I used to have to go buy physical sims and use a wifi hotspot when I needed internet in the places that weren't covered under EU roaming because the roaming rates were so insane. Now I spend a small fraction of that amount on an esim that lasts just the duration of my trip and gives me just how much I need, and I don't even have to visit a shop. I just do it from my phone. Massive improvement.
Not sure how this is different. I don't really find out which carrier I'm using in each country, I use an app which lists all the countries and the offers available. I choose one and install it on my phone. Usually it's a limited time eSIM just for the duration of my trip.