Travelling requires a lot of planning. You need to be prepared with a checklist of essentials, and then pack everything in such a way that you're not left with a crumpled mess of belongings on the other side.
Something you don't need to pack is a VPN, but it should still be at the top of your list. Why? These security services protect your data and personal information when you're travelling, as well as providing access to top streaming sites from around the world. So whether you're dreaming of getting away, planning your next big trip, or in the departure lounge, you need a VPN by your side.
What is a VPN?
VPNs provide protection for your data and identity when you're online by creating an encrypted tunnel for your online traffic. This protects your personal information by hiding your IP address, and allowing you to safely use public WiFi hotspots.
This means that your internet traffic can't be tracked and recorded by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or other third party, wherever you are in the world.
Do you need a VPN for travelling?
A VPN is an essential when you're travelling for two key reasons: encryption of your web traffic and access to the websites and apps you use when you're at home.
Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to the world, unless you're using a VPN. The likelihood of using an unsecured network is increased when you're away from home, so the need for a VPN is great.
The need to access content when travelling is also significant. There will be plenty of moments when you need to access a particular site or app when you're on the road, but you're blocked due to your location. VPNs can bypass these blockades by hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in the UK. This process can trick your favourite services into thinking that you're back home, meaning that you can continue to access the content you love.
What are the most important VPN features for travelling?
The best VPNs for travelling will have certain features in common. To help you make sense of everything, we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to think about before committing to a service. You should consider connection speed, server network, number of simultaneous connections, and more:
Connection speed — You shouldn't accept a significant drop in connection speed with a VPN, because this is going to result in buffering when you're streaming. If you're planning on watching a film or downloading a file when travelling, you should opt for something with decent connection speeds.
Number of simultaneous connections — The best VPNs let you connect a large (or unlimited) number of devices with the same account. A service that offers multiple simultaneous connections lets you protect all of your devices with the same plan.
Server network — The very best VPNs provide access to thousands of geographically diverse servers. It's useful if a VPN has a lot of servers in key locations, because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming, shopping, or browsing anonymously when you're travelling around.
Privacy policy — You should be aware of the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of a VPN, and these practices should be clearly laid out in a privacy policy. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up, so it's absolutely vital that your VPN is not going to store these details.
Encryption — You are likely to come across terms like "military-grade" and "enterprise-grade" encryption. There are clearly different levels of encryption, and whilst it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best options will all offer powerful protection for your data.
Bandwidth — There are VPNs that place monthly caps on network bandwidth. You should avoid these services, unless you're on a free trial. If you're paying for a VPN, you need to be able to download and upload as much as you want.
You should also think about things like price and subscription options, but these features represent are a good place to start.
Do you need to pay for the best VPNs?
There are a lot of free versions of top VPNs, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. With this in mind, why would you ever pay for a VPN?
The fact is you get what you pay for with VPNs. There are always catches with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. These plans will work fine for some people, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading on the move, it isn't going to work. Free trials work differently: they come without limitations, but don't tend to last very long. Trials give you the opportunity to test out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution if you're travelling.
To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up. The best VPNs are generally the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.
What is the best VPN for travelling?
There are a lot of VPNs out there all offering different sets of features, with different pricing plans. Finding the best service for you is not easy, so we recommend taking some time to carefully access your options and decide on what you really need from a provider. Once you have established your priorities, you can check out this roundup of the best VPNs for travel.
We have tracked down everything on offer and lined up a selection of the very best VPNs for travelling. We have tried to find something for everyone and every budget, and you can find popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN in this roundup.
These are the best VPNs for travelling in 2023.
NordVPN
Best For Security
- Monthly: £10.39/month
- One-year plan: £3.99/month
- Two-year plan: £3.19/month
Read our full review of NordVPN.
NordVPN has a reputation for being amongst the sturdiest, most reliable VPNs out there. NordVPN has fast servers that are also not on any blacklists. You should be able to stream Hulu or Netlfix shows in several European countries without any issues.
NordVPN says it offers over 5,000 servers worldwide. It lets you connect six devices at the same time, and it claims to keep no logs of your activities. INordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs, with a wide range of advanced security features that combine to protect your data and identity.
CyberGhost VPN
Best For Simplicity
- Monthly: £10.89/month
- Six-month plan: £6.19/month
- Two-year plan: £1.92/month
Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.
Cyberghost VPN has a really simple interface with easy-to-understand terminology explaining all of its features. It keeps things easy and focuses on strong security features. It’s very fast to set up and has intuitive apps for a variety of popular devices.
CyberGhost might be easy to use but that doesn't mean it's not on par with other options on this list. Users have access to 3,600 servers in over 60 locations around the world, with unlimited bandwidth and traffic. This makes for reliable streaming, but some users have said connections can be slower than with other VPN offerings.
Private Internet Access
Best For Server Network
- Monthly: £10.99/month
- Six-month plan: £5.39/month
- Two-year plan: £1.69/month
Private Internet Access (PIA) installs quickly and comes with loads of impressive features for all types of users, no matter if you're a beginner or an advanced user who likes fiddling around with settings.
You get your standard secure VPN account, encrypted WiFi, P2P, IPv6 leak protection, kill switch, plus a whole lot more. PIA isn't a particularly sexy app, but what it lacks in aesthetics it makes up for with a long list of features. It also has a solid backbone, with thousands of servers in countries all around the world.
It's also relatively speedy. We noticed our "naked" download and upload speeds dropped by only about a half or two-thirds (common for most VPNs). It may not be the fastest VPN around, but it's definitely not the slowest, either.
PIA has apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and an extension for Chrome.
Surfshark
Best For Multiple Devices
- Monthly: £9.90/month
- One-year plan: £3.05/month
- Two-year plan: £1.76/month
Surfshark is probably the best VPN for anyone who relies on a lot of tech, as you can connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with the same plan. This also makes it something to seriously consider if there is a lot of people in your house looking to stream at the same time.
Surfshark also offers a wide range of impressive features including split tunnelling and enterprise-grade infrastructure, with an easy to use and stylish interface making it a strong choice for total beginners.
Surfshark is not the cheapest provider, but if you're willing to commit to a longer contract, the monthly rate comes down sharply.
ProtonVPN
Best For Free
- Monthly: £9.87/month
- One-year plan: £5.15/month
- Two-year plan: £4.29/month
ProtonVPN offers users a lot of choice, with three different annual plans, as well as a free service.
Android users can choose from ProtonVPN's Basic, Plus, and Visionary annual plans, with each one offering a different package of features.
ProtonVPN has a lot of advantages over the competition. It's Switzerland-based for a start, meaning your data is shielded by Swiss privacy laws, which are some of the strongest in the world. ProtonVPN also has a no logs policy meaning none of your data can be revealed to third parties. Other than that you are also getting a kill-switch, DNS leak prevention, and more.
The Basic plan provides access to servers all around the world, on two devices, with high speeds and peer-to-peer networking.
Recommended For You
-
The best VPN for AndroidWe have checked out all the best VPNs for your Android phone or tablet, and highlighted a selection of popular services including the likes of PureVPN and CyberGhost VPN. -
The best VPN for streaming sportDon't miss a single minute of action with this selection of the best VPNs for watching sport, including popular services like PureVPN and NordVPN. -
The best cheap VPN in October 2024We've lined up all the best deals on cheap VPNs, including top services like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost VPN, PureVPN, and NordVPN. -
The best VPNs that maintain a strict no-logging policyWe've lined up all the best VPNs that keep your data secure, including popular services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN. -
The best VPN for Disney+We have lined up all the best VPNs for unblocking and streaming Disney+, including popular services like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and NordVPN.
Trending on Mashable
-
Here's What You Can Expect From The MSA Awards & Festival 2024 Happening This WeekThe event will feature well-known personalities such as Khairy Jamaludin, Shahril Hamdan, and Khairul Aming. -
Samsung's Latest Flip Devices Launched In Paris Are Powered By Galaxy AIThe Galaxy AI in each unique foldable device is a formidable driving force for everyday needs. -
Here's A First Look At Samsung's New Wearables: Galaxy Watch7 and Galaxy Watch UltraThe wearables offer innovative health experiences, enhancing everyday wellness with intelligent features. -
Endeavor Wraps Up MatchCAP Asia 2024 With Record-Breaking SuccessFostering deeper connections between entrepreneurs and investors. -
Enjoy More Flexibility With Disney+ Hotstar’s New Monthly & Annual PlansWatch an ever-growing collection of movies and series with lower commitments!