Written by: Renato O.

The first time I set out on a backpacking adventure, I was filled with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. My destination list was ambitious—Europe, Southeast Asia, and beyond. I wanted to explore new cultures, immerse myself in unfamiliar landscapes, and meet people from all over the world. But amidst all the thrill of planning, one practical aspect stood out—how would I stay connected while constantly on the move? 

For a first-time backpacker like me, the idea of navigating without data was daunting. How else could I look up directions to a hostel at midnight or find the best local food spots? After some research, I realized that Travel eSIMs were the perfect solution. The convenience of not having to swap out physical SIM cards every time I crossed a border made the choice obvious. And so, I decided to test out two of the best eSIM companies for my adventure: Simify and SimsDirect. 

Simify 

The first leg of my journey took me to Europe, and I started off with Simify. Setting up the Travel eSIM was incredibly easy. Within minutes of landing in Amsterdam, I was already connected to the local network. I remember standing at Schiphol Airport, a bit overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle, but feeling a sense of relief as I pulled out my phone and watched it connect seamlessly. With Simify, I had reliable data to navigate the maze of canals, find vegan-friendly cafes, and book tickets for museums. 

One of my favorite memories from Amsterdam was cycling through Vondelpark on a crisp morning. I had just grabbed a hot coffee from a local stall and was navigating using Google Maps. Thanks to Simify, I never had to worry about getting lost. I found my way through the park, stopped by a hidden garden, and enjoyed the morning without any connectivity issues. It felt like a small victory—being able to experience the city fully without the stress of finding WiFi or buying a local SIM. 

SimsDirect 

For the next part of my journey, I switched to SimsDirect as I headed into Southeast Asia. Landing in Bangkok, I activated my SimsDirect eSIM before I even stepped off the plane. The city was a sensory overload—bright colors, bustling streets, the scent of street food lingering in the air. Having reliable data from SimsDirect meant I could navigate the chaos with confidence. 

I remember one evening in Bangkok when I decided, on a whim, to take a tuk-tuk ride to the famous Asiatique Night Market. With SimsDirect, I was able to look up directions, negotiate prices with the driver using a translation app, and share the experience live with my friends back home. The connection was fast, and I didn’t have to worry about finding a WiFi spot in the middle of a bustling market. 

Another standout moment was when I traveled to Chiang Mai. I had heard about the famous Yi Peng Lantern Festival and wanted to experience it for myself. With SimsDirect, I was able to book tickets to the event, find the best viewing spots, and even locate a small, local restaurant that served the most incredible khao soi—something I might have missed without my eSIM. The festival itself was magical, with thousands of lanterns lighting up the sky, each one carrying a wish. It was the kind of moment that made every challenge of backpacking worth it. 

Comparing the Experience 

Both Simify and SimsDirect had their strengths. Simify was perfect for Europe—the coverage was extensive, and I never experienced any drops in connection, even when traveling by train through the countryside. It was affordable, easy to set up, and gave me the freedom to explore without limits. 

SimsDirect, on the other hand, was my go-to for Southeast Asia. The connection was stable, even in more remote areas like the hills of Chiang Mai or the islands of Southern Thailand. I appreciated how user-friendly their service was, and the ability to activate the eSIM before even landing made my arrival in each country smooth and stress-free. 

Lessons from the Road 

Backpacking for the first time taught me a lot about being adaptable, but having the right tools made all the difference. With Simify and SimsDirect, I could focus on the experience—wandering through ancient streets, hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, and savoring local cuisines—without worrying about staying connected. 

There was one moment in particular that stood out during my trip to Vietnam. I was in Hanoi, wandering through the old quarter, when I stumbled upon a tiny restaurant serving vegan pho. It wasn’t in any of the travel guides I had read, but I found it through a local recommendation online. As I sat there, savoring the rich, aromatic broth, I realized just how much having a Travel eSIM had enhanced my journey. It wasn’t just about convenience—it was about having the freedom to discover hidden gems and make spontaneous decisions that made my adventure unforgettable. 

Another unforgettable experience was in Laos, where I visited the beautiful Kuang Si Falls near Luang Prabang. The tiered turquoise pools were even more stunning than the photos, and having reliable data from SimsDirect allowed me to hire a local guide for a trek through the jungle. The guide led me to a quieter spot above the falls, where I was able to swim in complete serenity, away from the crowds. I even managed to video call my family to share the incredible view, something that wouldn’t have been possible without my Travel eSIM. 

If you’re planning your first backpacking trip, I can’t recommend enough investing in a Travel eSIM from Simify or SimsDirect. The ability to stay connected without the hassle of finding local SIM cards or relying on public WiFi made my trip smoother, safer, and far more enjoyable. Whether you’re exploring the historic cities of Europe or the vibrant cultures of Southeast Asia, staying connected allows you to make the most of every moment. And that’s what backpacking is all about—embracing the unknown, feeling the freedom of the open road, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

-Guest Post from Renato O.