As you zip up your suitcase, double-check your passport, and count your socks for the umpteenth time, you might overlook one item in your travel checklist: a VPN. Whether traveling domestically or across borders, leaving your home without a VPN is like leaving for a mountain hike without a water bottle. It’s not a good idea.
The VPN is the unsung hero of your globetrotting adventures. It keeps your information secure, stops pesky snoopers on public Wi-Fi networks, and lets you access the important websites you rely on back home — including streaming platforms. So before you head to the airport, let’s explore why you need a VPN for traveling and how they can help you stay secure on your travels.
You can easily download CyberGhost’s apps to your devices and take our VPN with you wherever you go. Just follow these simple steps to get started:
- Choose your plan and sign up for CyberGhost VPN.
- Download the CyberGhost VPN app to your device.
- Log in and connect to one of our servers. That’s it!
What Is a Travel VPN?
A travel VPN is simply a VPN that’s well-suited to traveling thanks to its features and server locations. VPNs are applications that help you surf the internet securely while you’re on the go. They reroute your connection through an encrypted tunnel, which scrambles your traffic so no one can see what you’re doing online. That’s especially important on public Wi-Fi where cybercriminals wait patiently to steal your sensitive information, like passwords and credit card details.
When you connect to a VPN, it also switches your IP address to the VPN server’s IP address. This conceals your location to stop websites from tracking activity back to your real IP address. Even better, it lets you get around restrictions so you can unblock websites even when you’re away from home. Just connect to a server in your home country and it’s like you never left!
Not all VPNs will be helpful on your travels. A good travel VPN will have high-speed servers in locations you need (preferably both your home region and travel destination). The VPN should also have 24/7 customer support in case you have technical questions while abroad and need help quickly.
When Should I Use a Travel VPN?
That’s simple — whenever you travel. We also recommend using a VPN whenever you go online, even at home and on trusted networks, because it’s the best way to boost your online privacy.
Without a VPN, everything you do online is visible — to your ISP, cybercriminals, local authorities, and many other online spies. A VPN stops these snoopers from looking at your activity and tracking you across the web, keeping your online activities secure while you’re on the move.
You should also use a travel VPN when blocks get in the way of you accessing your accounts. Your bank might get suspicious about your new IP address in another country and block you from accessing your accounts. Some overseas networks also restrict websites and apps, especially streaming platforms. A VPN lets you switch your IP address so you can safely get around these blocks and pick up where you left off.
How to Set Up a Travel VPN
Setting up with a Travel VPN is easy. Most premium VPNs have native apps for all major operating systems (free VPNs are another story though). All you have to do is create an account and download the VPN app. You should be able to find the relevant app for your device on the VPN’s website or your preferred app store. Sign in on the app after it’s finished installing, choose a VPN server, and click to connect. That’s it!
If you want to get back into your beloved Netflix account, choose a server from your home country to start streaming. Otherwise, choose a server in the same country as you or one close by to ensure you get the best speeds.
Taking multiple gadgets? Make sure your VPN supports that! With CyberGhost VPN, you get 7 simultaneous connections. If you have tablets, mobiles, and laptops on holiday, you can protect them all.
Why Should I Use a Travel VPN?
A VPN for travel is the best way to keep you and your accounts secure — but it also offers many other benefits. You can use a travel VPN to get around overseas blocks, avoid unwanted privacy intrusion, and track down deals.
Access Blocked Websites and Apps
Traveling to new places is great for exploring new cultures, but not so great when you can’t get access to your favorite apps. Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu are often unavailable. Even online banking apps can be blocked if you go overseas because your foreign IP address might be flagged as suspicious activity. If you visit somewhere your apps are blocked, you won’t be able to get into your account.
A VPN helps you get around these annoying restrictions. It changes your IP address to one from a location of your choice, so it looks like you’re surfing the web from there. Online services detect the VPN server’s IP address, not your real one. You can simply select a server in a country where your apps are available to regain access to your accounts.
Unlock the Best Deals
Prices fluctuate depending on where you go in the world. You might’ve found your next flight cheap in one place, but prices can creep up as soon as you head elsewhere thanks to dynamic pricing. It’s annoying, but it’s not the last resort.
A VPN can help you save money by changing your virtual location to another country. You can try a few different server locations to find the best prices for hotel bookings and flight tickets. If you already know where you can grab the best deal, choose a server from that location and get online.
Pro tip: It’s best to use incognito mode when shopping around with a VPN so you’re not logged into anything that can give away your real location.
Browse with Enhanced Security
Connecting to public Wi-Fi in hotels and restaurants is convenient but it’s unsafe. These networks are notorious hideouts for cybercriminals who spy on your every move — that’s risky if you’re checking up on emails or sending payments via online banking!
A travel VPN layers your traffic in encryption, which makes it unreadable to any snoopers, even if they’re on the same network. They can’t look at what you’re doing online, so you can securely move money and send emails without worrying about who’s watching.
Get Unlimited Privacy Protection
Websites track you online no matter where you are. They log your information, profile you, and can share your data with third parties. If you visit a country with tough censorship and surveillance, data logging is particularly problematic. Authorities could easily snoop on your online habits and even penalize you if you do or say something they don’t approve of.
A VPN keeps your privacy intact by encrypting your connection so no one can spy on what you’re doing. This makes it incredibly difficult for network owners, ISPs, and authorities to see what you’re doing online. VPNs also make it harder for websites to profile you and target you with ads. That’s because your real IP address is hidden and anyone else connected to the VPN server also shares your new IP address.
If you choose a VPN with a No Logs policy, you can avoid VPN data logging too — the VPN doesn’t keep records about you or your browsing habits. CyberGhost VPN also offers a Kill Switch for additional leakproof protection. This blocks your activity if something ever interrupts your VPN connection until it’s safe to get back online.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Travel
There are plenty of providers to choose from, so how do you know which VPN is the best one for traveling? Let’s look into the features that make a VPN great for international travel.
Security and Privacy
Tourists are one of the most attractive targets for cybercriminals because they’re unfamiliar with the local scene and won’t be staying long enough to keep an investigation going. A good travel VPN should have robust encryption protocols to secure your online traffic. When you’re out and about traveling the world, your sensitive information needs to be protected more than ever. Go for a VPN using a robust algorithm like AES 256-bit encryption, so you’re sure your data is safe.
You should also select a VPN with strong privacy standards, including a No Logs policy. This means the VPN doesn’t keep records of your online activity when you’re connected to its servers. It doesn’t track or store your browsing history, online searches, downloads, and other sensitive information. Some travel VPNs offer additional privacy features like a Kill Switch to keep your activity under wraps even if your device kicks you off your VPN connection.
Server Network
You’ll need a travel VPN with a large and reliable server network. Choose a VPN with worldwide servers, so you can always find nearby connections. You should also look for a VPN with servers from back home to ensure you can get access to the websites and apps you need with a local IP address.
Server infrastructure matters too. Look for VPNs with good hardware so congested servers and slow speeds won’t stop you from getting online. Some VPNs even offer extra features like streaming-optimized servers and obfuscated servers for high-speed streaming and avoiding tough censorship.
Speed and Performance
The best VPNs for overseas travel should offer fast and stable connections that support uninterrupted browsing, streaming, and downloads. It ensures you won’t be stuck in the slow lane when streaming your favorite shows or uploading epic travel selfies. Look for a VPN with unlimited bandwidth and high-speed servers so you have reliable online connections for whatever you’re doing.
Device Compatibility
The VPN you choose should allow multiple simultaneous connections, so you can protect your smartphone, laptop, and other devices conveniently. This means you can leave the VPN connected on multiple devices simultaneously, so there’s no need to hop on and off servers across devices.
You can download CyberGhost VPN to secure up to 7 devices simultaneously on your trip. We have dedicated apps for most devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, and many others.
Customer Support
Round-the-clock customer support is crucial when it comes to choosing a VPN for international traveling. You never know when you’ll run into a technical hiccup and find yourself in need of assistance. Choose a travel VPN with 24/7 Customer Support to ensure you get your issues resolved ASAP, no matter what the time difference is!
Reputation and Reviews
Nothing is more useful than customer reviews when choosing a travel VPN. Check what other users say about the VPN online to see how well it works and what features they like best. If you know a VPN has a strong reputation, you can better rely on the service for your travel needs.
Why CyberGhost VPN is the Best VPN for Traveling
CyberGhost VPN is an excellent travel VPN because it gives you speed, security, and unrestricted access in one. We have a giant VPN server fleet spread across 100 countries, giving you plenty of options to virtually teleport anywhere! You won’t have much trouble finding a server in the country you’re visiting or accessing content from home. You’ll also find streaming-optimized servers and 10 Gbps-boosted servers in busy locations for even better speeds.
We prioritize data security and use the most advanced VPN protocols and highest encryption standards, so your personal data remains a well-kept secret. We’re not interested in your browsing history either — and our independently audited No Logs policy proves it. Plus, you can protect 7 devices with one subscription.
If you have any questions on the road, CyberGhost VPN’s Customer Support team has your back around the clock. Whether you’re watching a movie before bed in Tokyo or getting your morning news in LA, you always have someone to assist you if you run into a hiccup.
Will a Travel VPN Slow Down Internet Speeds?
Using a VPN can slow down your speeds due to the additional security steps, but how much depends on the provider. If you choose a VPN with fewer servers or limited bandwidth, you’ll likely run into even slower speeds and congested traffic. This can cause buffering and other interruptions while you’re online.
We don’t recommend a free VPN when traveling. They’re terrible for privacy and not reliable for high-speed connections either. You should be able to count on good connection speeds while away from home and that’s exactly where free VPNs fail. They usually have limited server networks and slow tunneling protocols, which means frequent connection interruptions.
You can download CyberGhost VPN to get speed and security in one. We use 10-Gbps servers and ultra-fast VPN protocols like IKEv2, WireGuard®, and OpenVPN.
Where Are Travel VPNs Illegal?
Using a travel VPN is legal in most countries, but not all. Countries with intense surveillance and censorship laws often ban VPNs so citizens can’t get around blocks.
Some countries ban VPN use completely, while others strictly control it. Be wary of using a VPN if you’re visiting any of these countries:
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- China
- Russia
- North Korea
- Belarus
- United Arab Emirates
- Uganda
- Oman
- Turkey
- Saudi Arabia
- Pakistan
- Iran
- Iraq
Remember, even though travel VPNs are legal in most places, it’s important to use them responsibly and comply with relevant laws and regulations. Similarly, streaming or downloading content outside licensed territories may violate copyright laws. CyberGhost doesn’t recommend breaking agreements or laws with or without a VPN.
Travel VPN Mistakes to Avoid
Before you jet off, we want to leave you with our top two travel VPN tips.
Don’t Buy the Cheapest VPN
You can find plenty of cheap and even free VPNs, but they’ll make you pay in other ways. Low or zero-cost VPNs have to make cutbacks somewhere — usually compromising your privacy. These VPNs often have logging policies, so they might track and sell your data. Some also lack the security features needed to keep your information concealed, including strong encryption and VPN protocols.
You can still find plenty of budget-friendly VPNs offering reliable, secure connections. CyberGhost VPN has various plans to choose from — all with the same great features. You can even try it risk-free with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Don’t Turn Off Your VPN
Disconnecting from your VPN means your traffic is visible, which could make you vulnerable to tracking and cyber attacks. If you’re visiting a blocked website from back home, you’ll be kicked off — but even worse, you could be penalized by local authorities, depending on where you are.
If you download CyberGhost VPN, you get 7 simultaneous connections so you can leave the VPN running on all your devices at once — that way you don’t need to expose your traffic to online spies.
What Are Some Helpful Cybersecurity Tips for Travelers?
Using a VPN when traveling will help keep you secure but it’s not enough. You still need to practice good digital hygiene to maintain your online privacy. Here’s a travel cybersecurity checklist to ensure your vacation doesn’t become a digital nightmare.
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- Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Enable MFA for your email, social media, and financial accounts to add an extra layer of security.
- Secure devices: Set strong, unique passwords for your devices and enable remote tracking and wiping features in case of theft or loss.
- Update software: Keep your devices and software up to date to patch security vulnerabilities cybercriminals may exploit.
- Beware of phishing: Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages, as cybercriminals may use phishing scams to trick you into revealing sensitive information.
- Use secure websites: Ensure websites you visit have “https” in the URL, indicating a secure connection. Avoid accessing sensitive data on unsecured sites.
- Local data backup: Regularly back up your data to an external drive or cloud storage to prevent data loss in case of theft or damage to your devices.
- Public Wi-Fi caution: Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or conducting financial transactions on public Wi-Fi networks. Use your VPN for added security.
- Shred documents: Securely dispose of travel-related documents like boarding passes and hotel receipts to prevent identity theft.
- Privacy settings: Review and adjust the privacy settings on your social media accounts to limit the information you share with the public.
- Adopt a ‘need to know’ policy: Share travel plans and itineraries only with trusted individuals to reduce the risk of being targeted by cybercriminals.
- Secure cloud storage: If you use cloud storage, ensure your data is protected with strong passwords and encryption.
- Local cybersecurity laws: Be aware of and respect the cybersecurity and privacy laws of the country you are visiting.
Don’t Forget to Pack Your VPN!
A VPN is your digital passport to an unrestricted internet. With the right VPN, you can get around censorship blocks, skip surveillance, and protect your information from digital thieves.
For steady and secure connections no matter where your travels take you, why not try CyberGhost VPN? Our VPN has military-grade encryption, super-fast speeds, and advanced unblocking capabilities that give you a safe, unrestricted connection. Now you’re packed and ready to go!
FAQs
CyberGhost is the best VPN for travel. CyberGhost’s worldwide network of high-speed, secure VPN servers means you can connect anywhere. Our VPN also uses 256-bit encryption and strong protocols (including WireGuardⓇ and OpenVPN) to break through firewalls and overseas blocks, while keeping your traffic secure.
The same way it works when you’re at home. Log in to the VPN app, find a server in the location you need, and press connect. The VPN switches your IP address with another and wraps your traffic in encryption so you can surf the web freely, without oversight. If you need to unblock websites from home, choose a server from your home country.
A VPN lets you unblock websites anywhere. You can connect to any of CyberGhost VPN’s worldwide servers to access the sites you need. Remember that some of your favorite websites and apps could be blocked in some countries, so you’ll need to select a server from a location where they’re accessible to get back into your accounts.
Yes, travel VPNs are completely legal. Many people use VPNs for travel so they can freely access websites from back home and keep their information secure. Some countries restrict VPN use and others ban them completely. Keep this in mind when traveling, especially to places like China or Russia.
Yes. It’s a good idea to use a VPN anywhere you go, but especially in airports. You’ll find plenty of free public Wi-Fi hotspots in airports, which usually invite unwanted cybercriminals who wait to spy on your information. A VPN keeps your traffic encrypted so cybercriminals can’t look at what you’re doing or steal any important information.
All countries! A VPN keeps your traffic secure no matter which country you travel to. Some countries also have unfavorable data retention laws and tough surveillance, so it’s even more important to use a VPN in these areas. China, Russia, and the UAE are just a few examples of countries with intense censorship — the government watches your every move. With a VPN, you can surf the web more privately without outsiders watching.
You can, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Free VPNs usually come with loopholes, like fewer servers, shaky speeds, and poor encryption. Some even log your data and share it with third parties. You can’t rely on a free VPN to have servers where you need them, or to keep you sufficiently secure on your travels.
It could just be an issue with the VPN server, which is a quick fix. Try disconnecting and reconnecting to another server in the same place, or elsewhere if you don’t need a specific country IP address. If that doesn’t work, make sure your VPN app is updated. You can also try restarting the VPN app to regain your connection.
Yes. A VPN works whether you’re connected to Wi-Fi or using cellular data. As long as you have an internet connection, the VPN will work. You can’t use a VPN to get around data caps or roaming charges, so bear this in mind before connecting.
No. Roaming charges depend on your internet provider. You still rely on your ISP to connect to the internet, even while using a VPN. Roaming costs depend on your physical location, not your virtual IP address.
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