5 top tips for being mobile travel ready this summer

Summer is here, and many of us are excited to explore new destinations, adventure with family and friends and make the most of the sunny season. Whether you're going away locally or internationally, getting your mobile travel-ready means you can focus on having fun while you’re away.

Here are five essential tips to help you stay savvy and stress-free this summer.

1. Don’t forget to check your roaming allowance

Before you set off on your travels, it’s important to check out what your roaming allowance includes. You’ll have more to spend on suncream and ice-creams without roaming charges adding up in the background.

With SMARTY, our plans all include up to 12GB of EU roaming. That means you can use your phone just like you do at home and not have the worry of extra charges.

If you’re jetting to somewhere outside of the EU, our roaming costs can vary. It’s best to take note of the specific charges for your destination so you’re not caught off guard by unexpected fees.

Take a look at our Roaming Guide for all you need to know when you head off on your travels. Like switching EU roaming on in your phone settings for it to work.

Our step-by-step guide to easily set up your phone for roaming will help you make sure you’re good to go from the start of your trip away.

2. Make the most of your data allowance & minimise costs

Data can be expensive abroad, but there are plenty of ways to stretch your allowance and keep costs down:

• Download before you go: save your boarding passes, tickets, music, films, and books before you leave home. This way, you won’t have to use data for these essentials.
• Data saver settings: enable data saver modes on your phone to reduce background data usage.
• Turn off voicemail: avoid potential charges by turning off your voicemail when you’re abroad.
• Use WiFi: whenever possible, connect to WiFi to use apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger for calls and messages.

Here’s some great advice on reducing mobile data costs while travelling from Money Saving Expert.

3. Pack your essential apps for travelling

Having the right apps can boost your travel experience and make life so much easier. From navigation and translation to finding the best local eateries, there’s an app for everything. Here are some must-have apps for your trip:

• Google Maps: For finding your way around and discovering local attractions.
• Duolingo: Start learning the basics of speaking like a local.
• TripAdvisor: For honest reviews on hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
• Settle Up or Splitwise: Great for managing group expenses.
• Starling, Monzo or Chase: Digital-only banking apps that don’t charge any fees when you use them to spend money abroad.

For more useful apps, check out our blog on the 6 best apps for travel.

4. Travel smart. Stay digitally safe and secure

Our whole lives are online, so it’s important to stay safe and protect your personal information and privacy when you’re travelling. Use secure, password-protected connections when accessing Wi-Fi, and avoid accessing banking apps or making online purchases on public networks as they might not be secure.

Make sure your device’s security software is up to date, and consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that encrypts your internet connection. VPNs can provide an extra layer of protection, making it harder for hackers to access your information.

To find out more on digital safety, visit this smart traveller blog for practical advice on keeping your devices and data secure while travelling.

5. Always have a backup of your phone

Losing or damaging your phone can be a nightmare, especially when you're away from home. Taking a little time to back up your important data before you leave could be a lifesaver.

Use cloud services like Google Drive or iCloud to back up your contacts, photos, and essential documents before you travel.

Bonus tip: Embrace your spontaneous side this summer with SMARTY's flexible plans

With SMARTY's flexible 1-month SIM plans, doing things on the spur of the moment this summer has never been easier. Whether it's a last-minute beach trip or an impromptu campervan getaway, SMARTY's no-contract, month-to-month flexibility lets you adjust your plan as needed.

Increase your data allowance for data-heavy trips or scale back when staying closer to home. Plus, with EU roaming included up to 12GB, you can travel worry-free. Change or cancel your plan anytime, giving you the freedom to embrace the moment and explore new adventures whenever the mood strikes.

Check out SMARTY’s latest SIM only deals today.