A VPN is the unsung hero of your adventures around the globe. It keeps your information secure, thwarts potential snoopers on public Wi-Fi networks, and grants you access to important websites. So, before you head to the airport, let’s delve into why you should have a VPN when travelling and how it can help you maintain your security during your journeys.
Why Do You Need a VPN When Traveling?
#1 Protection of Personal Information
Sneaky hackers in the real world often go unnoticed, taking advantage of public Wi-Fi connections to steal information or install malicious software. But here’s the thing: when you’re traveling, public Wi-Fi at airports, cafés, hostels, and other spots is a lifeline, enabling you to stay connected with loved ones, get important work done, and more. Unfortunately, this also exposes you to potential risks and makes you an easy target.
That’s where a VPN comes in handy. It ensures that your sensitive information remains hidden from prying eyes. Just remember to keep your VPN connected at all times, especially when dealing with unreliable Internet connections.
#2 Hide Your Real IP Address
What does a VPN hide? Information from those who are trying to intercept it and IP from those who are tracking you. VPN for traveling can replace your real IP address with another one. The fact that a VPN hides IP addresses can also be used to bypass regional restrictions because it is this that sites rely on when determining our location. In short, a VPN and location are interconnected because a VPN can fake your location. Although VPN masks IP and location, a lot depends on the VPN service. The popular VeePN has 2500+ servers in 60 countries, which means you can fake the location to any that is available in the application.
#3 Access Blocked Websites
Certain websites such as Facebook, YouTube, and online news outlets are blocked in some countries due to government censorship. Asian countries like China, Burma, Vietnam, and Thailand are particularly known for this practice. To access these websites, you can utilize a VPN to choose a country where the content is available. This will enable you to easily access the desired websites. Similarly, Voice over Protocol services like Skype, Facetime, and WhatsApp are blocked in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. In these regions, users need to utilize a VPN to access VoP services.
#4 Opens Access to Best Deals
When you travel to different parts of the world, prices can vary. You may find a cheap flight in one place, but as soon as you go elsewhere, prices can increase due to dynamic pricing. Although it’s frustrating, there’s a solution. By using a VPN, you can change your virtual location to another country and potentially save money. Even a VPN free extension from a reliable developer will cope with this task. Try different server locations to find the best prices for hotels and flights. If you already know where to get the best deal, select a server in that location and go online.
#5 Watch TV
On rainy days or when you’re sleepless from jet lag, logging onto your preferred streaming services to watch movies or binge the latest series is always a favorite pastime. However, it’s disappointing to discover that certain services like Hulu, BBC, or Starz Play are only accessible in specific countries.
Even though Netflix and Amazon Prime are now available in almost all countries worldwide, their content catalog varies, risking the inability to access your current series binge. This is where a VPN becomes incredibly useful. By setting your ‘end-point’ as your home country, you can effortlessly access the service as if you were back home.
#6 Prevent Freezing Your Account
Having multiple online accounts like bank accounts, credit card accounts, and email accounts can be quite bothersome when it comes to notifying all the providers about your travel plans and schedule. What’s even more frustrating is not being able to access funds while abroad because your accounts have been frozen due to your new location. In some cases, providers may require additional security measures or phone calls, which can be quite inconvenient when you’re in a different time zone outside your country.
However, by using a VPN, you can connect to a server in your home country and trick the providers into thinking you’re still there, avoiding any suspicion and ensuring quick and easy access to your accounts.
#7 More Secure Messaging
When you want to keep in touch with loved ones overseas, there are several messaging services available like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. However, some countries might block, monitor, or hack into these platforms.
To ensure your privacy and security, using a VPN while traveling internationally is crucial. It allows you to access these communication tools while keeping your private data safe from decryption or leaks onto the Internet.
Conclusion
Many travelers underestimate a VPN, even if they use one. A VPN isn’t just about protecting your data, it can also do more practical things like unblocking your Netflix or getting the best shopping offers based on location. If you already use a VPN, expand your knowledge of how to use the service. If you haven’t used a VPN, now is the time to start.
