Digital Life Abroad: eSIMs, VPNs, Dating Apps & the Tools That Keep You Connected
The phone is the trip now: map, ticket, bank, and often how you meet someone. We test that layer the way we test hotels — global eSIMs from Airalo to Holafly, Revolut against Wise after a year between countries, the VPNs that matter abroad, and which dating and AI companion apps actually travel.
Tools we actually keep
An eSIM is judged in one moment: the plane door opens and the phone either connects or it doesn't.
After a year of paying for life in two countries, one of these cards stayed in the wallet and the other went in a drawer.
The one pick in each category
If you set up five things before a long trip, make them these.
Not-so-obvious picks
Two of our most-read editorial deep dives in this category.
We tried the popular AI boyfriend apps — these are the best
People use them more than they say. We tested the popular ones for conversation, boundaries and cost, and picked the few that are worth the subscription.
Learning · In-flightWhy one editor swapped in-flight podcasts for a free Yale course
Long-haul hours are the best uninterrupted learning time most of us get. A free Yale political philosophy course turned out to be the better use of them.
- Yale open courses
- eSIM promo codes and discounts
- Best VPN free plans and coupons
Follow us for field notes from the road
Photos, places, and short dispatches from our writers — between articles.
Follow on Instagram →
