How do I get a internet connection on my laptop without WIFI?

I am a newbie to this topic, so forgive me if it is basic question. Question: Is it possible for me to take my macbook air (2014 11") on the road and hook up some kind of 4G connection to the USB and get an internet connection? (I don't want to buy a smartphone.) When I search on google, there is about a million answers to this question and I can't narrow down what I need. I think I need 1) hardware 2) cell service but I'm not sure where to began this research. I'm hoping I can buy short term cell service that I can use periodically ( maybe 3x a year when traveling). THANKS a lot for any help you might offer. -Kate