This Palm-Sized Tech Device Will Make Your Summer Travels That Much Easier

We get it: Sometimes you need internet access when you’re traveling, camping or just don’t want to ask the barista for the password. Lucky for you, portable Wi-Fi hotspots exist — and they’re generally small devices that let you surf the web and answer emails while you’re on the go. It’s also a great tool for keeping your GPS going when cell service is poor. While this tool can’t guarantee perfect internet everywhere under the sun, it can get you online in most of the US and many other countries.

According to router manufacturer Netgear, Mobile hotspots get data from local cell towers then convert those signals into Wi-Fi for whatever devices you’re using. They often hold around a 10- to 20-hour charge, so they work without being plugged in and are great for answering emails, surfing the web and quickly getting online when you’re camping, road-tripping, traveling or are generally on the go.

Note that like your cellphone or your home internet, you need some sort of plan/payment for them to give you Wi-Fi, which you can do mainly via SIM card with a data plan or with prepaid options from the brand.

Your current cellphone plan may already allow you to use yourphone as a hotspot, meaning you can get some Wi-Fi on your computer just from your phone, ideal for sending emails or lightly surfing the web. However, if you’re trying to get larger downloads, use more complex web systems or get Wi-FI on multiple devices, you’ll likely want a hotspot device. Plus, if your existing phone hotspot plan has a data cap, you may need more data than you’re currently allowed.

Depending on your existing phone/internet plan(s), you may be able to add on a portable Wi-Fi plan to work with your device. Major cell companies like Verizon, AT&T