Should You Get a VPN While Traveling?

“What’s the Wi-Fi password?” Travelers are more than familiar with asking this question wherever they wander, as the Internet is a gateway for both work and fun purposes. But using public Wi-Fi while traveling can come with some serious consequences, such as scams, viruses, and identity theft.

We know that as a traveler, you’ll park it in a cafe at least once for the free WiFi!

While cybersecurity may sound like something for the Feds, more and more travelers use VPNs for all of their protective benefits, especially when it comes to sensitive information.

Plus, using a VPN while traveling doesn’t just arm you with a data shield. VPNs offer many other benefits as well. You can also use it to access information for research, entertainment, and messaging in government-censored countries.

Don’t worry, you can learn how to set up a VPN for traveling in no time—no security credentials required. Once you have one, you’re going to fall in with love with everything it does for you! 

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a program that creates a private, secure channel just for you while using an Internet connection. It encrypts your Internet traffic while you peruse websites and other applications, so no one can monitor your activities.

A VPN can also change your IP address to look like you’re in a different country. So, should you get a VPN while traveling? As long as it’s on, a VPN helps keep your sensitive online account information safe from scammers no matter where you are. Sounds like a yes to us! 

How to set up a VPN for traveling

It’s so easy to set up a VPN for traveling that there’s hardly any reason to *not* do it.

It’s pretty easy to set up a VPN for international travel. First, it’s a good idea to select a VPN that’s compatible with your devices (Mac or Windows), works in the countries where you’re traveling, and doesn’t charge extra fees to have it on multiple devices.

While you may be tempted to get a free version, it may have a slower connection, charge extra fees later, or sell your information to third parties. A good VPN service is only about $11-$13 a month, so it’s worth going with paid VPNs over free versions.

Be sure to read user reviews ahead of time for the ones you’re seriously considering. If you don’t know where to start, one of the best VPNs out there that has thousands of servers in 60 countries (and is only a few bucks a month!) is NordVPN.

Once you’ve selected your VPN, you’ll download the software and install it on all of your devices, such as your phone, tablet, and computer. You then choose the server you want (or endpoint); good VPNs offer more than one to choose from.

Then, voilà! You have a secure connection, all thanks to your handy new VPN.

READ MORE: What to Know About Using a VPN While Traveling

6 reasons to use a VPN while traveling

1. Protect important information

Don’t you love it when someone stands behind you while you’re on your phone or laptop? Yeah, it’s a bit unsettling, especially when you’re checking your accounts or filling out forms with sensitive information.

Unfortunately, real-life hackers are sneaky and often go unnoticed. They access devices connected to public Wi-Fi to steal information or install malicious malware.

However, travelers rely on public Wi-Fi at airports, cafés, hostels, and other places to stay connected with loved ones, do important work, and more. This often leaves travelers vulnerable and makes them easy targets.

A VPN ensures that prying eyes can’t see your sensitive information. Just make sure that your VPN is connected at all times, especially with unstable Internet connections. 

2. Access blocked websites

Hey, we get it—Google is a lifeline for a lot of us!

In the US, we enjoy access to social media websites, news sites, and Internet streaming service content. So, should you get a VPN for traveling?

Consider this: In China, Iran, Russia, Cuba, and many other countries, the government censors or bans popular websites like Facebook and Google. With a VPN, you can hide your IP address and connect with a different country’s server, so you can get past those firewalls and explore the Internet freely. 

Outside of your local country, you’ll also see different content available to watch on your Netflix account. Or, you may not have access at all. For example, since your HBO account is attached to your local country, you won’t have access to it when you travel internationally.

However, with a VPN, you can connect to a server in the US and continue binge-watching your favorite shows and movies!

3. Prevent companies from freezing your account

Most of us have lots of online accounts, such as bank accounts, credit card accounts, email accounts, etc. It can be a real pain to remember to notify all of those providers of your travel itinerary and timeframe.

An even bigger pain is when you’re unable to access funds when you’re out of the country because your accounts have been frozen due to your new location. 

Sometimes providers will require you to jump through extra hoops of security or call them, which is pretty inconvenient when you’re in a different time zone and outside of your local country’s business hours.

However, with a VPN, you can connect to your home country’s server, and ta-da! You’ve made them think you haven’t gone anywhere so no red flags are raised. This ensures quick, easy access to your accounts. 

4. Stay safe while browsing 

Whether you’re a blogger, online teacher, or otherwise, your VPN will protect you while you work online.

If you’re studying or working abroad, you’ll probably be browsing the Internet quite frequently for research purposes. Not only does a VPN allow you to bypass censored sites, but it also blocks Google from tracking your every move. You’ll be able to explore as much as you’d like without the risk of exposure.

Another plus? You can download a VPN to all of your devices, so you can frequent apps, websites, and games without worrying about accidentally downloading malicious malware that would cause annoying pop-ups, website redirects, viruses, or even open you up to a case of identity theft. A VPN will block all of that in its tracks. 

5. More secure messaging 

We all want to stay connected with friends, family, and partners across the pond. From WhatsApp to Facebook Messenger, the Internet makes it possible to easily video chat with others—especially between Android and Apple users.

However, those free messaging platforms may be blocked, monitored, or hacked in certain countries.

A VPN for international travel gives you the ability to access those vital communication tools with the assurance that no one can decrypt or leak your private data onto the Internet, which would be awful.

Plus, with a VPN, you’ll have priceless peace of mind using free public Wi-Fi without relying on data or spotty cell phone networks. 

6. Score better travel deals 

Select your server, and see how prices change on your favorite websites.

Hotels, airlines, car rentals, and travel activities’ prices will vary based on the user’s location, which can feel pretty infuriating. But, travel and hospitality providers know that they can get more money this way, especially from those booking outside the country.

With a VPN, you can “trick” those providers into thinking you’re in a different country. For example, if you’re in Australia and want to fly to NYC, you can use your VPN to connect to a server in the US and see if the airfare is more affordable.

Or, you could connect to other countries’ servers and shop around for the best deal possible. And who doesn’t love to save money when they travel? A few bucks a month for a VPN could save you hundreds of dollars!

Grab a 2-year NordVPN deal 72% off and receive 3 months for free!

Your VPN will keep your information safe while abroad 

Now you know all about how to set up a VPN for traveling, what it’s for, and why it’s a good idea to have one! Whether you’re checking your bank accounts or working remotely online, using a VPN while traveling ensures sensitive information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. In other words, a VPN’s your VIP for privacy and security!

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This article was written with help from NordVPN. NordVPN is one of the best and most affordable VPN providers available. Securely access your personal information and encrypt your connection while abroad with NordVPN.