Your hotel WiFi is unfamiliar, your favourite streaming service may show a different library, and some websites or calling apps may be unavailable at your destination. These are just a few situations where having a VPN while travelling can come in handy.
A VPN can encrypt your online traffic and switch your virtual location, but choosing the right one and preparing it before departure are equally important. In this guide, you will learn the benefits of a travel VPN, what to look for in one, and how to get the right settings for your trip.
Key Takeaways:
Why Do You Need a VPN When Travelling?
Here are some common situations where a VPN can help during your travels:
Using Airport and Hotel WiFi Safely
Free WiFi hotspots at airports and hotels are convenient, but you rarely know how well these networks are secured. Fake hotspots can also imitate legitimate networks to trick travellers into connecting.
A VPN adds a layer of security when browsing on unfamiliar networks, particularly when accessing personal accounts. Always confirm the network name with airport or hotel staff before connecting to reduce the risk of joining a fake hotspot.
Streaming Your Home TV Abroad
Your streaming subscriptions might look different when you travel overseas. After all, streaming platforms have to comply with regional licensing agreements which determine which movies, TV shows, and live sports they can offer in each country.
By connecting to a VPN server in your home country, you can gain access to familiar programming. However, results may vary depending on how strict the streaming platform’s anti-VPN measures are.
Working Remotely While Travelling
Whether you are answering work emails from a hotel or accessing company files from a coworking space, working on the go often means connecting your work laptop to WiFi networks you do not control.
A VPN protects your connection when handling work-related information, making it useful for freelancers, digital nomads, and business travellers. Continue using any security tools your employer requires for company access.
Accessing Restricted Websites and Apps
Imagine arriving at your destination and discovering that your usual messaging apps, social media platforms, or news websites are unavailable. The situation can get frustrating when you need to contact family or coordinate your travel plans.
For example, countries such as China restrict access to popular online services, while the UAE regulates internet calling apps. A travel VPN lets you connect through servers in other countries, which can help you regain access to familiar websites and apps.
Comparing Flight and Hotel Prices
Travel booking platforms sometimes display different prices and promotions depending on the market, currency, and booking conditions. Try connecting to servers in different countries when comparing flights and accommodation.
You could come across regional offers that were not displayed during your initial search. Compare the final prices, including taxes, booking fees, and currency conversion charges, before making a reservation.
Related Read: How to Use a VPN to Get Cheaper Flights
Banking Online Without Lockouts
Need to transfer money, pay a bill, or check your balance during your trip? Signing into your bank account from an unfamiliar country can sometimes trigger additional security checks, making it harder to get in.
A VPN with a dedicated IP gives you a consistent IP address every time you connect, regardless of where you travel. It can help reduce login interruptions associated with frequently changing IP addresses when managing your finances abroad.
What to Look for in a VPN for Travel
Choosing the right VPN for international travel depends on the features you will actually need during your trip. The five things worth checking before you subscribe include:
| Criteria | Why It Matters |
| Global server network | Servers in your home country help with accessing familiar services, while nearby locations can offer better connection speeds |
| Security and privacy | Strong encryption protects your traffic, a kill switch helps prevent leaks, and an audited no-log policy provides extra privacy assurance |
| Obfuscated servers | Make VPN traffic harder to identify, which is useful in countries or networks that restrict VPN connections |
| Device compatibility and multi-logins | Support for phones, laptops, and tablets allows you to protect multiple travel devices under one subscription |
| Connection performance and support | WireGuard and OpenVPN offer speed and compatibility options, with 24/7 support for connection issues |
VPN Travel Checklist: Must-Have Checks for Any Trip
A little preparation can save you from connection problems during your trip. Use this checklist to get your VPN ready before departure and keep it working once you reach your destination:
Before You Leave
Install and sign in to your VPN on all the devices you plan to take.
Test your connection and check the server locations you expect to use.
Check VPN laws and internet restrictions at your destination.
Review your kill switch and obfuscation settings, where supported.
Download important travel documents, maps, and other essentials for offline access.
Once You Arrive
Confirm the official airport or hotel WiFi network before joining.
Complete any WiFi login page before connecting to your VPN.
Choose a server location based on your browsing needs.
Verify that your VPN connection is active before browsing.
Check your connection when switching between WiFi and mobile data.
Try another server or supported protocol if you encounter connection problems.
How to Set Up VPN for Travel in 4 Simple Steps
PureVPN checks the key boxes for a travel VPN, from global server coverage and obfuscation to multi-device support. Here is how to set it up for your trip:
- Get PureVPN: Choose a subscription plan and download the PureVPN app for your device.
- Install and sign in: Complete the installation, open the app, and log in with your account credentials.
- Choose a server location: Select your home country to access familiar services or a nearby location for general browsing.
- Verify your connection: Check for the Connected status in the app. You can also use an IP lookup tool to confirm your IP address has changed.
5 Best VPN Settings for Travellers and How They Help
PureVPN offers several settings that can come in handy when travelling internationally, including:
Kill Switch
Losing your VPN connection on public WiFi can leave your internet traffic exposed. PureVPN’s Internet Kill Switch prevents your device from accessing the internet outside the VPN tunnel if the connection drops unexpectedly. It is useful when switching between networks at airports, hotels, or other public places.
VPN Protocols
Different VPN protocols offer different advantages depending on your connection needs. PureVPN supports WireGuard for fast, secure connections and OpenVPN with TCP and UDP options. You can leave automatic protocol selection enabled or switch protocols manually if you encounter connection issues during your trip.
Obfuscation
Some networks use technology to detect and restrict VPN traffic. PureVPN’s Obfuscation makes your VPN connection harder to identify by disguising it as regular internet traffic. Available through OpenVPN, the feature can be particularly useful when visiting destinations with strict internet controls.
Auto-Connect
Connecting to multiple WiFi networks throughout your trip can make it easy to forget to turn on your VPN. PureVPN’s Auto-Connect feature can automatically activate your VPN when you join an untrusted network. You can also configure Trusted Networks on your Windows and Android devices.
Related Read: How to Set Up VPN Auto-Connect for Better Security
Split Tunneling
Want to use a home-country service through your VPN while keeping a local app on your regular connection? PureVPN’s Split Tunneling feature lets you decide which apps and services use the VPN and which connect directly to the internet. The feature is available on Windows and Android.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A VPN is worth having when travelling, especially for protecting your browsing on public WiFi, accessing familiar services from home, and working remotely.
PureVPN is a solid option, offering 6,000+ servers across 65+ countries, obfuscation, strong encryption, up to 10 simultaneous connections, and 24/7 customer support.
Yes. VPNs work with travel eSIMs, local SIM cards, and regular mobile data. Simply connect to the internet, open your VPN app, and choose a server.
Yes. VPNs work in many countries worldwide, although local regulations and network restrictions can affect availability. Check the VPN rules at your destination before travelling.
Yes, provided the airline offers internet access and permits VPN connections. Connect to the onboard WiFi, complete any required login, and activate your VPN.
Free VPNs often have limited servers, data caps, and slower speeds. A reputable paid VPN is generally a better option for frequent travellers who need reliable connections.
