Here, we will show you why you need a VPN when traveling.
We all travel from one place to another for work, family, and other commitments. Some of us travel within the country, and some within the state. Some travel from one country to another, primarily due to work.
Have you ever wondered when you travel, there are certain websites which are very important for your job or work can't be accessed?
Yes, you heard it right. Certain websites are restricted in some areas. What is the solution to this problem, as your work and daily life will be hampered due to this restriction? The answer to this is a VPN. I will tell you the solution now.
What are you waiting for? VPN black Friday sale is nearing; grab your best VPN and have secure browsing.
Many of you have heard about VPNs before, but how many know that a VPN is a boon when traveling to places with certain web restrictions? So here is all you know about VPN and how it works when traveling.
Table of Contents
What Is A VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, which helps you secure browsing activities from prying eyes. It connects your device to another computer and creates a private network between the device and the computer.
Usually, you connect your device to your Internet Service Provider (ISP), and the ISP connects you to different websites. The service provider accesses all your data, so you are prone to spying.
But when you use a VPN, it encrypts all the data before it reaches your Internet Service Provider. Digital SIM will actively improve security. With the help of eSim, you feel free of local providers and physical SIM.
Your traffic is private with a VPN and less prone to hacking. It is a program that runs on your device that gives you privacy and security.
CHECK OUT: How to Use a VPN to Protect Your Online Privacy
Why Do You Need A VPN When Traveling?
Traveling can be an enriching experience, but it also comes with potential risks, especially regarding your online security.
Here's why using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) while traveling can be beneficial:
1. Enhanced Security on Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks, readily available in airports, hotels, and cafes, are often unsecured. Connecting to them without a VPN leaves your data vulnerable to snooping, eavesdropping, and even potential theft by hackers. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, acting like a secure tunnel that protects your data from prying eyes.
2. Access Geo-Restricted Content: Some websites and online services may restrict access based on location. For example, you might be unable to access your favorite streaming service or online banking platform abroad. A VPN allows you to connect to a server in your home country, making it appear that you're browsing from there, granting you access to the desired content.
3. Avoid Price Discrimination: Some websites and online services can practice price discrimination based on your location. By using a VPN and appearing to be browsing from a different region, you might be able to avoid inflated prices, especially when booking flights or accommodations.
4. Bypass Censorship: Certain countries restrict access to specific websites and information. A VPN can help bypass these restrictions by routing your traffic through a server in a location with no such limitations, allowing you to access the information you need freely.
READ ALSO: Cyber Security Risks And Solutions
Benefits Of Using A VPN When Traveling?
- Secure browsing while using public Wi-Fi: In a foreign land, you must communicate with your colleagues and family to inform them about your well-being or work. So, most of us buy SIM cards beforehand, but what about the internet? After you reach your destination, you will need the internet for your work and entertainment. So, we connect to public Wi-Fi at the airport, coffee shops, and hotels. But, using public Wi-Fi that many people use simultaneously makes you prone to phishing scams as your browsing activities are unencrypted, and hackers can access this information. Using a VPN will make your browsing data safe and only up to you.
- No more geographical restrictions: It allows you to watch a particular series on Netflix or any other streaming platform banned in your country. VPN uses the proxy of other countries where the show is streaming, allowing you to enjoy the shows.
- Remote office work: Suppose you have to travel to a different country or state for personal work and don’t want your job to get hampered. Here, a VPN can give you what you are looking for. When working outside the office, a VPN protects your work information. It also gives you access to the company's network and resources, enabling you to work from anywhere.
- Free from Government impositions: Sometimes, governments impose restrictions on accessing certain websites that might be useful to you. Countries like China and several others don’t want their citizens to visit certain websites that the government thinks may be harmful. Here, a VPN can be a solution. You can use the website without worry through a VPN, as data is encrypted and private.
- Hassle-free streaming from any location: When traveling to a foreign country, a VPN helps you access the restricted websites in that particular country. It allows you to enjoy all the services you had at your place in a foreign land.
- Private chats and video calls: In certain countries, some applications are used for A VPN that can help you secure any online conversation with others. It ensures that the voice or video chat remains private and secure. Let the platform be Skype or Hangout; VPN takes care of all.
- Economic flight booking options: You must pay a different amount for the same flight if booked from other countries. Yes, it’s true. For instance, you are booking a flight from London to New York, and the ticket price is 100 dollars if you are looking for flights in London. If you are searching for the same flight from Sydney, it will show you 75 dollars. So, all you have to do is use a VPN, a proxy that will have Sydney’s location, and book the flight for 75 dollars. It would help if you used a VPN to access the server using a different country's proxy for which ticket charges are less and book it.
- Access to the home network from anywhere: A VPN could be used to access your home network while traveling or outside. If you are traveling and need vital files saved on the home computer that you need urgently, then VPN helps to give that file spontaneously.
READ ALSO: Traveling Abroad: 5 Safety Tips When Connecting To Wi-Fi Overseas
Are There Any Drawbacks To A VPN?
Although a VPN gives numerous benefits to a traveler, it has some drawbacks, too. Some websites, especially bank sites, see incoming access from a VPN as suspicious and restrict access to their site.
Primarily, using a free VPN is not suggested. While using a free VPN, you will encounter slow upload and download speeds, and they even log your internet activities. So, never use a free VPN.
What VPN To Consider When Travelling?
There are several criteria to choose a VPN when traveling. A VPN must have servers in the country you are traveling to. Check if the VPN you choose has a vast network in most countries. Secondly, a VPN must have a clear and transparent privacy policy to avoid ambiguity. Thirdly, a VPN should be easy to handle and user-friendly.
Whether To Go For A VPN Or Not?
Everyone who is traveling, especially abroad, must use a VPN. It provides a private and secure browsing experience and gives you access to restricted or banned sites in other countries.
You can easily stay in a strange land with the facilities you used to enjoy in your hometown.
Conclusion
Overall, using a VPN while traveling can offer several advantages:
- Increased security and privacy on public Wi-Fi networks.
- Access to geo-restricted content and services.
- Potentially avoid price discrimination.
- Bypass censorship in certain countries.
However, choosing a reputable VPN provider with solid security features and a clear privacy policy is crucial. Remember, a VPN isn't a foolproof solution, but it can add a valuable layer of security and flexibility to your online experience while traveling.
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About the Author:
Chandra Palan is an Indian-born content writer, currently based in Australia with her husband and two kids. She is a passionate writer and has been writing for the past decade, covering topics ranging from technology, cybersecurity, data privacy and more. She currently works as a content writer for SecureBlitz.com, covering the latest cyber threats and trends. With her in-depth knowledge of the industry, she strives to deliver accurate and helpful advice to her readers.
