You Can No Longer Have a Luxury Travel Experience without Blazing Fast Internet

You Can No Longer Have a Luxury Travel Experience without Blazing Fast Internet

It is almost taken for granted in the west that the internet is always available. Restaurants and bars offer free WiFi, mobile devices come with data plans, and the majority of homes have broadband.

About 70% of homes in the EU have fast broadband, and 92% of US homes have some form of permanent internet access. But, as many travelers have discovered, not all exotic locations can cater to those needing fast internet speeds.

Remote locations and tropical islands may appeal, but the lack of fast internet can hamper what is supposed to be a luxurious retreat. Because, unfortunately, even on vacation internet access can be critical for many.

Why is high-speed broadband important while traveling?

Anyone who remembers the frustration of dial-up internet from years gone by will also understand what it is like to sit watching a webpage load so slowly that traditional postal communication suddenly seems a more viable option.

Having access to the internet can be a valuable tool, and it is rare that anyone neglects to pack their smartphone and other mobile devices when they travel these days.

It can be used to find destinations while traveling

The internet can be used to look for restaurant recommendations and routes to scenic tourist locations. You can find hidden gems by searching online, and you can check fellow travelers’ reviews before you risk the seafood in the taverna near your hotel.

Fast internet access makes this possible, and convenient. You can find the best things to do in the Canary Islands through a simple search. You also won’t waste any precious vacation time. Why? Because the islands boast some of the fastest internet speeds in Europe.

It is sometimes needed for work

Millions of people work remotely, as digital nomads, or need to be available even on location. Business owners cannot switch off even when they are trying their best to relax in a Bahamian resort. Many people need a very fast internet connection to carry on with work requirements.

Anyone who is actively involved in trading will need to be able to get high-speed broadband wherever they go. This makes the countries with the fastest internet in Europe attractive to those who work while traveling.

But, people use the internet for everything these days from booking restaurant tables to cab rides. When an emergency arises, the internet is often the first place many people turn to for advice and assistance.

Why would broadband speed affect luxury travel?

Being able to book hotel rooms ahead of arrival, taxis, and reserve tables at restaurants means being able to relax. Without internet access, your trip could be mired with full restaurants, hotel room unavailability, and missed opportunities.

Poor infrastructure and investment are two reasons why broadband is poor in some areas. This may also point toward a lack of luxury for tourists. If fast internet is not available, then you might find many other expected comforts are missing too.

What luxury destinations could possibly be without internet access today?

It is hard to imagine that anywhere that would be labeled as a luxury destination would struggle with an internet connection. However, some exotic locations cater to exclusivity but also refuse to join the modern world.

La Serra Sul Mare is in Cinque Terre and has just 4 rooms. It has quite stunning views of the Mediterranean, and while it may not scream luxury, it is intimate and only available to those lucky enough to get a booking. But, it has no internet access.

Then there is glamping. This luxury version of camping has been popularized by celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Moss. It could be said that there are many pros and cons to glamping, and internet access would be in the latter. Although for some it might be a pro.

Similarly, safaris have joined the upmarket travel sector, and there are many luxury options. While it is fair not to expect WiFi when you are actually out on safari, you might think your resort or lodge would be able to accommodate. Unfortunately, you’ll find due to the remote locations of some of these lodges, there will be either no WiFi or very slow unstable connections.

What countries have the fastest internet?

Obviously, having an understanding of your destination before you travel will help ensure your vacation ticks every box. If Gigabits per second is vital to your stay then it is worth checking if your country is up to speed, so to speak.

The figures seem to vary quite wildly from one study to another. Some reports put Iceland at the top of the broadband charts, and a stay at the Tower Suites in Reykjavik definitely counts as luxurious. But, others put Singapore and Lichtenstein at number one.

The World Population Review puts Monaco as the fastest broadband in the world, and the UAE as having the fastest mobile internet. However, Norway has displayed speeds that could equal 7G and 8G which is equivalent to 11 Gigabits per second.

The top five countries with the fastest broadband are:

  • Monaco
  • Singapore
  • Hong Kong
  • Romania
  • Switzerland

And there are certainly some serious luxury travel possibilities among these locations.

And what countries have the slowest internet speeds now?

Of course, it is probably worth noting the countries with the slowest internet speeds. The poor inhabitants of Turkmenistan have to contend with speeds of 0.5 MPs.

If you happen to end up in a location where the internet speeds just aren’t up to scratch, then you may have to take matters into your own hands. Alternatively, plan ahead and be prepared.

What is the solution for travelers needing fast internet?

For some, not having the internet when they are on vacation would be the very definition of luxury. Being able to switch off from everything can, at times, be highly desirable. But, it is hard to imagine any luxury trip not having internet access when it has become such a part of daily life.

The best thing to do is probably to carry out some research first, on the internet of course. Check reviews online for hotels and resorts and see if any guests comment on the internet speed. It is a very common complaint now as individuals rely more and more on high-speed internet access.

Other solutions include using your mobile device as a hotspot. This can involve your own data plan, although roaming charges can be fierce. Or, purchase a local data SIM and use this on your travels. Unfortunately, you are still at the whims of your local provider and what speeds they provide.

If you are looking for the fastest internet while you travel, get eSIM plans from Textr eSIM that automatically connects you to the fastest local network available. You do not need to decide which local carrier to purchase nor purchase a SIM card. Purchase a plan in the app and activate it once you arrived at destination. Make sure to check if your phone is eSIM compatible with an eSIM checker.

Final Thoughts

The internet hasn’t just changed the way people work, but it has affected communication, entertainment, retail, and even travel. A trip involving luxury travel starts from that moment when you are settled in your seat on the plane and getting a complimentary glass of champagne. Many airlines now have WiFi availability during flights as they understand the importance of internet access for their passengers.

So, imagine how that luxury trip boils down to frustration as you discover your hotel and even the establishments in the vicinity have unstable and slow internet access. And without speedy access to the internet, you will be wasting time when you should be relaxing and enjoying a well-earned break.