Best VPNs for Travel

A virtual private network (VPN) is a type of software that promotes increased internet safety. VPNs can prove useful when traveling both domestically and internationally. 

The best VPNs for travel create a secure connection to the internet at a reasonable price point while including helpful features such as intelligent customer support and exemplary security tools. VPNs offer safety and privacy features that allow you to spend less time worrying about potential hackers and more time mapping out your travels. 

Best VPNs for Travel

A strong VPN offers much-needed privacy when traveling. When comparing VPNs, examine key points of interest such as included features and expected price points to have a better understanding of the provided products. 

NordVPN

When it comes to speed and security, NordVPN is tough to beat. The VPN has over a decade of experience dedicated to internet safety. 

The VPN includes over 20 different benefits and features. Features include potential access to over 5,500 servers and a data-guarding kill switch. The impressive number of servers located around the world indicates NordVPN’s ability to provide a quick connection to the internet in over 50 countries. The VPN has minimal impact on the speed of a device, allowing for faster streaming and web searches. 

In terms of safety, users have access to dark web monitoring features that proactively search for potential data leaks. Personal data is protected behind an encrypted wall and newly added threat-protection services. The software offers multifactor authentication to safeguard access to the account and shields an individual’s internet protocol (IP) address behind a provided IP. An IP address is used to identify either a location or a device. Hiding an IP address helps improve anonymity. 

NordVPN ranks highly in terms of convenience because it’s able to protect multiple devices from a single account. Individuals can use VPN services on up to six devices. The company offers a business VPN option to provide specific protection for companies. 

The VPN provides several cost structures, ranging from monthly to two-year plans with a money-back guarantee. Packages come in three tiers, ranging from standard to complete coverage. The cost of complete coverage on an annual plan is often less than $10 per month. 

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN began in 2009 and has since expanded to serve users in more than 150 countries. The company offers servers in over 90 countries. The updated servers promote faster internet connection and improved location privacy when traveling in various countries. 

The VPN kill switch guards data by delaying internet connection during moments of VPN loss resulting from power issues or switches in Wi-Fi. Useful features such as split tunneling allow you to decide which devices are able to directly interact with the internet. The company has multiple kinds of VPN products, including browser extensions, hardware and VPN apps. 

Pricing ranges from a single month for less than $13 to a full year and includes a 30-day guarantee. 

Surfshark

While relatively new, what Surfshark lacks in age the company more than makes up for in safety features and skill. The company offers a wide selection of internet safety products ranging from VPNs to antivirus software. The VPN product includes features such as the ability to connect unlimited devices, use a kill switch, access encrypted browsing, change an IP address and select which websites you would like to bypass the VPN. This feature can prove useful if you want to access financial websites. The VPN includes a useful ad blocker that works to remove pesky ads while navigating the web. 

Pricing ranges from a single month to around two years. The price for one month often costs less than $15. With select promotions, it’s possible to purchase a year of coverage for less than $60. The software includes a money-back guarantee. 

IPVanish

IPVanish is a U.S. company that focuses on providing VPN software that shields an IP address, hides a user’s location and secures internet traffic. The main features include VPN access for several devices, high-speed web usage, unmonitored activity and vanishing IP addresses. 

IPVanish states that it does not actively monitor activity, so internet use is not recorded by the company, which can prove useful when traveling in different countries. The company has more than 2,000 servers boosting the speed of VPN service. IPVanish offers advanced features that include split tunneling, a kill switch and leak protection.

Prices range from monthly to yearly options. Monthly coverage costs less than $11. Annual coverage frequently begins as low as $50 for the initial year. The annual package includes antivirus protection, malware removal, unlimited VPN usage, 30 days of coverage and access to sites potentially censored in other countries.

Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is located in the United States and has over a decade of experience with VPNs. The company offers tools such as split tunneling, a dedicated IP, blocking malware, open-source apps and advanced encryption. 

Open-source software allows customers to view Private Internet Access’s code. This strategic move helps increase the number of inspections done to the code and elevates customer trust. To promote advanced privacy, no logs are recorded pertaining to an individual’s internet data. Private Internet Access also scans a user’s email address for breaches. The company prevents unwanted parties such as advertisers from connecting with a device’s microphone or camera. Users can place the VPN on a maximum of 10 items.

Private Internet Access backs select plans with a 30-day guarantee. Plans usually start at one month and extend up to about three years. The company offers useful add-ons such as antivirus software and a dedicated IP address. For one month the company typically charges less than $12. For annual plans, the monthly fees break down to an average of about $4 per month.

Why Do You Need a VPN for Traveling?

Using a VPN while traveling safeguards against possible data breaches and allows users to access necessary sites without being tracked. Traveling can be stressful, but a VPN removes some of the burdens by actively safeguarding devices. VPNs create a private internet connection in public settings and common areas such as restaurants or train stations. 

Security: A VPN protects against hackers and data breaches because it acts as a shield when using publicly provided internet sources. Although useful when traveling abroad, publicly provided internet can leave personal data vulnerable and easily accessible to strangers. 

Privacy: You should downplay your whereabouts when you’re traveling. A VPN promotes anonymity and allows users to access content without leaving a trail of easily traceable information such as a personal IP address. Many VPNs cover more than one device at a time. Privacy-protecting features cover the on-the-go traveler when searching for directions or actively online banking.

Access: Certain VPNs can circumvent content censorship and promote a more liberated version of the internet. Research the legality of using a VPN when traveling in certain countries. 

Considerations With VPNs

When considering a VPN, examine the potential drawbacks, which range from a potentially slower internet connection and limited access to certain websites to the legal status of VPNs in foreign countries. To more fully understand the various VPNs on the market, weigh the likely benefits and drawbacks in terms of both function and capability. 

Slower connection: Some VPNs have the potential to slow the speed of devices when connecting to the internet. The added security can decrease usage speed, which could prove inconvenient when working or traveling abroad.

Inability to access certain websites: Certain websites block access without a provided geolocation. Geo-locked content can typically only be accessed from select locations, but some VPNs can navigate the restriction. 

Location limitations: Before using a VPN internationally, check the regulations. For example, some countries allow limited VPN usage while others have fully banned the use of a virtual private network. 

Not foolproof security: When comparing VPNs, read the rules and regulations surrounding privacy and data sharing. Some VPNs mention the possibility of temporarily retaining data or keeping logs for a limited amount of time. Logs keep track of your online activities and make your supposedly private actions traceable. It’s also important to note that a VPN does not make a device impervious to potential cyber-attacks or hackers. You should continue accessing content with calculated discretion to avoid unwanted data breaches. 

Frequently Asked Questions