Wi-Fi is a necessity for business travel. Without Wi-Fi, it’s impossible to get any work done.
However, bad wi-fi is one of the most common problems for business travelers.
Luckily, there are a few cheap and simple tricks to always having lightning-fast wifi. Here’s a list of the easiest travel wi-fi hacks.
Bring the Right Equipment
This may seem like a no-brainer, but improper equipment is usually the culprit behind bad wi-fi.
Make sure you have an adapter suited for laptops. Never put a three-pronged charger into a two-prong adapter.
Using the wrong power adapter can burn up your laptop.
If you frequently travel internationally, consider investing in a foreign charger.
Adapters gradually wear down your laptop’s battery. They’re fine if you only travel once or twice a year.
If you travel more or for longer periods of time, a foreign charger is a must.
To avoid wi-fi problems altogether, bring an ethernet cord.
Ethernet cords allow you to plug in directly to your hotel or Airbnb’s wifi. You’ll avoid connection problems and the internet will be faster.
Pack a power bank and an extra phone charger.
Put it On Your List
Prioritize a good internet connection when planning.
It might seem a bit silly, but it can make a huge difference. Double-check that the hotel offers free wi-fi.
Almost every hotel in America will offer free high-speed internet. That’s not the case internationally.
If you’re planning on staying in an apartment, ask the owners to give you an honest answer about wi-fi quality.
Let them know you’re traveling for business and that a good internet connection is a priority.
Here is a good list from Hotel Engine designed for business travelers.
Business travel is very different from leisure travel. If it’s your first business trip, make sure you’re over-prepared.
Use Only One Device
One of the most common mistakes is connecting too many devices to the internet at the same time.
If you’re staying in a hotel, there could be hundreds of other people connecting to the same wi-fi.
Connecting your phone, laptop, and tablet will overload the system.
Whenever you are finished using a device, disconnect it. It’s a pain to log in again next time, but it will make the internet faster for everyone.
If you aren’t using it, there’s no reason to be connected anyway. Your fellow hotel guests will be grateful that you’ve done so.
If it’s possible, use a wired connection for your laptop. This will make the internet faster on your phone.
Stay Up to Date
If your laptop requires any updates, download them before your trip.
You don’t want your laptop to restart during the middle of your trip. This will only prevent you from getting work done.
Downloading the latest software helps your laptop run more efficiently.
Make sure also to stay up to date on the newest hardware technology. Power banks and charging devices are constantly improving.
Keep in mind that if you are heading to a more remote location you might not have access to the same technology that you’re used to in the U.S.
If this is the case, figure out how to create a wi-fi hotspot. Most tablets and phones can access 5G or satellite networks.
These connections are usually faster than wi-fi.
Moving Around
No matter how much planning you do, there’s always a chance that your wi-fi won’t be great. Some things are just out of your control.
When you encounter bad wi-fi, try moving around your hotel. The wi-fi in the lobby could be stronger than in your room.
The worst-case scenario is heading to a local coffee shop or library.
When working while traveling, you’ll need to stay extra alert for cybersecurity threats.
Hotel and cafe internet is not as protected as your home or office network.
Since you’ll probably be connecting to multiple wi-fi networks during your travel, investing in a VPN is a good idea.
Here is information from ProPrivacy on the benefits of a VPN.
Conclusion
Technology is wonderful when it works. When it doesn’t, it can ruin a trip. Follow these tips to ensure high quality on your next work trip.
