Unlimited Internet Plans for Travelers: Which Option Is Actually Worth It?

I work remotely. Which means when I travel, my work doesn’t stop. Emails keep coming in, files need to be uploaded, meetings still happen. That’s why unlimited internet plans are not a luxury for me while traveling — they’re a necessity.

Over time, this lifestyle has taught me a lot about internet in Europe for tourists and digital nomads alike. On top of that, I love spontaneous travel. I don’t like planning every detail weeks in advance. I plan the basics, of course, but if I discover a place I love or want to change my route, I want that flexibility.

That kind of freedom means constantly checking maps, researching the next destination, booking accommodation last minute, or buying tickets on the go. Long story short: reliable internet — preferably unlimited — is essential for me.

Internet Options When Traveling Abroad

There are a few main ways to stay connected while traveling internationally. I’ve tried all of them, and now I have a clear idea of what works best in different situations.

Before choosing between local SIM cards, roaming, or eSIMs, the most important question to ask yourself is: How much internet do you actually need?

If you’re working online, managing bookings on the go, or relying heavily on maps and navigation, limited data plans can become frustrating very quickly. This is where unlimited internet plans really make a difference.

Is Buying a Local SIM Card a Good Idea?

If you’re staying in one country for a longer period and need local calls as well as data, buying a physical SIM card can make sense.

However, getting a SIM card isn’t always straightforward. In some countries, you may need to show ID, fill out paperwork, or wait for the SIM card to be delivered. So it’s best to research this in advance rather than assuming you’ll easily buy one upon arrival.

For travelers who are comfortable using public Wi-Fi and don’t need constant connectivity, a local SIM combined with Wi-Fi can work. But for those looking for internet in Europe for tourists who move frequently between countries, this option can feel limiting.

Using Your Home Carrier’s International Roaming Plan

International roaming plans from your home carrier are usually the easiest option. You turn on your phone, and it works instantly.

That convenience comes at a cost. Roaming plans are often expensive, and most of them don’t offer unlimited data. If you’re traveling for just a day or two, this might be fine. But for longer trips, especially across multiple countries, roaming rarely compares to modern unlimited internet plans.

My Choice: eSIM with Unlimited Data

For me, the most practical solution has been using an eSIM. During a long stay in the Netherlands, I initially relied on Wi-Fi and later switched to a physical SIM card. While it worked, my data usage increased quickly when I used my phone as a hotspot for work. I ended up paying significantly more than expected each month.

That’s when I decided to switch to an eSIM.

After trying several providers, I’ve been using Holafly for the past two years. It stands out because it offers eSIM Europe unlimited data, which makes traveling and working much more comfortable. You simply choose your destination and dates, and you’re connected with unlimited internet for the entire trip.

For anyone searching for the best eSIM for Europe, unlimited data is a huge advantage — especially if you’re crossing borders frequently or working remotely.

Wi-Fi Exists, But It’s Not Always Enough

Yes, Wi-Fi is widely available across Europe. Cafés, trains, hotels — most places offer it. But public networks are often unstable and not ideal for sensitive tasks.

When working, especially during video calls or while handling payments, relying on public Wi-Fi isn’t always the safest option. That’s why I prefer using my phone as a hotspot.

With eSIM Europe unlimited data, it doesn’t really matter where I am — on a train, in a park, or at a café. Work continues without interruptions. That said, if you don’t rely heavily on the internet while traveling, you can absolutely get by using Wi-Fi only.

Small Comforts That Matter on Long Trips

Unlimited internet also brings small comforts that make travel more enjoyable. On long road trips across Europe, we streamed shows, listened to podcasts, and made endless drives feel shorter.

These small details may not seem essential at first, but they really improve the overall travel experience — especially when you’re on the road for weeks at a time.

Comparing Internet Options in Europe

For those who like numbers, here’s a quick comparison.

Local SIM cards in countries like the Netherlands offer plans around €5 for 1 GB or €25 for 15 GB per month. These can work for light users but are often limiting for travelers.

With Holafly, a four-day trip costs around €3.5 per day with unlimited data. In comparison, international roaming from a home carrier (Turkish one) often costs around €7 per day — and the data is usually limited.

For travelers looking for internet in Europe for tourists that works across borders, Holafly’s eSIM supports over 200 destinations and includes a built-in VPN, easy installation, and 24/7 customer support. If you’d like to try Holafly, you can use my personal Holafly link to get 5% off your purchase. Just make sure your phone supports eSIM before buying.

Final Thoughts

If you:

• work remotely,
• want your travels to stay flexible,
• and need reliable, unlimited connectivity,

then choosing an eSIM with unlimited internet plans is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Personally, I’ve found Holafly to be the best eSIM for Europe thanks to its unlimited data and ease of use.

If your internet needs are minimal, Wi-Fi may be enough. And if you’re staying long-term in one country, a local SIM card could still be a good option.

If you have your own experiences or recommendations, feel free to share them in the comments.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I personally use and genuinely find helpful for travel and remote work.