top up your SIM card at a number of places, including in local shops and large shopping malls, so you never have to go without connection! 

 

Know Your Limit

 

Whilst you want to stay connected while travelling on a budget, to ensure you don’t end up with an extortionate phone bill at the end of your trip, keep an eye on your data cap if you choose to travel with a temporary SIM. After such a good time abroad, the last thing you want to happen is to return home with a letter demanding the money your owe. To avoid data roaming charges, simply turn off data roaming and use Wi-Fi instead. Alternatively, buy a data bundle. Not only are data bundles great to stay connected while travelling on a budget, you will pay for an agreed amount of data for a set price, thus ensuring you don’t overrun your allowance.  

 

There are numerous ways you can stay connected while travelling on a budget. From considering different messaging options, such as Facebook Messenger, to keeping a look out for free Wi-Fi in cafes and restaurants alike, whilst it might be painful not being connected to the internet for an hour or two, there are ways you can surpass it!