As a full-time digital nomad for the past four years, I’ve seen firsthand how crowds can make or break a destination. When I first started traveling full-time, it was the end of the pandemic, so almost every destination was affordable and less crowded. But it’s safe to say that the upcoming holiday season will draw huge numbers of people to popular destinations like Rio de Janeiro, Munich, New York City, and the Caribbean.
Luckily, Verizon makes it incredibly easy to stay connected while traveling. Stay connected on the go thanks to our wide range of international plans. Here’s everything you need to know to avoid crowded vacation destinations and how to stay in touch once you arrive.
Visit destinations off the tourist trail
If possible, try to avoid some of the classic vacation destinations and choose a location off the beaten path. Instead of visiting German Christmas markets, consider going to Georgia, Bulgaria, or Estonia. Each of these countries offers tourists a wealth of attractions, but because they are lesser known, they are less crowded and cheaper. You can also book experiences near tourist attractions to avoid the crowds.
For a quick trip, consider purchasing Verizon’s TravelPass, which provides unlimited data*, calling, and texting in over 210 countries and destinations around the world. Your 24-hour Travel Pass session begins when you use data, make or receive calls, or send text messages in your new country. Charges apply only on the days you use your mobile phone overseas. Stay connected for free when you’re at home and get ready for your next trip.
Depart on a small boat cruise
Cruises are a great way to enjoy a leisurely vacation with minimal planning. We recently embarked on a 12-day voyage from Barcelona to Istanbul on the Oceania Vista and couldn’t recommend it enough. Although it is a large ship, it only carries 1,200 passengers, so it feels very spacious. Smaller ships give you the best of both worlds, allowing you to visit multiple locations in one trip without the hassle of crowded crowds.
Luckily, Verizon’s Cruise Daily Pass offers unlimited data*, U.S. calling, and texting for just $20 per line per day (cruises typically only offer Wi-Fi). If you have a multi-day itinerary and don’t want to rely on cruise Wi-Fi, a Cruise Daily Pass can help you stay connected. Whether you want to chat with family, stream music while watching the waves from your balcony, or just want to make sure your phone works while you’re at sea, a Cruise Daily Pass is a proactive step to making your travels simpler and more predictable.
plan ahead to save money
The best way to save money and avoid crowds this holiday season is to plan your trip as far in advance as possible. Book your flights, hotels, and cruises as soon as possible to secure the lowest prices. Then, from using maps to make dinner reservations to booking tickets for museums and transportation, you’ll want to make sure you can use your device in your new country, taking into account small details like cell phone service abroad. In addition to saving money, it also reduces immediate stress.
Even if you don’t know exactly where you’re going, consider signing up for the 3 TravelPass Days benefit for just $10 per month per row. When you sign up, you’ll receive three Travel Pass days each month. This means you can earn up to 36 Travel Pass Reward Days per year. These days are stored until you need them and are available for one year after you receive them. Travel Pass days can be used in over 210 countries and destinations.
Consider your flight carefully
There are lots of tips and tricks for booking your vacation travel. Apart from considering less popular destinations, try to book flights early on the day of your trip, especially if your home country’s airport is known to experience travel delays due to bad weather or high volumes of travelers. Booking early in the day means there will be fewer people traveling and you will have relief if your flight is delayed or cancelled. We also recommend flying direct whenever possible. Even if there is a delay, you won’t miss your connecting flight.
With Verizon’s Daily Inflight Pass, you can maintain an unlimited data connection at 3G speeds when you fly internationally for just $20 per line per day. Once you board your eligible international flight, you’ll receive your daily in-flight pass via text message. You can then use your device to check email updates or browse your favorite websites.
Let’s go on a road trip
If you don’t want to deal with airport crowds, consider a road trip. This is especially exciting if you live near the border with Canada or Mexico. It’s not often that you can drive to a new country and eliminate the need for a flight altogether. Additionally, in Canada and Mexico, all Verizon Unlimited plans include unlimited data*, calls, and texts.
The best part about road trips is that they don’t have the same intense itinerary as flying. You could even take an entire month off, fly to your starting location, rent a car, and embark on an epic European road trip. Verizon’s International Monthly plan, which offers unlimited data*, text, and 250 minutes per line for $100 per month, is perfect for these long vacations.
From planning a vacation to a less crowded destination to choosing the best Verizon international itinerary to stay connected, there’s a lot you can do now to make the most of your trip. Verizon has options for every type of traveler. If you’re like me and travel long term, consider an International Monthly Plan. Or you can plan ahead and save money with the 3-day Travel Pass benefit. Verizon also covers maritime and international travelers with Verizon’s Inflight Daily Pass or Cruise Daily Pass. Spend a relaxing holiday season exploring new destinations, shared experiences, and staying connected to what matters most.
*Travel Pass/Benefits Disclaimer: 5GB high-speed data, then unlimited data at 3G speeds for the remainder of the session. Cruise Daily Pass Disclaimer: 0.5 GB of high-speed data, then unlimited data at 3G speeds for the remainder of the session. International Monthly Disclaimer: After your first 20GB of high-speed data, enjoy unlimited 3G data. Talk overage fee: $0.25/minute
