Independent phone advice · No sponsored rankings · UK & US coverage · Updated for 2026
Reviewed 17 August 2026Core specifications and partner travel routes checked. Prices, coverage and retailer offers can change.
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Travelling? Your phone needs a great camera, long battery life, eSIM or dual SIM support and ideally water resistance. Here are the best travel phones in 2026.
Travel setup · checked 17 August 2026
Travel connection, sorted.
Buy the phone for its camera and battery, then choose travel connectivity separately. These two approved eSIM routes make that choice clearer.
WSInternational eSIM
WorldSIM
For travellers who want a specialist eSIM route before departure, with data-only or voice, text and data choices.
Travel eSIM prices vary by country, data allowance and validity. Compare the total cost with your UK network’s roaming pass, and never assume “unlimited” means unlimited full-speed data.
Best Travel Phones
Best Travel Phone Overall
Google Pixel 10 Pro
The Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate travel phone — stunning camera for landscapes and portraits, eSIM support for local data abroad, long battery life and Google's real-time translation built in.
The iPhone 17 Pro shoots incredible travel photography and video, supports eSIM for easy switching to local networks abroad, and Apple Maps works excellently worldwide.
For travellers on a budget, the A35 offers water resistance (IP67), a solid camera, huge battery and dual SIM support — everything you need without the flagship price.
eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you switch to a local network abroad without swapping physical SIM cards. It saves money on roaming charges and is now supported by most flagship phones.
What IP rating should a travel phone have?
IP67 or IP68 is ideal — it means the phone can survive being splashed or briefly submerged. Useful if you're near water, in rain or at the beach.
Is the Pixel 10 Pro good for travel photography?
Yes — it's one of the best travel cameras you can find in a smartphone. Google's AI processing produces excellent landscapes, portraits and low-light shots.
Should I get a local SIM or use eSIM abroad?
eSIM is usually more convenient — you can set it up before you travel without hunting for a local SIM shop. Many providers such as WorldSIM or Mozillion offer affordable global eSIM plans.
