How to Use a VPN When Traveling
A VPN can be used in different ways depending on what your priorities are: data safety, anonymity, privacy, and more. This article will outline the why and how of using a VPN when traveling.
Why should you use a VPN?
To appreciate the importance of a Virtual Private Network (VPN), one must understand how a VPN works. In a nutshell, a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel that makes sure your online activities are secure and safe from prying eyes. With this in mind, here are the best reasons why you should use a VPN.
Hide your online identity
Online identity involves your IP address and geo-location, which by default is public. With an increase in cyber criminal activities and other third-party tracking services which might be intrusive and invasive, it’s vital that you mask your identity. A VPN achieves this by assigning your device a new IP address depending on your desired location. By doing this, a VPN also protects your privacy.
Encryption services
VPNs uses protocols to encrypt your data and ensure that your communications and online activities are secure. A secure VPN connection is created by using military-grade 256-bit encryption which is un-crackable. This makes sure no one can eavesdrop or snoop on your data, for example, when you are connected to an unsecured public WiFi.
Access popular streaming services and online content
Apart from security, today’s VPNs allow users to stream video and music from services such as Netflix, HBO Go and Spotify which otherwise may be geographically blocked. Equipped with high speeds and unlimited bandwidth, VPNs are capable of streaming HD content.
Increase your privacy and security
Censorship is what most governments and states use to suppress and control people’s freedom of expression online and to limit the press. This is further enabled by surveillance mostly done by ISPs. Using surveillance, ISPs may also limit your access to some content and throttle your internet speeds. With the repeal of net neutrality, this is another reason why you should have a reputable VPN to ensure no one sees your online activities.
When to use a VPN for travel
For travel, there are actually two instances when it’s a good time to use a VPN.
Before traveling
Unknown to many potential travelers, one of the best times to use a VPN for travel is before actually traveling. This is because a VPN will help you beat price discrimination, price steering, and other market segmentation techniques used by the transport industries. This will, in turn, may greatly increase your ability to find the lowest possible rates for flights, hotels, and more. Here are some cases where using a VPN enables you to save:
Use a VPN when booking flights
By using price discrimination and other flight booking algorithms, airlines charge different booking prices for different locations. Some people can be charged exorbitantly while others very cheaply. By using your IP address, airline booking sites determine your location and use their algorithm to allocate you the appropriate flight price. For people without a VPN, this is bad news.But if you have a VPN, you can try finding flights from different locations on the booking site by using different server locations using your VPN’s wide range of IP addresses. But remember, some booking sites may use cookies to track your location as well. For best results, clear your browser cookies and browse using the incognito mode. You can also disable tracking services in your browser.
Use a VPN when booking car online
Similar to booking flights, car rentals also use price discrimination based on your location. Users from different countries end up paying different prices. You might end up paying less if, for example, you reside in that particular country rather than when you are a foreigner. Since most people make a booking in advance from their home country, they end up paying more. To avoid this, on your VPN, connect to a server in the country where you’ll be traveling to, and then rent a car from that location. You may also try to switch between countries to determine which locations offer the lowest prices.
During your travels
The other instance when you should use a VPN for travel is during your travels. This is because a VPN will help hide your identity, keep your sensitive information secure, and even protect you from online attackers. There’s nothing so frustrating as having your financial information hacked when you are abroad.
Benefits of using a VPN when traveling
When traveling, it’s essential to secure what you do online. Here are the benefits of using a VPN during your travels.
Securing your internet connection
When traveling, you may end up using free public wifi which is inherently unsafe. Unsecured wifi comes with a myriad of risks such as man-in-the-middle attacks, spoofing, and eavesdropping – all meant to steal your sensitive data such as financial transactions or even your identity. Using a VPN, you won’t have to worry about these risks, as a VPN creates a secure tunnel and encrypts your online transactions and flow of information from your device to the server. This ensures no one will hack your data, emails, or other sensitive information and gain access to your credit card, online banking credentials, or passwords.
Getting rid of prying eyes
Some local ISPs may track foreigners for monitoring, tracking, and surveillance purposes. This collected data might be used to throttle your connection, block your access to some websites, or it may be sold to companies seeking to profit off of you. This data can then be used to target you with intrusive ads. A VPN is your best remedy to this problem; due to the encryption involved, the local ISP will not know what kind of data to collect, since it’s hidden from them.
Increase your privacy and security
Different countries may have different types of internet censorship intended to block freedom of expression. The most common use of this censorship involves blocking social media networking sites, though often many other sites may also be blocked. This isn’t good news, especially for a traveler who needs to access some websites and also desires to post his/her travel adventures on a blog that might be blocked. But by using a VPN, you can gain access to these sites. But beware: depending on where you are in the world you might attract the attention of censors. Make sure you know the VPN laws of the country you are visiting.
Access to streaming sites
Since cord-cutting came into existence, people are relying less on cable TV to watch a favorite show. With a paid subscription to a streaming media site such as Netflix, you get your shows on the go. This is all good and well until you travel to a country which doesn’t support Netflix or your other favorite streaming sites. This is the point where you either watch what’s provided locally, even if you don’t understand the local language, or start regretting your choice to travel in the first place! Using a fast VPN, things are different; you can gain access to your streaming accounts and enjoy your favorite Netflix originals.
How to Set Up a VPN for Travel
Setting up a VPN for your travel needs is an easy task that only requires you to make a decision about what VPN service to use and what plan to choose. For purposes of this guide, PureVPN is the best fit. Here are the steps for setting up the free trial:
Figure 1 PureVPN
- Open the PureVPN website and click on the Get PureVPN Button.
- A new page will load where you will select your suitable plan and proceed to the order page where you will enter your email and then select your payment method. After the payment is made, you will be able to download the client which you will install.
- You will also receive an email with a username and password for the client as well as the password for your member area.
- After complete installation, you will be presented with an option to launch the VPN and log in.
- You can then select the mode you want and then choose your server location and make a VPN connection.
Best VPNs for Travel
When traveling, not all VPNs are helpful. Top tier market VPNs have what it takes and are supported in almost many countries. Here are some of the best VPNs to use for your travels.
ExpressVPN
This VPN is regarded as one of the best and even claims to be the number one trusted leader in the VPN realm. Few can argue with that, as this VPN has offshore privacy protection, ultra-security, high blazing speeds, and 1700+ global VPN servers. This is a VPN you won’t want to leave behind when traveling
PureVPN
The intentions of this VPN are indeed pure: to make security and freedom accessible to anyone, anywhere. Those are the things you need when traveling. PureVPN has 750+ servers in 140+ countries and offers a wide range of features as well as 24/7 live chat support.
CyberGhost
This VPN is an all-in-one online privacy app that fulfills all your online needs. As a traveler, you may need to reclaim your right to digital privacy, and that’s where CyberGhost VPN comes in. They are based in Romania, offer access to streaming services, adblocker, zero logs.
ExpressVPN
This VPN is regarded as one of the best and even claims to be the number one trusted leader in the VPN realm. Few can argue with that, as this VPN has offshore privacy protection, ultra-security, high blazing speeds, and 1700+ global VPN servers. This is a VPN you won’t want to leave behind when traveling
PureVPN
The intentions of this VPN are indeed pure: to make security and freedom accessible to anyone, anywhere. Those are the things you need when traveling. PureVPN has 750+ servers in 140+ countries and offers a wide range of features as well as 24/7 live chat support.
CyberGhost VPN
This VPN is an all-in-one online privacy app that fulfills all your online needs. As a traveler, you may need to reclaim your right to digital privacy, and that’s where CyberGhost VPN comes in. They are based in Romania, offer access to streaming services, ad-blocker, zero logs.
Do’s and Don’ts to protect yourself while traveling
While using a VPN may offer all the security and privacy you need, there are other things you should consider that may strengthen or sabotage this security. Sometimes, you might not use a VPN service because it may be banned in a country you traveled to. In this situation, here are some do’s and don’ts you need to consider to protect your digital profile while traveling.
Use stronger passwords
To reduce the chances of hackers being successful when trying to crack your password, always use a stronger password for each of your accounts. All of your accounts, from social media sites to online banking, should have different strong passwords of about 8 to 12 characters long involving alphanumeric and special symbols. If you are having trouble creating stronger passwords, use an online password generator. Longer,t stronger passwords are harder to remember, so you may want to . use a password manager in which you only need to remember the master password.
Update your device
You might be traveling to a country that is prone to cyber-attacks. Attackers usually exploit bugs and vulnerabilities in older systems which are not secure. Before traveling, ensure your device is up to date and has the latest software updates. Also, don’t forget to update the antivirus.
Always be alert when you are online
For example, when accessing certain websites, ensure that they are not spoofed. Makes sure you have written down or have a copy of the website URLs to check against. Also, ensure that the sites you visit start with “https” if they involve keying in sensitive data. Sites with https at the beginning of its url have the required security certificates, and therefore, they meet the required security standards.
Set up a travel account
To avoid getting hit hard by online fraud when traveling abroad, set aside different travel funds and create separate travel accounts for them. This will ensure your primary account isn’t hit if someone manages to get your travel financial credentials. Also, use your credit card’s monitoring services, which work in your favor to ensure that fraudulent activities are kept at bay.
Beware of basic federal laws regarding VPN
Before using VPNs in some countries, first ensure if they are allowed. Some states have strict regulations regarding use of VPNs and other IP changing services. Penalties include temporary imprisonment and a hefty fine. Nobody wants to be jailed when traveling. Also, be aware of the data policies in the countries you’re visiting. Some countries have data retention laws, and using some VPNs may get you into trouble.
Conclusion
It’s always a good idea to ensure that you use a VPN at all times even when traveling. This is too good way to guarantee your security, privacy, and identity are protected when you’re abroad.
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