Whether you want to stay in touch with friends and family or make sure you can easily find information and make reservations, staying connected today invariably means maintaining internet access.

Not only does this entail having the right devices and making sure they can connect to WiFi or a mobile network, but also making sure they are charged and able to stand up to the rigors of life on the road.

Starting with the devices themselves, the first step is to decide which are the most appropriate for your needs. Almost everyone has a smartphone these days, but perhaps you would also like to take a tablet or a laptop to watch movies or do some work.

For most trips your standard smartphone will do the job, but the latest high-end models such as the Apple iPhone 17 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Google Pixel 10 Pro have such good cameras it might be worth upgrading to capture memories on a special trip. And for more adventurous sojourns it could be worth buying a rugged model such as the Doogee V40 Pro, featuring a huge battery that can last multiple days between charges, as well as incredible protection against water and impacts.

As for tablets, a compact version such as the iPad Mini will provide similar usability to larger models in a more portable package, and the same is true of laptops, with 13- or 14-inch screens the sweet spot for most travelers. Premium options include the Apple MacBook Air and Microsoft Surface, while the Asus Zenbook range proves more affordable and might attract less unwanted attention in less safe destinations.

PHOTO: © RICOH

For those who really need to maintain productivity, a portable monitor such as the Ricoh 150BW offers a premium touchscreen model that is future-proof and built to last. Another option, a portable office kit such as the Logitech Casa Pop Up Desk, comprises a wireless keyboard, wireless touchpad and a case that doubles as a laptop stand. These products will supercharge productivity on work trips and could make it easier to get out and see something of your destination rather than being stuck in your hotel room struggling to complete tasks on small screens and fiddly touchpad keyboards.

Now for the connectivity. With the proliferation of WiFi, you are probably never too far from an internet connection in most cities around the world, and speeds are improving rapidly in many regions. In addition, many cities are even building out free hotspots to keep people connected, but outside major urban centers things get a bit more challenging.

One solution: mobile internet for your smartphone, which you can access by buying a local SIM card for your destination country. While this used to entail queuing to buy a physical SIM, you can now use eSIMs, or digital SIM cards. Simply download an app — Saily is a popular choice — then buy and manage international data plans on your device, keeping you connected while avoiding high roaming charges. Regional plans are also available, meaning you don’t have to buy a new plan for each individual country on a multidestination trip.

PHOTO: © LOGITECH

You can then share this connection with other devices, although you may encounter slow internet speeds in some areas. For a smoother, faster and more stable experience, consider investing in a portable WiFi router such as the Simo Solis Lite or Netgear Nighthawk M1 if you want a trustworthy connection for gaming, video calls or other productivity tasks.

Look for specialist devices tailored to specific-use cases like overland adventures in a van or an RV, such as cellphone signal boosters like the Drive Reach RV, which attaches to the outside of a vehicle and ensures great signal inside and around it. It’s great for those camping trips in mountainous areas where it’s difficult for a cell signal to penetrate. Those who regularly travel in a van might also consider a Starlink Mini, a portable router that connects to SpaceX’s satellite internet system for reliable connectivity wherever you are. This makes it ideal for yachting and boat trips, providing high-speed internet even way out at sea.

Of course, if you are traveling light and can’t take a dedicated kit like this, you may face occasions where no internet connection is available, such as during power cuts or in extremely remote areas. If you anticipate periods where you can’t get online, it’s worth preparing for any eventuality by downloading apps and maps, or even episodes of your favorite shows and podcasts, before you travel.

Depending on your destination you may also want to take some precautions to prevent your devices from being stolen, as there is nothing worse for connectivity than losing your devices. Not only is it distressing, but it could also make it difficult to manage reservations and navigate unfamiliar environments. Top options include using a crossbody smartphone pouch or lanyard to protect against pickpockets, or backpacks with a concealed laptop or tablet pocket that sits against your back to keep anyone from accessing your device without your permission. Check out the Samsonite Securipak 2.0 backpack, or try the Pacsafe V sling pack for a smaller, sleeker option.

At the same time, none of this technology is of any use if it runs out of power. To maximize your charging time when you have access to a limited number of sockets, use a multiport device such as the Anker Prime Charger, which boasts four USB-C and two USB-A ports with 250W of power output to rapidly charge a raft of devices at the same time.

PHOTO: © BELKIN

When there is no mains power available, turn to a portable battery pack. Hundreds of models are available in a range of different sizes, depending on your needs. Some are so small they are built into a phone case, such as the Mophie Juice Pack Battery Case, while others can charge phones and other devices via USB ports. Among the smallest and lightest is the Nimble Champ, smaller than a deck of cards but still capable of charging two USB-C devices at once. For more power to keep laptops and tablets online, check out the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-port 20k, which can charge devices at similar speeds to the mains while weighing in at just over 13 ounces.

With the right kit, staying connected on the road can be a cinch. Your needs will differ depending on what kind of trip you are going on and the tasks you want to carry out while you are traveling, but recent technological developments mean it has never been easier. From a simple setup comprising a smartphone and an accompanying charger case to a fully connected RV fitted with a cellphone signal booster and a Starlink router, you’ll find plenty of products to fit your requirements.