Whether you’re a full-time van wifi on the road or just taking a few weeks off to hit the road, staying connected is key to maximizing your travel experience. Thankfully, wifi on the road is easier than you might think.

The most popular way to go online on the road is to use your phone as a mobile hotspot. iPhones and Android phones both make this easy, creating a local network with a password that anyone can connect to. Be careful with this option, however. Even using video streaming apps sparingly can burn through your data plan in a short period of time, so it’s important to know how much you can safely consume before going this route.

Mac’s Shield: Exploring the Top Password Managers Tailored for Apple Users

A more affordable alternative is to use a portable wifi device. These devices run on a separate cellular data plan from your smartphone, allowing you to limit your overall data usage while traveling. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that’s perfectly suited to your vehicle. Be sure to research your options carefully, as many of these devices come with different plans and price ranges.

You can also add wi-fi to your car by purchasing a dedicated wireless modem and router. These units are more expensive than tethering your phone to a data plan, but they’re much more reliable and provide a faster connection that will let you surf the web, stay in touch with family and friends, or just stream music and movies while on the road.