Why I Take This to Every Airbnb
When you’re constantly hopping between Airbnbs, especially as a digital nomad or frequent traveler, a few hard-earned lessons start to shape your packing list. There are hundreds of travel gadgets and accessories marketed as “must-haves,” but only a handful truly earn a permanent place in your bag. And among those, there’s always one item that stands out—a game-changer you never leave home without.
So what is “this” I take to every Airbnb?
A portable travel router.
At first glance, it might seem excessive—aren’t Airbnbs already equipped with Wi-Fi? Absolutely. But if you’ve ever dealt with spotty connections, shared networks, or streaming restrictions, you’ll understand why this little device makes such a big difference. Let’s break it down.
1. Stronger, More Secure Internet
Public or shared Wi-Fi networks—like those found in many Airbnbs—are not only slow but often lack proper security. A travel router lets you set up your own private, password-protected network, encrypting your data and shielding you from potential cyber threats. This is especially crucial if you’re working remotely and handling sensitive information.
Also, many Airbnbs have weak Wi-Fi signals in certain rooms. A travel router can function as a Wi-Fi extender, boosting the existing signal and giving you fast, consistent access throughout the space. No more moving closer to the modem just to upload a file.
2. Bypass Device Limits
Some Airbnb hosts limit the number of devices that can connect to their Wi-Fi network. That might be fine if you’re traveling solo, but if you have a phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV stick, and a smartwatch—it adds up quickly. A travel router connects to the main network once, and then all your devices connect to the router. This means you only count as one device to the host’s router, bypassing any restrictions.
3. Stream Without Hassle
Want to use your Fire Stick or Roku to stream Netflix, Hulu, or Prime Video in your Airbnb? You might find that some rental Wi-Fi networks have restrictions or use complicated login portals. A travel router simplifies this. It connects to the local Wi-Fi once and then acts as your personal network—your streaming devices connect to your familiar network settings, no matter where you are in the world.
This is a lifesaver for longer stays, or when you want to keep up with your favorite shows without dealing with foreign app store restrictions.
4. Smart Home Feel, Anywhere
If you’re someone who likes to travel with smart gadgets—smart speakers, security cameras, or automation hubs—a travel router lets you replicate your home network setup. Since all your devices will be connected to the same local network through the travel router, they’ll work just like they do at home.
Setting routines, controlling lights or music, or checking security feeds becomes seamless, even if you’re thousands of miles away from your actual home.
5. Faster Setup, Every Time
Imagine arriving at a new Airbnb, scanning for the Wi-Fi name, entering a password scribbled on a sticky note (that may or may not work), and then repeating that process for every device you own. With a travel router, you only need to configure it once. From then on, your devices will automatically connect to your personal network every time you plug it in—saving you time and frustration.
This is especially helpful for those who travel frequently, move between countries, or do a lot of Airbnb hopping for work.
6. It’s Tiny but Mighty
Travel routers are compact, lightweight, and often no bigger than a deck of cards. They fit easily in your carry-on or tech pouch and don’t require a separate power adapter—many run off USB power or even from your laptop. Despite the small size, the utility is enormous. For many, the peace of mind it offers alone is worth the space it takes up.
7. Great for International Travel
When traveling abroad, a travel router can be paired with a wired Ethernet connection (common in business hotels and some Airbnbs) to create a secure Wi-Fi network. In areas where Wi-Fi is slow or congested, a hardline Ethernet connection via your travel router can offer superior speeds for calls, uploads, or streaming.
Plus, it allows you to bypass certain regional internet restrictions, depending on your setup and router capabilities.
8. Makes Group Travel Easier
If you’re traveling with friends or family, especially for long trips, a travel router can be a huge help. Rather than everyone individually asking the host for Wi-Fi passwords or struggling with weak signals, the whole group can connect to your router’s network. You can even monitor usage or prioritize your work devices during high-demand times.
9. Emergency Backup
Sometimes, Airbnb Wi-Fi just fails. Whether it’s a provider outage or a forgotten bill, you might end up in a rental with no internet. Some travel routers support SIM cards or USB mobile broadband dongles, letting you connect via mobile networks and create a hotspot in a pinch. This can be a lifesaver if you’re on deadline or need to hop on a video call unexpectedly.
10. Future-Proof Your Travel Tech
Technology is evolving fast, and more smart travel gear is becoming the norm. From foldable keyboards to wireless security cams, all these devices need one thing—reliable internet. A travel router is like the nervous system of your tech setup. It’s flexible, adaptable, and ready to grow with your needs.
In short, while it might seem like just another tech gadget, a travel router quietly solves a lot of problems you don’t even realize you have until you travel often. It’s like having your own portable internet butler—making sure everything just works wherever you go.
So, that’s why I take this to every Airbnb. It saves time, eliminates headaches, and makes each place feel a little more like home. Once you try it, you won’t want to travel without it again.
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