Family Travelling
Tips
I am preparing my next trip to Brazil. The first thing I do as soon as I get into a plane (if I am travelling internationally) is to turn my phone into airplane mode to avoid roaming charges. One of the subjects that cause the most stress to tourists is not having a fast Internet connection. Personally, to have Internet on my mobile while being abroad is essential for me. I have the choice if I want to make phone calls using Skype, I will be paying about 3 cents a minute to talk to the U.S. But recently I learned that there is another application to make phone calls called Bobsled that is completely free over wifi. But that is not enough. I want to able to share pictures and experiences with my relatives and acquaintances. And I am aware that almost wherever I travel hotels have wifi. There are always free alternatives like Starbucks, McDonalds and so on, but what it is always a concern is the breach in security in those places. Specially if you have personal information stored in your cell. I do not want to go begging for a bit of wifi around anymore and putting my passwords in risk.
I have been talking to frequent fliers and one of the things that they recommended me is to rent or purchase a wireless Internet device which it would mean no hotel charges at all. I went online and after reading endless reviews and talking on the phone with different suppliers I found I can say one of the most reliable: XCOMGlobal.com. They ask you where you are going and the exact days of your trip. They offer a MiFi router that you carry around and multi people can use it (up to 10), or a USB that you plug into your laptop or a MiFi plus Nexus 7 access. Now I picture myself in a museum, on a country road, taking a mini-cruise, a ride on the train or at a subway station or airport and instantly sharing, and uploading my photos, being in touch with family and work, opening Bobsled, answering emails, checking and updating Instagram or tweeting at any time and place. So I say yes, go for it!
XCOMGlobal offers insurance for $3.95 per day, which covers loss or damage after a $160 deductible. I do not think it is worthy. They also offer extra batteries that I am planning to get. The cost is $14.95 per day for unlimited Internet plus $1 a day for the extra battery. On our last trip to Europe almost every day we have been out of the hotel visiting sites for 10 hours and our phones went dead! The rates seem quite reasonable, considering the need for secure connection, without limit. In addition, when travelling I spend more on small purchases and souvenirs, this cost would pay by itself - sharing each of my steps in Brazil on my next trip!
What happen if I don't have Internet connection?
Miami, Florida
Vatican City
Paris, France
