What’s your most important piece of travel gear?
It’s a tricky question. And at first blush, it seems like there could be a long list of possibilities. But when you stop and really think about it, for most folks, the answer is clear.
A cell phone ̶ and the service plan that supports it ̶ is the most valuable tool in their travel kit.
Choosing the cell phone plan that’s best for you takes time and homework. For folks who travel frequently, T-Mobile should be on your list of providers to research. The network offers high-speed data and texting in 215-plus destinations worldwide, as well as a list of benefits.
Connected at Kokomo
I tested the coverage on a recent trip to Kokomo Private Island Fiji, located on the edge of the Celestial Kadavu Island Group.
When I landed at Nadi International Airport, I received a text welcoming me to Fiji and outlining my phone plan details. It included unlimited data at speeds up to 256 Kbps and unlimited texts. Calls were $0.25 per minute.
Cell phone coverage while traveling internationally is a different beast that can wreak havoc on your wallet. Knowing you’ll have reliable service without incurring ridiculous fees offers valuable peace of mind. Being able to get through the emails that had piled up in my inbox during the redeye flight before my plane had parked at the gate was a convenient timesaver that was not lost on me.
Coverage Reliability
While I highly recommend finding time to unplug while traveling, there are always moments when you want to be connected. You might be on a road trip in the middle of nowhere and need directions, in search of a pharmacy, or looking for a late-night stop for dinner.
I spent several mornings in Fiji on and in the ocean with Kokomo’s dive crew and staff of marine biologists. While I grabbed my phone most frequently to verify feet to meters conversions, I’ll admit I couldn’t wait to tell my family that I’d seen a reef manta somersault feeding during a dive.
And luckily, I didn’t have to. I was standing on the dive boat, still dripping when I sent the text message.
In remote areas of the United States, T-Satellite by Starlink offers texting, access to apps, and the ability to share photos and location. It’s included with Experience Beyond and Better Value plans, or it can be added to other plans for $10 a month. If you’re a camper or backpacker, it’s worth checking out.
T-Mobile Wi-Fi in the Sky
Perhaps my favorite T-Mobile perk is the free in-flight Wi-Fi. On select Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft on Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest, and United, T-Mobile customers get free Wi-Fi. If you fly regularly, it’s a benefit that keeps on giving.