No more vacation means that you log off to work while you’re away on vacation.
The internet is so accessible while you travel (in most places), it allows us to stay in constant communication, no matter where we may be. You will need to be able to access the internet on your business trip, vacation, or long-term travels.
Internet safety is important. Especially when you are using the internet from an unknown location. You’re not restricted to your home network or work network. Instead, you can use public or semi-public Wi-Fi (airports and train stations, cafés, hotels, and train stations all fall under this category) or even shared computers. It’s a smart idea to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), while on the road.
We have all the information you need to help you understand why you should use a VPN to travel.
What is a VPN?
A VPN is a service that you purchase. It offers:
- Secure and private access to the Internet
- Your online data is encrypted so that no one can access it via the internet. You are protected from hackers by using a VPN. This protects usernames, passwords and credit card numbers as well as browser cookies and other identifying information.
- It allows travelers to connect to the Internet as though they were in their country. This includes other countries that you wish to appear in.
Here are some reasons why you should use a VPN to travel.
A VPN is highly recommended for travel. Here’s why:
1. Safety and Security
Many governments, including those in the USA and Canada have issued safety precautions regarding public WiFi. Hackers could gain access to your data by logging in to public Wi-Fi. It’s considered unsecured if you don’t have to create a login name or a password in order to connect to Wi-Fi. All of your personal data and passwords are vulnerable to theft, including email addresses, bank information, credit card details and login passwords. However, if you use a VPN, all your data will be encrypted, making it unreadable to hackers.
2. Access blocked websites
Due to government censoring, some countries block certain websites like Facebook, YouTube, and online news outlets. This is especially common in Asia, such as Thailand, Burma and Vietnam. A VPN can be used to choose a country where the site is accessible. Then you will be able access the website quickly.
Another example is Voice over Protocol (Skype, Facetime, and Whatsapp) being blocked in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. To access VoP services in these areas, users must use a VPN.
3. Travel TV
We all love to log onto our favorite streaming service for rainy days and sleepless nights due to jetlag. You’ll be disappointed to learn that some services are limited to certain countries like Hulu or Starz Play. While services like Netflix or Amazon Prime are available in most countries around the globe, the catalogs in each country may be different. This could mean that you may not have access to your favorite series. A VPN is a great solution. To access VPN services, you can simply set your “end-point” as your home country.
Use a VPN to watch Netflix abroad
After their global launch, Netflix began cracking down on VPNs in 2016. Netflix has been able stop a lot of VPN’s from allowing their users to use their service. However, there are still some VPN’s that work with Netflix.
ExpressVPN was the top-rated VPN for Netflix. This was according to BestVPN. NordVPN was next, with Netflix servers available in the United States of America, France, the UK and the Netherlands.
A VPN allows you to access Netflix content not available in your region due to expired licensing fees or yet to be released.
4. Prevent frozen bank accounts
Travelers’ worst nightmare is having their bank accounts frozen while they travel overseas. It is not a good situation to be stranded thousands of miles from your home and without access to your money. If you plan to do any online banking via your phone or laptop from a remote location, it is a good idea to use a VPN. This is because if your bank sees you log in from a remote location (e.g. the Philippines), they might flag your account and block access. The bank will need to correct the situation.
You can also avoid this by notifying your bank before you travel, and telling them where you are going.
5. Use a VPN for better travel deals
It’s possible to get better prices on flights and other travel activities if you book from another country.
Here is a checklist of VPN requirements:
1. Do not use a free VPN.
The VPN provider can intercept your connection and make sure it is secure until it reaches their computers. They can then log your activities, copy your data and do whatever they like before sending it over the internet.
2. Select a company that is trustworthy
Consider point 1. I strongly recommend that you choose a trusted company to protect your privacy. ExpressVPN, a British Virgin Islands-based company, has been in operation since 1995. You can read user reviews about the provider you select and consider your privacy, not just the monthly price.
3. 128bit encryption
Most tablets and smartphones will require PPTP VPN connections. A good VPN provider will also provide L2TP, which is compatible with most devices. These should have 128bit encryption to ensure privacy protection. Ask them if they have it. You can choose another provider if they do not.
4. Trial for free
You should request at least a 7 day no-risk, money-back guarantee. VPN providers will require you to purchase their service in order to receive the best speed possible. It is worthwhile as connecting to a VPN can slow down your internet. Some VPNs can slow down your internet at certain times of day. You may request a refund to avoid this. ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. A large selection of countries
Choose a VPN provider that allows you to choose which country your connection will be in. Many VPN providers offer US, Canada and UK connections, as well as multiple cities. Your smartphone, tablet, or computer will keep your communications secure until they reach the country. It’s then completely unencrypted as it travels through the internet. VPN providers could log data you send and they would have to comply with privacy laws in the country you are connecting to.
6. Price
A good and secure provider should cost between $9-12 per monthly for PPTP VPN services. However, you should consider their reputation and features and not the difference in price between Venti Latte and Tall.
How to use a VPN to travel
There are many VPNs available, both paid and free. A paid VPN will provide you with the best service. ExpressVPN is an example. It offers a free seven-day trial and a 30-day money back guarantee. There are 3,000+ servers across 160 VPN server locations in 94 nations.
Installing a VPN on your smartphone, tablet, or computer is easy. After connecting to the internet, open the app and select the server you want to use. After connecting to the server, you will see all your data encrypted and transmitted through the virtual network.
When traveling to a place with slow Wi-Fi, you might have problems connecting to a VPN. This could be because the internet is slow or not available at all. Avoid revealing personal or financial information online if the Wi-Fi signal is not strong enough. Keep checking your VPN connection if the Wi-Fi drops. You may be disconnected each time the Wi-Fi drops. You can turn on an auto-connect feature in some VPNs, which is useful for travelers who may forget to turn it on.
A VPN is a must-have for any traveler. It’s an inexpensive way to ensure your online safety. A VPN can be a great tool for traveling. It’s worth signing up with a reliable service.