Staying connected in lesser-known European travel spots – UK Times

Planning a holiday in 2026 comes with an ever-changing range of considerations. With complicating factors like the return of Venice’s day trip entry fee and Barcelona being set to join Amsterdam in charging some of Europe’s highest tourist taxes, travellers are increasingly looking at lesser-known destinations.

And as you discover less-touristy places, reliable internet access is more vital than ever – for navigation, online translation, and restaurant bookings. This is where next-generation eSIM providers like Yesim come in, offering travellers instant connectivity upon arrival without the hassle of hunting for public wifi or local SIM cards. It’s simple to get started, can be set up at home for activation on arrival and you just need to download the Yesim app to begin.

If you’re seeking travel inspiration, less obvious European cities offer comparable architecture, cuisine, and atmosphere to popular tourist spots – just without the crowds and fees. And these aren’t compromises; they are fully-fledged destinations with their own character.

Where to go instead: alternatives worth visiting

Bologna instead of Venice. With 40 kilometres of medieval arcades, one of the oldest gastronomic traditions in the world, and no entry fee, Bologna is a university city offering an authentic Italian experience. The average restaurant bill is lower than in Venice, and the architecture – from Romanesque towers to Renaissance palaces – is equally impressive.

Valencia instead of Barcelona. The city of Santiago Calatrava is a futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, beautiful beaches, and authentic paella – after all, this is where it was invented. Valencia offers everything Barcelona does – architecture, the sea, nightlife – but with significantly lower prices for both accommodation and food.

Utrecht instead of Amsterdam. Think canals with two-level quays, a strong cycling culture, a medieval city centre – and no 12.5 per cent tourist tax. Utrecht is just 25 minutes from Amsterdam by train, yet it feels like a completely different destination. Its vibe is calm, authentic, and friendly.

Kotor instead of Dubrovnik. A fjord with Venetian-style architecture, fortified walls, and a medieval old town – it’s just like Dubrovnik, but without being a busy cruise ship destination. Accommodation and food prices in Kotor are also two to three times lower than in its Croatian neighbour.

Navigation, translation, connectivity: why you can’t get by in new places without internet access

All of these wonderful alternatives share one common feature: they are far less touristy. And that’s where less obvious challenges begin.

Here, Google Maps and Google Translate aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities. That’s why staying connected is so important, and traditional options often fall short. Free wifi is useless outside hotels and carries the risk of personal data theft. Roaming for travellers from outside the EU is expensive. Buying a local SIM card can mean queues, paperwork and language barriers.

Against this backdrop, many travellers turn to a more flexible solution: an eSIM. This technology uses a built-in smartphone microchip on which multiple operator profiles can be remotely downloaded and activated – no physical cards or trips to mobile stores required.

How does it work with Yesim? Check your device’s compatibility and download the Yesim app. Then select your destination country or region, purchase a data package (there’s a trial plan with 500 MB for 44p to test quality), receive a QR code, and activate the profile in your smartphone settings. You can set up the app without stress at home and have it ready to go in just a minute upon arrival in another country.

A key advantage is automatic switching between operators in areas with weak coverage. Yesim has over 800 partners worldwide, so the app automatically chooses the best network at each location. No need to worry about the technical details – the technology handles it all.

For travellers visiting multiple countries, there are convenient global plans: the Global Package covers 80+ countries, and the Global Plus Package covers 140+ countries. For example, with the first plan, you can get a weekly unlimited package for £30 or a 10GB package valid for 30 days for £25.40. A real gem is the Pay & Fly plan on a pay-as-you-go basis: one eSIM works worldwide, and you pay only for the data you use. New users can also use the promo code ‘GETYESIM15’ for 15 per cent off your first order.

Behind the crowded capital facades lie cities where you can grab a table at a trattoria without waiting, stroll peaceful medieval streets, and enjoy an authentic travel experience. All it takes is choosing a less obvious route, installing Yesim on your phone, and discovering parts of Europe you may not have explored before.