Traveling allows people to explore new places, cultures, foods, and ways of life. Can you think of anything more exciting?
However, one big detail many people forget when preparing for a trip is their online security. Our phones and laptops hold valuable information like bank details, personal documents, photos, and videos. Losing access to these or having them stolen can be a tragedy.
You might not know this, but when you connect to public or unfamiliar networks, you expose your information to huge risks. Let’s see why:
First Things First: What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a secure connection between your device and the internet. VPN tools encrypt your activity by sending it through protected servers. It’s a simple technical solution to a big and complex modern problem.
When using a VPN, you can hide your IP address and real location while keeping your internet use private, even from your internet provider. When you buy VPN services, you can also access restricted content in your location. Even if this is not a strictly security-related feature, it can be useful to access valuable information.
Why Travelers Use VPNs
To Safely Use Public Wi-Fi
As convenient as using public Wi-Fi can be, these networks are usually poorly secured. This makes Public Wi-Fi a paradise for hackers. According to Forbes, four out of ten people have had their online security compromised while traveling because of using public Wi-Fi. VPNs are an accessible and easy solution to this problem.
To Access Home Services
Some websites, streaming platforms, and apps restrict access based on location. When you connect to a VPN server in your home country, you can keep using your regular services even if you’re abroad, no matter how long.
Why Not Using a VPN is a Bad Idea
Traveling without a VPN can unnecessarily expose you to situations like:
- Identity theft from intercepted data;
- Account lockouts triggered by foreign logins;
- Government monitoring in certain countries;
- Malware infections from unsafe networks.
What a VPN Can Do For You
- A VPN improves your privacy while you are away by encrypting your data. This means your online activity stays private.
- It protects your sensitive bank transactions abroad. You’ll be using your bank account or credit cards while traveling, so a VPN is a good way to ensure all your money and accounts are safely preserved.
- It also allows you to stream or browse as if you were back home.
- Finally, it lets you work remotely and safely access company files and systems from anywhere. You surely don’t want to be responsible for a hacker attack in your workplace because you connected to an insecure network while on a workation.
Choosing a Reliable VPN
If you are searching for the right VPN provider for you, you want to keep these features in mind:
- Strong encryption (AES-256);
- Wide server coverage;
- No activity logs;
- Reliable speeds;
- Multi-device support;
- Good customer service;
- Ability to work with streaming sites and bypass restrictions.
Common Questions
Is it legal to use VPNs?
Yes, VPNs are perfectly legal, though they are restricted or at least banned in some places. Before activating your VPN, you might want to check the characteristics of the places you travel to.
Will it slow my internet?
No, you shouldn’t feel major differences if you choose a good VPN provider. Naturally, there may be a slight slowdown, but good services minimize the difference.
Do I need it on my phone?
Yes, VPNs are especially useful on phones because they often face more risks than laptops. We use them more frequently, and they usually hold more sensitive information than laptops. You can hire a single VPN service and use it simultaneously on your laptop and phone, as well as on other digital devices.
Final Thoughts
A VPN isn’t just for tech experts or business owners anymore. VPNs are a practical tool for safer and smoother travels. They can protect users from threats they might not even know exist. Honestly, for what they’re worth, they are extra accessible and usually don’t cost more than a movie subscription. It’s worth setting up a VPN before your next trip to avoid undesired situations.
