NYT's 52 Places to Visit 2026: Stay Connected (eSIM Guide)
Use Holafly regional eSIM plans for unlimited data across multiple countries. Asia, Europe, and Americas plans cover most NYT destinations. Use code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off all plans.
NYT's 52 Places to Visit in 2026: Complete eSIM Connectivity Guide
The New York Times just released their 52 Places to Visit in 2026 list, and travelers are already planning trips. Whether you're heading to Yunnan's ancient towns, Vietnam's lantern-lit streets, Nepal's eastern trails, Bangkok's street markets, or Memphis BBQ joints - staying connected matters. Here's how to get unlimited data at every destination with code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off.
Why this matters for NYT's 52 Places
The NYT list spans six continents and includes everything from major cities to remote mountain villages. You need:
- Google Maps for navigation in unfamiliar places (especially crucial in Asia)
- Translation apps in countries like China, Vietnam, and Nepal
- Booking apps for last-minute tours, accommodations, and transport
- Sharing your journey in real-time with family and on social media
- Work connectivity if you're digital nomading through the list
Rather than buying separate eSIMs for each destination, regional plans cover multiple NYT list countries with one eSIM and unlimited data. No SIM swaps, no airport kiosk lines, no data tracking stress.
Quick save for any NYT destination
- Go to stephandpete.co/holafly
- Select your region (Asia, Europe, Americas) or specific country
- Enter code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off
- Install before your flight
- Land connected with unlimited data
The regional plan approach (smartest for multi-destination trips)
If you're visiting multiple NYT destinations on one trip, regional plans beat buying individual country eSIMs:
📍 Asia Regional Plan
Covers 20+ Asian countries including Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Nepal, and more.
Perfect for: Yunnan → Vietnam → Bangkok route, or Japan → Thailand → Nepal combinations
Price: ~$47 for 15 days, ~$69 for 30 days
Why it works: One eSIM, automatic network switching at borders, built-in VPN for China
Get Asia Plan (Code: STEPHANDPETE)🌍 Europe Regional Plan
Covers 40+ European countries including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, UK, Greece, Portugal, Czech Republic, and more.
Perfect for: Multi-country European trips hitting several NYT list destinations
Price: ~$27 for 7 days, ~$47 for 15 days
Why it works: No SIM swaps crossing Schengen borders, works on trains between countries
Get Europe Plan (Code: STEPHANDPETE)🌎 Americas Regional Plan
Covers USA, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America
Perfect for: USA road trips (Memphis to other NYT list cities), or multi-country Latin America routes
Price: ~$47 for 15 days
Get Americas Plan (Code: STEPHANDPETE)NYT destinations I'm excited about (and how to stay connected)
Here are the NYT 52 Places destinations I'm personally excited to visit or revisit, with real connectivity advice from my own travels:
1. Yunnan Province, China
Why it's on the list: Ancient towns like Dali and Lijiang, dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge, diverse ethnic minorities, stunning mountain scenery.
My experience: I spent a week exploring Yunnan in September and created a complete Yunnan itinerary covering Dali Old Town, Lijiang, and surrounding areas. Coverage was excellent even in remote mountain towns.
Connectivity needs in Yunnan:
- VPN is essential: China blocks Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram - you need Holafly's built-in VPN
- Google Maps critical: Yunnan's ancient towns have confusing alleyways, you'll rely on navigation constantly
- Translation apps: Less English spoken in Yunnan than Beijing/Shanghai
- Booking last-minute tours: Tiger Leaping Gorge treks, Erhai Lake boats, mountain hikes
Best eSIM: Holafly China eSIM with built-in VPN (~$27 for 7 days). If combining Yunnan with other Asian destinations, get the Asia regional plan.
Read more: My complete Yunnan 7-day itinerary
2. Vietnam (Hanoi, Hoi An, beyond)
Why it's on the list: Incredible food scene, dramatic Halong Bay, charming Hoi An Ancient Town, rich history, budget-friendly.
My experience: We spent 10 days exploring Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, and Hoi An. Vietnam is exploding in popularity and for good reason - it delivers on food, scenery, and value.
Connectivity needs in Vietnam:
- Google Maps essential: Vietnamese addresses confuse even taxi drivers
- Grab app critical: Avoid taxi scams, book transport reliably
- Heavy photo uploads: Hoi An lanterns, Halong Bay sunsets - you'll share constantly
- Streaming capability: We streamed Netflix in our Hoi An hotel every night (worked perfectly)
Best eSIM: Holafly Vietnam eSIM (~$27 for 7 days). Works seamlessly if transitioning from China - we tested this exact route.
Read more: Complete Vietnam eSIM guide with Hanoi, Hoi An, Halong Bay coverage
3. Eastern Nepal (non-Everest routes)
Why it's on the list: Less touristy than Everest Base Camp region, authentic Himalayan culture, stunning scenery without the crowds.
My experience: I visited eastern Nepal in May and loved the less-traveled trails. Compared to the Annapurna/Everest circuits, eastern Nepal offers authentic experiences without the trekking traffic.
Connectivity needs in eastern Nepal:
- Variable coverage: Kathmandu and Pokhara have excellent coverage, remote trails are hit or miss
- Download offline maps: Essential for trekking routes where signal drops
- Communication with guides: WhatsApp with local guides and guesthouse owners
- Emergency contact capability: Important for safety in remote areas
Best eSIM: Holafly Nepal eSIM or Asia regional plan if combining with India, Thailand, or Vietnam. Coverage is excellent in Kathmandu valley, good in tourist towns, variable on remote trails (normal for Nepal).
Reality check: In very remote eastern Nepal trails, no eSIM provider has perfect coverage. Download offline maps, inform family of your route, and don't rely on constant connectivity. That said, Holafly worked better than expected in most areas we visited.
4. Bangkok, Thailand
Why it's always on the list: Street food capital of the world, Grand Palace, vibrant night markets, perfect base for Southeast Asia travel.
Connectivity needs in Bangkok:
- Navigation in chaos: Bangkok traffic is legendary, Google Maps + Grab app are essential
- Finding hidden gems: Best street food isn't in guidebooks, you'll rely on Google reviews
- Booking day trips: Ayutthaya, floating markets, weekend trips to islands
- BTS/MRT navigation: Bangkok's metro system is efficient but confusing for first-timers
Best eSIM: Holafly Thailand eSIM (~$27 for 7 days) or Asia regional plan if island-hopping to Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, or crossing to Vietnam/Cambodia.
Read more: Complete Thailand eSIM guide
5. Memphis, Tennessee (home state pride!)
Why it's on the list: Blues music heritage, Graceland, incredible BBQ, Civil Rights history, authentic Southern culture.
As a proud Tennessean, I'm thrilled Memphis made the list. It's a city that deserves way more recognition for its cultural impact - blues, rock 'n' roll, soul music all have roots here. Plus the BBQ is legitimately world-class.
Connectivity needs in Memphis:
- Finding authentic BBQ: Central BBQ, Gus's Fried Chicken, Payne's BBQ - you'll want Google reviews
- Beale Street navigation: Live music venues, bars, restaurants all clustered downtown
- Graceland tickets: Book in advance online, mobile tickets
- Civil Rights Museum: Plan your visit, often crowded
- Day trips: Tupelo (Elvis birthplace), Clarksdale MS (blues history)
Best eSIM: Holafly USA eSIM (~$27 for 7 days, ~$47 for 15 days). If you're doing a Southern road trip (Memphis → Nashville → New Orleans), the 15-day plan is perfect. Coverage is excellent across Tennessee.
Read more: Complete USA eSIM guide
Quick eSIM recommendations by NYT destination
Here's a fast reference guide for staying connected at NYT's 52 Places to Visit in 2026. All plans work with code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off.
Asia Destinations (Asia Regional Plan Recommended)
Covers: Thailand (Bangkok), Vietnam (Hanoi, Hoi An), China (Yunnan), Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Nepal, and 15+ more countries
Best for: Multi-country Asia trips - most travelers visit 2-4 NYT Asian destinations in one journey
- Single-country option: If only visiting one Asian country, get country-specific plan (Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan, etc.)
- China special note: Built-in VPN included to access Google, WhatsApp, Instagram
Europe Destinations (Europe Regional Plan Recommended)
Covers: 40+ countries - France, Italy, Spain, Germany, UK, Greece, Portugal, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Scandinavia, and more
Best for: European rail trips, multi-city itineraries, Schengen zone travel
- Works on trains: Seamless coverage crossing borders on Eurail/Interrail routes
- No SIM swaps: One eSIM for entire European journey
Americas Destinations (USA, Canada, Latin America)
USA destinations on NYT list: Memphis, plus other US cities/regions
Americas Regional Plan: Covers USA + Canada + Mexico + Central/South America
- USA only: Get USA eSIM for domestic trips
- Multi-country: Get Americas regional plan for USA + Latin America combinations
Africa & Middle East Destinations
Coverage available for: Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, UAE, Israel, Turkey, and more
Recommendation: Individual country plans (no regional plan available yet)
Sample itineraries combining NYT destinations
The Asia Highlights Route (3-4 weeks)
Route: Bangkok (4 days) → Yunnan, China (7 days) → Vietnam (10 days) → back through Bangkok (2 days)
eSIM solution: Asia regional plan (30 days, ~$69 with STEPHANDPETE code)
Why it works: One eSIM covers all four destinations, automatic network switching at borders, built-in VPN activates in China
The Southeast Asia Sampler (2 weeks)
Route: Bangkok (3 days) → Vietnam (Hanoi & Hoi An, 8 days) → back to Bangkok (2 days) → islands
eSIM solution: Asia regional plan (15 days, ~$47 with STEPHANDPETE code)
Connectivity highlights: Unlimited data for Grab rides, Google Maps navigation, heavy photo uploads from Hoi An
The USA Southern Road Trip
Route: Memphis (3 days) → Nashville (2 days) → Chattanooga (1 day) → Atlanta (2 days)
eSIM solution: USA eSIM 10 days (~$37 with STEPHANDPETE code)
Why eSIM beats phone plan: If you're international, way cheaper than roaming. If you're American, useful if you want a separate data line for travel.
Why Holafly for NYT's 52 Places
We recommend Holafly eSIM for tackling the NYT list because:
- Regional plans = fewer eSIMs: One Asia plan covers 10+ NYT destinations vs buying 10 separate eSIMs
- Unlimited data: No rationing when you're uploading photos from incredible destinations
- Built-in VPN for China: Essential for Yunnan and other China destinations - Google Maps works automatically
- Seamless multi-country: Automatic network switching at borders, zero configuration
- 5-minute setup: Scan QR code at home, activate when you land
- 24/7 support: Chat support in their app if anything goes wrong
- Hotspot capable: Work from laptop, share with travel partner
Use code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off all plans: stephandpete.co/holafly
Planning your NYT 52 Places trip
Start with connectivity, not flights
Figure out which destinations you want to combine, then choose the right regional plan. This determines your route efficiency.
Download before you go
- Offline maps: Google Maps offline for each destination (especially important for remote areas)
- Translation apps: Download Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai language packs
- Travel apps: Grab (Southeast Asia), Didi (China), local transport apps
Install eSIM before flying
Install your Holafly eSIM while still at home on WiFi. When you land, just switch your data line and you're connected immediately - no airport kiosk lines, no hunting for SIM cards.
Keep your physical SIM
Your phone can run both a physical SIM (for your home number, calls, texts) and eSIM (for data) simultaneously. Most travelers keep their home SIM active for 2FA codes and important calls.
Need help planning beyond connectivity?
I plan custom travel itineraries with a focus on authentic experiences in Asia, sustainable travel, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Services include:
- Multi-country Asia route planning
- Yunnan deep dives (beyond Dali and Lijiang)
- Vietnam itineraries (food-focused, culture-focused, or adventure-focused)
- Eastern Nepal trekking routes
- Hotel recommendations with perks when possible
Work with Steph on your NYT 52 Places itinerary
Or email me: steph.hays@fora.travel
Affiliate disclosure: I may earn a commission if you purchase Holafly using my link or code STEPHANDPETE, at no extra cost to you. I use Holafly on my own travels and only recommend products I genuinely use and trust.