A few years ago, I found myself in a small coastal town in Scotland, laptop in hand, desperately searching for a café with stable Wi-Fi. The first spot I tried had a beautiful view—sun shining, waves crashing—but the internet crawled so slowly that even loading my email felt like a marathon. The second café had faster Wi-Fi… but only if you sat at one specific table near the router. Eventually, I gave up and burned through my mobile data. Lesson learned: never rely on public Wi-Fi when working remotely.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, a business traveller, or just someone who wants to stay connected while exploring, having a solid internet plan is key. Because let’s be honest—dealing with spotty hotel Wi-Fi or an overloaded café network can quickly turn your dream workcation into a frustrating tech nightmare.
Luckily, with the right tools—like a portable router, or VPN router—you can avoid connectivity issues and stay productive wherever you are. Let’s dive into the best solutions, along with some hard-learned travel lessons.
Why Reliable Internet is Non-Negotiable for Remote Work
I’ll never forget the time I was on a work call from a mountain cabin in Snowdonia, thinking I had strong enough Wi-Fi to handle a simple Zoom meeting. Five minutes in, my video froze, my audio cut out, and I was left staring at a screen that said, “Reconnecting…” I had to call my client back using my phone’s data, which wasn’t cheap. Since then, I always travel with a backup internet solution.
From uploading files to attending virtual meetings, remote work depends on fast, stable, and secure internet. The problem? Public Wi-Fi is often slow, unreliable, and—let’s be real—sometimes sketchy. Ever connected to airport Wi-Fi, only to realize you can barely load a webpage? Yeah, me too.
That’s why portable Wi-Fi routers and mobile hotspots are a lifesaver. They let you create your own secure, private network, so you can work from anywhere without worrying about speed drops or security risks.
Portable Wi-Fi Routers: Your On-the-Go Internet Solution
During a month-long stay in Thailand, I quickly realized that hotel Wi-Fi was a gamble. Some days it was flawless; other days, it felt like dial-up. Enter: my portable Wi-Fi router. This little gadget turned my weak hotel connection into a reliable network that I could count on.
Think of a portable Wi-Fi router as your personal internet booster. It connects to an existing Wi-Fi network (like in a hotel) and amplifies it, so you get a stronger and more stable connection. Plus, you can hook up multiple devices—laptop, phone, tablet—without extra hassle.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Portability: Small enough to toss in your bag.
- Flexibility: Works with a local SIM card or eSIM for affordable data.
- Battery Life: Some models, like battery-powered routers, last all day.
My Pick: The Juice Box AX3600 saved me countless headaches while traveling through Europe. Instead of hunting for free Wi-Fi, I just popped in a SIM card and had instant internet. This router is great because it has a built in VPN.
Mobile Hotspots: Internet Access Anywhere, Anytime
I was once stranded at a train station with an urgent deadline and zero Wi-Fi. My mobile hotspot saved the day. I turned it on, connected my laptop, and met my deadline while everyone else was struggling to load a single webpage.
A mobile hotspot is a great backup when Wi-Fi isn’t available. Instead of relying on public networks, it creates a secure connection using cellular data.
Why It’s Worth It:
- No More Public Wi-Fi Drama: Say goodbye to unreliable connections.
- Global Coverage: Many hotspots support international data plans.
- Compact and Convenient: Easy to carry and set up in seconds.
Why a VPN Router is a Must for Travelers
A friend of mine learned the hard way how risky public Wi-Fi can be. While working from a café in Vietnam, his PayPal account was hacked. He hadn’t used a VPN, and someone intercepted his login details. Since then, he (and I) never connect to public Wi-Fi without a VPN router or VPN app.
A VPN router for travel encrypts your internet traffic, making it nearly impossible for hackers to steal your data.
Why You Need One:
- Secure Public Wi-Fi: No more worrying about hackers.
- Access Geo-Restricted Content: Stream Netflix or access work sites from anywhere.
- Seamless Integration: Some wireless travel routers have built-in VPN support.
My Pick: Juice Box AX3600 – battery powered, with super fast 5G so is a great option for travellers and with it’s built in VPN is really suitable for anywhere.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to carry an extra device, a VPN app on your phone and laptop is the next best thing.
Battery-Powered Routers: Connectivity Off the Grid
If you’re planning a road trip, camping adventure, or a stay in a remote location, battery-powered routers are a game-changer.
Last summer, I spent a week in a cabin with zero cell service and no Wi-Fi. My Juice Box AX3600 (with a local SIM card) gave me reliable internet even in the middle of nowhere.
What to Look For:
- Long Battery Life: Some last 16+ hours on a single charge.
- Dual SIM Support: Switch between carriers for better coverage.
- Compact Design: Lightweight and easy to pack.
How to Choose the Right Travel Internet Device
Not sure which one to get? Ask yourself these questions:
- Will I have access to Wi-Fi, or do I need a mobile data plan?
- Do I need a VPN for security?
- How long do I need battery life to last?
- Am I traveling internationally?
After years of working remotely while traveling, I’ve learned that a solid internet setup is just as important as packing the right shoes. Whether it’s a portable Wi-Fi router, mobile hotspot, or VPN router, having a backup plan ensures you never miss a deadline—or a Netflix binge.
So, what are you waiting for? Ditch the unreliable public Wi-Fi and upgrade your travel setup today. Your future self (and your work deadlines) will thank you.
Ready to shop? Here are my top picks:
