We’ll say it: Brighton is Melbourne’s best beach destination. It’s got great coastlines, iconic bathing houses, and vibrant cafes and stores to explore. Add the region’s breathtaking views, and Brighton becomes the perfect place for a quiet refuge from city living.
If you’re planning to visit Brighton as an international tourist, staying connected to loved ones at home is naturally a priority. Whether snapping stunning snapshots to share on social media, chatting with family overseas, or ensuring online security, these tips will help you stay connected and enjoy your trip.
-
Use a VPN for Secure and Unrestricted Access
A VPN is a must when travelling overseas. You’ve probably used a VPN at home to access a variety of international TV shows and movies on your computer. But VPNs provide many other benefits when they’re used with other devices as well. A VPN for your phone or laptop creates a private, encrypted connection to the internet that keeps your data secure from malicious third-parties. This means you can catch up on work in your hotel room or at a local Brighton cafe without worrying about who’s accessing your data.
Are you missing your favourite TV show from home? No worries—with a VPN, you can access your favourite movies, games and TV series even if they aren’t available in Australia. You can stay up-to-date with the latest news and entertainment without a concern for geo-restrictions. Security, safety and unrestricted access. What’s not to love about a VPN?
-
Local SIM Cards for Affordable Mobile Data
One of the easiest ways to stay connected during your Brighton getaway is to get a local SIM card. In Australia, purchasing a local SIM card is straightforward and offers affordable rates for calls, texts, and mobile data. SIM cards are available at Melbourne Airport after landing, as well as any supermarket or convenience store.
There are a few advantages to picking a local SIM card. For starters, you get a local number that makes it simple to keep in touch with local services and contacts. Mobile plans also offer a generous amount of data to browse the web, use navigation apps, or stay in touch with loved ones via social media.
Before you buy a SIM card, confirm your phone is compatible with Australian networks. Big names like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone all offer a reasonable choice of prepaid plans suited to tourists. All you have to do is select a plan according to your data needs and you’ll be set to explore Brighton while staying connected.
-
Leverage Free Wi-Fi Hotspots
Brighton boasts cafes, restaurants, and public spaces offering free Wi-Fi. Using these hotspots will help you save on data and keep you connected during your stay. Many cafes understand the needs of travellers and provide free Wi-Fi as part of their service.
To take advantage of free Wi-Fi networks, you may want to download a Wi-Fi finder app before your travels. These apps provide directions to the nearest hot spots, helping you plan your day as a tourist. Some popular apps are WiFi Map, Instabridge, and Free Wifi Finder.
But remember—you should be very careful when using public networks, as they may not always provide optimal security. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts like online banking services on public Wi-Fi. Instead, use it for basic browsing and Google searches. Always use a VPN as well, as it will help to encrypt your connection, shielding your sensitive information from threats online.
-
Utilise Messaging Apps for International Communication
Staying in touch with friends and family overseas is essential during your travels. This is where messaging apps become very useful, helping you keep in touch without spending on international calls. With apps like WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger, you can send calls and text messages using Wi-Fi.
These apps are easy to use and free to download, making them a popular choice for travellers. Before you leave for your Brighton adventure, ensure you and your contacts have the same messaging apps installed. This will make it easier to stay in touch without worrying about expensive phone bills.
On top of being great for chatting, these apps are also packed with travel-friendly features. For example, WhatsApp offers group chat functions that help you keep all your travel companions updated. Skype and Viber let you call landlines and mobile numbers at reduced rates. This can come in handy when contacting local services like hotels or taxis. By using these apps, you can stay in touch with your close ones while discovering what Brighton has to offer.
-
Backup Your Photos and Documents
There’s nothing worse than losing all your holiday pictures. So always backup your photos and documents when on the road! That is why reliable backup technology is super important.
Thankfully, cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox and iCloud provide easy-to-use solutions for saving your data. Uploading photos and documents to the cloud will keep everything safe and accessible from any device. This can come in handy, especially if you lose your phone or it gets stolen/damaged during the trip. Cloud storage helps you recover files, keeping you snap-happy on your Brighton adventure.
Alongside using cloud storage, consider bringing a portable external hard drive or USB stick for extra backups. This is an added security that you can rely on and helps to bring peace of mind, knowing that your memories are safe. By keeping your data backed up, you can focus on enjoying your trip and sharing your experiences with friends and family.
-
Embrace Travel Apps for a Smooth Experience
Travel apps can be a game-changer when exploring a new destination like Brighton. Downloading a few essential travel apps before your trip can enhance your experience and help you stay connected. The good news is that there’s an app for nearly everything now, from helping you find the best local eateries to meeting up with fellow travellers.
For example, apps like Google Maps, Wyze, or Maps.me are great tools for getting around Brighton—without ever having to fumble with a paper map. From detailed maps to directions and public transport info, these apps make it simple for you to navigate the city and return to your hotel or Airbnb. They also offer offline features, so you can use them without an internet connection.
For dining and entertainment options, you can research reviews of local Brighton restaurants or attractions using Yelp or TripAdvisor. See what other travellers have to say, browse menus and even make reservations straight from the app. This way, you’ll never miss the best places to sample Brighton’s lively food scene.
Travel planning apps like TripIt and Google Trips are also handy tools for organising your trip itinerary, keeping track of reservations, and getting flight and booking updates. This will help you organise your travel and get quick access to all the information you need.
Stay “On the Grid” While Getting Lost in Brighton
By following these top tips, you can ensure smooth communication with friends and family back home and navigate Brighton with ease.
So, what are you waiting for? Stay safe, stay connected, and enjoy all that beautiful Brighton has to offer!