Previously, we discussed a number of considerations for travelers who wish to relocate with their library of DVDs and Blu-rays. Increasingly, however, more and more people are casting these traditional forms of physical media aside for the convenience of streaming services. Companies such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video allow users to quickly access an overwhelming amount of films and television shows. However, like traditional media, streaming services can come with their own set of concerns for travelers
The first issue that travelers may come across is that streaming services typically require an Internet connection. While many airports, coffee shops, and other public areas now offer complimentary WiFi to travelers on the go, connections may be slow or unreliable. As an alternative, many streaming services allow users to download content and store it on their devices to watch it later without the need for an Internet connection. Perfect for an airplane!
Secondly, a much larger issue than securing an Internet connection is that some services are blocked in certain countries or only accessible from the United States. The following is a brief overview of some of the most popular streaming services and guidelines for using them abroad.
- As an early pioneer in the streaming sector, Netflix remains one of the most popular streaming services, and it generally works in most countries worldwide.
- Another popular option, Amazon Prime Video is slightly more complicated to use when traveling internationally. Due to the licensing of some titles, only certain videos can be accessed while abroad. However, if you download desired content prior to departure, you may access it from any location.
- Finally, Hulu is a popular option for many users located in the United States, but the service is currently unavailable outside of the country.
As always, it is also important to ensure that your country of residence allows citizens to use such services, as some regions have restricted access due to censorship laws and other concerns.
Written by James Cafferty, International Content Manager
