Are you kidding me, old man? It's 2026, and I only just found out right before my trip..

Are you kidding me, old man? It's 2026, and I only just found out right before my trip..

Before rushing to cancel or change your trip, first figure out whether you actually need internet access on this journey. If it's just a short trip to call home and let people know you're safe, turning on your phone's hotspot or buying a local SIM card when you arrive should be enough. But if you'll be relying on it the whole time for navigation, translation, and contacting your accommodations, it's best to rent a portable WiFi device or switch to a device that supports eSIM before you leave. Keep in mind that hotspot sharing drains your battery quickly, and older folks can easily get stuck on the setup step.
Are you traveling with a tour group this time, or going independent? Once you land, what will you mainly use it for?
The real question isn't whether there's WiFi—it's what you plan to use it for. If you need to look up routes or contact your airport pickup once you land, relying solely on a phone hotspot won't get you far, especially for older travelers who aren't comfortable with settings—the risk is bigger than you'd think. It's more practical to confirm in advance whether you have offline maps and a backup SIM card.