How to Watch Your Favorite Shows while Traveling

Source: Magnific.com

A long trip can be fun. You get to see new destinations, try new food, and meet new people. Yet when the day ends, most of us like to watch the show we love. But it can be hard when you are far away from your home. Unsecured networks, slow hotel Wi-Fi, and geo restrictions can all get in the way. The good news is that with these few smart steps, you can watch your favorite show no matter where you go.

Download and Watch Offline

Do not wait till you are on the road to think of your favorite shows. Many apps now let you save films and TV shows right to your phone or tablet. This means you can watch them with no internet connection at all. This can be the best option on long bus rides, train runs, or flights. In such spots, Wi-Fi may not work well. At times, it may not even be there at all.

A smart plan is to make a watch list a day or two before your trip. Pick a mix of new and old shows. Also, save more than you think you will need because trips do not always go as planned. A short wait at a gate can turn into three long hours. Moreover, bad weather can keep you in your room all day. In such cases, saved shows can be the best entertainment.

Bypass Geo Restrictions with a VPN

One of the most overlooked facts of traveling is that a show you watch each week at home may not show up when you land in a new country or city. This is due to geo restrictions. Many streaming apps have rights that vary from one place to the next. A show that is live in one place may not be in the next. This is where a VPN can help. It allows you to use apps and even watch shows that are only streaming in your hometown. 

The best approach is to set up your VPN before the trip. Test it at home, and make sure it works with the apps you use most. For ease, you can grab ExpressVPN from their official site and set it up prior to your trip. This helps you sort out any technical issues while you still have time.

Pack a Portable Streaming Device

A small streaming device can be one of the best items in your bag. It can turn even a plain hotel TV into a full home setup in just a few minutes. If you are traveling to Tokyo or to any big city, you will stay at different hotels. Some may have smart TVs, while others may not. 

A streaming device gives you a setup you know well. Your apps, watch list, and even login details are there. This means less time spent on hotel menus and more time spent watching your favorite show. 

The Ultimate Hack for Hotel TV

Most people use the TV that is in the hotel room and hope for the best. But wait. There is a much better way. You can pack a small HDMI cable and use your own device. Many phones, tablets, and small PCs can be connected right to the hotel TV. This lets you play saved shows on a big screen.

However, before the trip, you must test the setup at home. Make sure everything works, and also check that your device easily connects to a TV with no issues. This may seem like a small task, yet it can save you from a long, boring night.

Conclusion

A good trip does not mean you must give up the shows you love. With a bit of preparation, some smart devices, and a few key hacks, you can keep up with each new episode of your favorite show, no matter where the road takes you.