4 reasons we use a VPN while traveling!
Got everything packed? Are you sure about that? If you want to make the very best of your trip, then you want to make sure that your digital tech is up to scratch as well. This doesn’t just mean making sure that you have a portable charger or travel adapter on-hand to ensure all your tech gadgets are fully charged. Which to me is essential for long train and bus rides.
Yet, one piece of technology you may not have thought about but definitely need to consider is a VPN or virtual private network. Here, we will look at why.
Why we use a VPN when we travel
Having a VPN while traveling is essential to us for many reasons. Firstly, it provides us with enhanced security and privacy by encrypting our internet connection, which is crucial when we’re using public Wi-Fi networks at airports, hotels, or cafes. These networks are often unsecured and can be easy targets for hackers looking to steal personal information.
A VPN also allows us to bypass geographical restrictions, enabling access to content and services that may be blocked in certain countries, such as streaming platforms or social media sites.
Lastly, we use a VPN to help protect our data from government surveillance in regions with strict internet regulations.
1. Stay safe and secure
Whether you’re bringing a laptop, tablet, or just a smartphone, you need to stay on top of cybersecurity while traveling. Likely, you want to stop your device from getting stolen when in a new country. And you should always keep your electronics in your hotel safe when out of the room and never leave your laptop etc unattended when working in a Cafe.
But, you should also be mindful of your data. Connecting to unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks, especially those in public places, should always be done with caution.
A VPN allows you to encrypt your connection, meaning that it’s a lot harder for potential hackers to access it. Even if they’re on the same network. Of course, it’s not fool-proof and you should be mindful of what apps and sites you log into in public places. But, it can do a lot of good.
2. Get into blocked websites
Depending on where you go in the world, you can find that a lot of the websites you like to visit, or even need, can be blocked by the local internet providers. Even things like social media sites, including Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube can be blocked by government censors.
With the help of the VPN, you can make your traffic look like it’s coming from a different country. Which can allow you to access those same websites. Just be sure to do so in a private setting.
3. Watch your favorite TV shows
One of the most popular uses of a VPN is that it allows you to watch the same online TV shows and movies from the services of your choice as you did back home. Netflix, Amazon and the like all have localized offerings, meaning that some of the shows you were watching back home might not be available where you are.
This is even more true of national channels like BBC iPlayer. If you want to keep watching your favorites, then VPNs let you do that by, again, disguising your connection so it looks like you’re a visitor from another country.
4. Accessing your bank accounts
A lot of people experience the nightmare of having their bank account frozen while they are overseas. It’s always recommended you let your bank know that you’re traveling so that overseas activity doesn’t look as suspicious to them. However, just to stay on the safe side, you can use a VPN when accessing your bank accounts online, making it look like traffic is coming from back home.
A VPN can be a godsend to a traveler, helping them stay secure, keep their connections private, and access all of their favorite media, no matter where they are in the world.
Thanks for Reading!
In short, a VPN ensures that your online activities remain private and secure, giving you peace of mind while traveling the world.
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Last Updated on February 24, 2025 by snaphappytravel