Get Around Without a Data Plan for Your Phone

In an era of smartphones, being without Internet or data seems daunting. Emails and Facebook posts aside, not being able to access the Internet on your phone can derail your travel plans and make it hard to navigate in a new city.

Despite what most phone carriers want you to think, you can still get around without a data plan. While forgoing data will subject you to the whims of WiFi speeds, the money you save in overage charges will be worth the wait.

Without a data plan, WiFi is your best friend. According to The Wall Street Journal, people can successfully ditch the data plan for a WiFi-only life. While this switch will require some changes, such as planning and caching maps ahead of time, these small modifications are easy to adjust to.

The next challenge is finding a WiFi network. Many cities across the globe are embracing free, city-wide WiFi and most hotels offer Internet connections for guests. Similarly, cafes, restaurants, parks, subway stops and other public places are now WiFi enabled.

As a last resort, consider investing in a personal WiFi hotspot. These small devices can be lifesavers if you travel to remote locations or need instant, reliable Internet access. Yet, for the average traveler, getting around with WiFi shouldn’t be a problem.