Using an eSIM while travelling abroad is one of the best and easiest ways to stay connected to the internet at all times. There are a lot of hidden gems in Europe where it can be difficult to get internet access, which is why travelling with an eSIM is becoming more popular.
By now everyone is aware of how expensive roaming in Europe can be, which is why having a prepaid eSIM is a more budget-friendly alternative. I personally use a lot of data while I’m travelling throughout Europe. I’ve found that the Holafly eSIM gives me a lot of flexibility in terms of destinations and unlimited data packages available.
Before I start with my Holafly eSIM review (5% off using the code KRISTATHEEXPLORER), here are 5 hidden gems in Europe to add to your itinerary this summer. And of course, the Holafly eSIM works in all of them!
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5 hidden gems in Europe to visit this summer
Lausanne
Lausanne is a beautiful city in Switzerland situated along Lake Geneva. It takes less than an hour to get to Lausanne from Geneva by train, and although it’s a small city there are a lot of things to do here. Lausanne is known for being the home of the Olympics, and the old town is breathtaking to walk around.
The best way to explore Lausanne is to purchase one of the City Passes which will give you access to public transportation. It includes entry into many of the main attractions in Lausanne as well. Since it’s a digital pass, you’ll want to ensure that you have a good international eSIM so that you don’t lose access to it while you’re on the go.
Plovdiv
One of the best places to visit in Bulgaria is Plovdiv. This ancient city dates back to the 6th century BC and is home to a stunning Roman Amphitheatre that’s recently been restored. Many people choose to plan a day trip to Plovdiv but I would recommend spending at least 2 days here because there’s a lot to see.
The first time we visited Bulgaria I used my regular data. But as soon as we got near Plovdiv the signal dropped for the entire time we were in the city. During our second trip to Bulgaria I made sure to buy an eSIM online so the same thing didn’t happen again. You really do need access to the internet in Bulgaria, especially for directions and translations!
Gozo
Gozo is a beautiful Maltese island that’s perfect for a quiet retreat. Compared to the mainland, Gozo offers visitors a more relaxed stay but there are quite a few interesting points of interest and villages to visit on the island too. And the food on Gozo is some of the best I’ve ever eaten.
I would recommend basing yourself close to Victoria, the island’s capital, so you have easy access to restaurants and grocery stores. The island itself is very easy to drive around and since it’s small you’ll be able to see everything within a couple of days. You’ll want to have internet access at all times here for directions. For the rest of your time on the island, you can always enjoy relaxing along one of the many beaches on Gozo.
Bratislava
Visiting Bratislava as a day trip from Vienna is always a great option. But if you have some extra time, I would suggest spending at least 2 days in the Slovakian capital. Bratislava is easily accessible by a short train ride from Vienna, and you don’t need to book in advance to get a good price. The old town is a major highlight of any trip to Bratislava, and you shouldn’t miss the chance to climb up the hill to the castle either.
Bratislava is very easy to explore on foot, but it’s always a good idea to have unlimited data on hand in case you get lost or need to look something up. Our Europe eSIM was used a lot in Bratislava while we were looking up places to eat that aren't tourist traps.
Vejer de la Frontera
One of the most unique hidden gems in Europe is located in southern Spain. Vejer de la Frontera is a personal favourite of mine, and I always make sure to stop by if we’re near Tarifa or Cape Trafalgar. It has a deep rooted Moorish history that’s still very prevalent today as you walk among the whitewashed houses and down the cobbled street.
And if there’s something that Vejer is well known for, it’s the food. There are a lot of restaurants in Vejer to choose from and many of them are a mixture of traditional Spanish dishes and Middle Eastern food. It’s always good to have access to the internet in these small villages so you can read online reviews beforehand. You won’t find too many foreign tourists here, but it does get very busy in the summer months as more people flock to the Costa de la Luz.
Why is it important to have internet access while travelling?
Sometimes it’s nice to stay off the grid while you’re travelling, but there are a lot of times when you need to connect to the internet. I try to do all of my bookings for activities and transportation before travelling to my destination so I can travel stress-free. There are times, however, where having the internet readily available is useful.
The need to use certain travel apps while on the go, whether that be Google Maps or a local tourism app, can make or break a trip. Especially if you’re travelling somewhere new. The Holafly eSIM has been a very reliable solution and a good alternative to purchasing additional data from my service provider. Having an unlimited data eSIM also means that I can keep in touch with family and friends while I’m abroad through WhatsApp.
How do eSIMs work?
So, what is an eSIM and how does it work? An eSIM is a digital SIM card that’s already built into your phone. Instead of messing around changing a physical SIM card, all you have to do is activate the eSIM and you’ll have data in the country that you’re travelling to automatically. The eSIM will connect to whatever local network is the best option in terms of your location.
With the Holafly eSIM, for example, you’ll get the eSIM setup details sent to your email once you’ve chosen your package. You’ll receive quick and easy installation instructions and iOS or Android users can manage their eSIM from the Holafly app. Once installed, you’ll have unlimited data in over 140 destinations, and there are regional options available too.
You don’t need to worry about your phone number changing either. With the Holafly eSIM you keep all of your data, including your phone number and contacts list. There’s also no need to remove your regular SIM card which is a bonus because you don’t want to lose that while you’re travelling!
How to make the most of your eSIM
Travelling with an eSIM is one of the safest and cost effective ways to get around Europe if you want unlimited access to the internet. Here are a few ways to make the most of your eSIM.
Download offline maps
Did you know that you can download offline locations on Google Maps? If you’re travelling somewhere that you know may have poor connectivity, it’s a great idea to download a few maps to have on standby in case you need them.
Avoid roaming fees
There’s nothing worse than coming home from a trip and finding out you’ve been slapped with roaming fees. Having an eSIM for international travel is the best way to avoid this since you know you have access to unlimited data. Make sure you turn off data roaming for your regular SIM card in your settings though or you could be using data from both.
Take advantage of Google Translate
Whether you’re learning a new language or you’re in desperate need of a translator on the spot, having unlimited data allows you to access Google Translate when you need it. This is another Google feature that you can use offline by downloading the language file. Google Translate has helped me out a lot when I’ve been travelling around less touristy parts of Europe so I’m always very thankful that I can rely on my Holafly eSIM for data coverage.
In which countries does Holafly’s eSIM work in Europe?
The coverage provided by Holafly is fantastic. However, their eSIMs don’t work in every country, so it’s important you check out their country list beforehand. Most countries are on the list though, which is great if you’re planning a European adventure.
Holafly’s eSIMs work in over 190 destinations worldwide, and unlimited data is available in 145 of them. In Europe, their eSIMs work in over 32 countries such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Malta, Spain, France, and Austria. Eastern European countries like Bulgaria and Romania are also covered.
You can find a full list of the countries in Europe where Holafly’s eSIMs work on their website.
Pros and cons of the Holafly eSIM
The use of eSIMs among travellers continues to grow as they offer a convenient and budget-friendly way to have unlimited internet access while travelling. These digital SIM cards might not be for everything though, so here are some pros and cons to consider.
Pros of the Holafly eSIM
There are no additional roaming charges on top of what you pay for your chosen package. Unlimited data is provided throughout most countries in Europe.
Holafly offers a 24/7 support team in case you need assistance with your eSIM while you’re travelling.
The installation process is incredibly quick and simple. All you have to do is follow the instructions sent to your email after you’ve purchased the eSIM.
Flexibility. Using an eSIM while travelling means that you can seamlessly switch between providers to ensure you get the best coverage in the area.
Takes up no additional space. Rather than having to switch your physical SIM card, an eSIM is already built into your mobile device. Some phones are designed to hold two SIM cards at once, but this isn’t necessary with an eSIM.
Holafly allows you to transfer your eSIM to another device if it’s been installed already. Transferable eSIMS are available in 165 destinations.
You can save 5% on your next Holafly eSIM purchase with the code KRISTATHEEXPLORER
Cons of the Holafly eSIM
Currently, only certain smartphones are compatible with the Holafly eSIM. I use an iPhone so I’ve had no problems using my eSIM. I would recommend checking their website to see if your phone is compatible and how to set up an eSIM on your device.
Their Regional Europe eSIM no longer supports calls. This has been replaced with data sharing/hotspot. Calls can still be made using apps such as WhatsApp that use data though.
The eSIMs aren’t compatible with every country so double check the list on their website.
Conclusion: eSIMs make travelling stress-free
For those of us travelling to Europe who don’t already have a phone plan with a European provider, having easy access to data is very important. Roaming fees can sometimes cost more than the trip itself, which is why I find the Holafly eSIM to be great value.
Holafly makes the process of using an eSIM a breeze. Everything from the time of purchase to the activation and usage are all very straightforward. With this eSIM you can travel safely in the knowledge that you’ll have access to the internet wherever your feet take you.
