Why an eSIM Is Essential for Family Travel

Since welcoming our daughter in January 2025, we’ve travelled extensively with her through North America and Europe. And one thing we never forget – besides the diaper bag – is an eSIM so we can easily stay connected on the road!

Back in the day when I would set out on international trips, I would rely solely on public wifi. I remember trying to connect to wifi in front of a McDonalds in Budapest and writing out directions by hand before leaving the hotel on a trip to Vietnam.

But these days eSIMs – a digital SIM built into your phone that allows you to access mobile data – make travelling abroad so much more convenient.

And especially as family travellers with a young child, having that quick and convenient connection is more important than ever.

Below I’m sharing four reasons why eSIMs are a game changer for family travel, plus an exclusive discount code you can use on your next trip!

Colin holding Baby C at a restaurant booth. They're both looking at a phone screen Riana is holding out to them.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This post is sponsored by Holafly; all opinions are my own. Thanks to Holafly and you for your support of my work!

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First things first, what is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM that is embedded directly into your device as software, rather than a physical hardware SIM card. An eSIM or SIM card is what connects your phone to mobile data (aka the internet).

Because eSIMs are digital, you can easily download, install, activate and switch eSIMs without having to remove anything, go to a store, or carry around multiple tiny SIM cards that are bound to get lost.

eSIMs are especially valuable for travel, as they allow you to access mobile data without paying the roaming fees your home carrier charges. With Holafly eSIMs, you have access to unlimited data around the globe (200+ destinations), keeping you connected wherever you travel.

You can customize a day plan, choose a regional or global plan, or even select a monthly subscription. With a 24/7 support team, no hidden fees and over 15 million eSIMs sold, you’ll feel confident travelling with Holafly.

Use my code TEASPOONOFADVENTURE for 5% off eSIMs and 10% off Holafly Plans (for the first 12 months)

Here are four reasons why I believe eSIMs are essential for family travel:

eSIMs allow you to get connected right away

One of the best parts of eSIMs for family travellers is that you can connect to your mobile data instantly. No more hunting down a SIM card store at the airport when your kids are jet lagged and all you want to do is crash at your hotel!

With an eSIM, you’re connected as soon as your plane touches down. And with Holafly’s two minute easy setup, you’ll be able to respond to messages, get directions and even pre-order room service before you leave the airport.

I’ve wasted a lot of time at airports trying to find wifi or standing in line to buy a physical SIM card. That wasn’t fun when I was travelling solo but would have been brutal with an exhausted toddler on my hip!

Riana's father sitting on an airplane with Baby C on his lap. Baby C is scrolling on his phone.

With an eSIM, you can always stay in touch

Whether it’s messaging an Airbnb host for entry instructions or checking in on older kids who are off on a solo adventure, I know us parents always need to be available and contactable.

An eSIM means I don’t have to hunt for wifi in order to message the babysitter we hired or miss WhatsApp calls from the other people I’m travelling with. We can all stay in touch no matter where we are.

eSIMs also help us keep in touch with loved ones back home. When we spent six months travelling with our daughter through Europe, we relied on our phones to easily send photos and do video calls with family.

All of a sudden, “Let’s FaceTime Grandma from the Eiffel Tower,” became our reality!

Riana scrolling on her phone in front of the Eiffel Tower

eSIMs make it easier to travel as a parent

While there’s a time and a place for offline adventures, it’s clear that having an internet connection does make travel easier. And that’s even more important to me when I’m travelling with my family.

By using an eSIM to connect to mobile data, I’m able to easily pull up tickets on my phone, make reservations, look up opening hours and map out directions – all while handing my toddler crackers and singing along to Wheels on the Bus.

I can check the train schedule, find out where the stroller-friendly entrance is and use a translation app to ask where a bathroom with changing tables is located.

And as a real bonus for parents: an eSIM means you can set your kids up with a little screen time when you desperately need a break in the middle of a hectic travel day!

Colin on his phone holding Baby C on his lap

Baby C lying on a blanket holding a cell phone

The best reason to use an eSIM for family travel? Peace of mind

Using an eSIM allows you to do fun things on the go, like post photos on Instagram or listen to music on a road trip. But the biggest pro of an eSIM for family travellers is peace of mind.

When I’m travelling internationally with my daughter, I never want to be in a situation where I can’t connect in an emergency.

That’s why Holafly has your back with Always On, 1GB of free backup data that renews monthly for 12 months and starts working as soon as you install your eSIM.

Whether it’s a flight delay, trip interruption or last minute change of plans, it’s really reassuring to know that my family and I will be able to stay connected without any added stress.

Use my code TEASPOONOFADVENTURE for 5% off eSIMs and 10% off Holafly Plans (for the first 12 months)