Travel Security Measures: Best Travel VPN
How do I stay safe when traveling, in the digital age? Our guide covers everything you need to know including the risks of public Wi-Fi, how encryption works, and mobile security. Most importantly, you’ll learn about the best VPNs for travel guaranteed to enhance your cybersecurity no matter where you go.
Privacy advocates have recently raised a number of alarms regarding the security of our online activities. Internet service providers in some countries have the ability to store, distribute, and even sell user data to third parties, both legally and without the user’s consent. Governments engage in mass surveillance, and hackers look for every opportunity to take unsecured data. Sometimes it feels like no matter where you go, someone’s trying to take advantage of you.
Take your cybersecurity into your own hands with these anonymizing VPNs:
- NordVPN – Best Travel VPN – No matter where your adventures take you, there’s a heavily encrypted NordVPN server nearby offering secure access to the free and open Internet.
- Surfshark – A streamlined VPN solution that is incredibly powerful, yet affordable to anyone.
- ExpressVPN – Another provider with a truly massive worldwide network, super-charged to offer some of the best speeds available.
- CyberGhost – Our top recommendation for anyone who’d like to simply “Secure my Wi-Fi connection” rather than mess with advanced encryption settings.
- VyprVPN – Most useful in heavily censored countries, thanks to its uniquely powerful Chameleon protocol.
- Private Internet Access – A well-regarded VPN that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
All of these privacy issues are made even more stressful when traveling. Not only is public Wi-Fi inherently insecure, but moving from hotspot to hotspot in a new country subjects you to regional laws you may not be aware of. The only way to keep your digital footprint safe is to focus on hardening the privacy of your own device and connection. Fortunately, there’s a wide variety of software that helps us do just that.
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Travel Precautions For Internet Use
Why public Wi-Fi isn’t secure
Most of us don’t think twice about accessing Wi-Fi at a cafe or laundromat. We need an internet connection, the business provides one for free, so why not take advantage? Using a public hotspot carries a number of security dangers, however. Even if the Wi-Fi requires a password or registration before you can use it, your privacy isn’t guaranteed.
Public internet works just like any other internet connection. Your device logs on and receives a unique IP address, then you send requests through the service provider’s network and receive data in response. Each request is tied to your IP address and can be used to link online activity to your location and identity. When you’re on a public network, you have no idea who the service provider is or their policy on storing or selling the information they collect. That means using your laptop from the local coffee shop could compromise your online privacy.
While public Wi-Fi carries its own set of privacy risks, unsecured networks are even more unstable. They’re easy to compromise and are often monitored by hackers and eavesdroppers, both of whom use readily available tools to steal passwords and other private data.
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What about public networks
You can’t avoid using unfamiliar networks when you travel, it’s just part of the experience. You can, however, deploy a few smart practices to help increase your security while surfing at cafes, restaurants, or hotel rooms.
- Confirm the name of the network before logging in – When you search for an open Wi-Fi network in public, you’re likely to see a handful of results. Before connecting to one, make sure you’re not selecting a fake network. Verify the Wi-Fi hotspot’s name with the business you’re in before you connect.
- Find networks that require a password or registration – There are plenty of privacy issues with using public Wi-Fi networks, but using one that doesn’t require registration or even a password is even riskier. These simple barriers can keep out a lot of data snoopers and hackers, resulting in a safer experience for you.
- Use a more secure operating system – Linux is by far the most secure operating system available. Mac OS comes in second, with Windows at a distant third. Android and iOS are about equal in terms of security on mobile devices.
- Avoid doing sensitive tasks – Things like checking your bank account, online shopping, or even checking your e-mail are best left for home based connections whenever possible.
- Use HTTPS – Websites that deal in personal data often employ a secure HTTP protocol to make sure your information stays safe. If you’re checking e-mail or entering credit card information, double check to make sure HTTPS is displayed in your browser’s URL bar.
- Use strong passwords – Every password you use should be as strong as possible. Four or five digit codes that are a common string of number or letters are extremely easy to crack. The best passwords are a minimum of eight characters, include symbols, and are a mix of upper and lowercase characters. If you’re not confident in your password creation ability, use the online Secure Password Generator.
Encryption: Your key to online privacy
The number one thing you can do to access the internet securely while traveling is to encrypt everything that leaves your computer. Web browsing traffic, cloud storage services, instant messaging, video calling, everything. Encryption essentially wraps a layer of unreadable information around every packet of data. Instead of sending raw information across the internet, your computer sends scrambled bits of code that only it and the intended recipient can read. Think of it like putting a letter in an envelope that only you and your friend can open. Encryption is the common denominator for almost all online security.
There are many different precautions you can take when it comes to securing your traveling devices. You can encrypt the operating system, use browser-based encryption, encrypt the traffic that leaves the device, and even encrypt the devices themselves. Each tactic has its own benefits and drawbacks, but by far the most important one is encrypting the traffic that leaves your computer or mobile phone. That’s where VPNs come into play.
Comparison of the Best VPNs for Travel Security Measures
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 24/7 Live Chat
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
Secure Internet while traveling: Can a VPN help?
The easiest, most effective, and most direct way to access the internet securely while traveling is to use a virtual private network. VPNs work something like a tunnel between you and the content you’re trying to access. Data on your computer is encrypted before it’s sent through Wi-Fi, keeping the contents safe and unreadable to hackers or the local ISP. Encrypted information is routed through VPN servers, returned to your device, and decrypted, all in a matter of moments. VPNs also assign you a different IP address unrelated to your location, removing an extra layer of personal data to help ensure anonymity.
VPNs work on nearly all modern devices, including laptops, tablets, phones, Chromebooks, and even some e-readers. All you need to do is sign up with a reliable VPN provider and download their software to your device.
But finding a good VPN for traveling can take time if you want the best. There’s a lot of information to sort through, including privacy policies, encryption levels, server locations, and much more. We’ve streamlined the process to focus on some of the most important factors in choosing a reliable VPN.
Logging policy
Protecting your privacy should be the number one consideration for a VPN. The most basic form of this comes from logs. It’s possible that encrypted activity that passes through a VPN’s servers is stored for long periods of time. This makes it possible for third parties or government agencies to force the VPN company to share the information, thus compromising your security. To ensure all data remains private, the best VPNs have a strict zero-logging policy. With no logs, nothing can be leaked.
Kill switch and DNS leak protection
The weak point of any VPN is when it connects or disconnects from a server, both intentionally and due to drops in service. During these few seconds it’s possible for your device to leak information. This inspired VPN providers to build automatic kill switches and DNS leak protection into their software. If you lose your encrypted connection, the program automatically stops any data from escaping.
Device compatibility
Most of us don’t carry around desktop computers while we travel. Tablets, smartphones, and laptops are prime candidates for mobile computing, and you’ll want to run a VPN on each one of them. We’ve made sure the services below have software for a wide variety of modern devices so you can stay safe no matter what hardware you’re using.
Server distribution
Having a large network of servers is a key selling point for a good VPN. Not only will it allow you to access a wider range of content, but having more nodes to choose from means you can find a faster, closer connection no matter where you travel.
Jurisdiction
Where a VPN company is registered makes a huge difference in how reliable the service can be. Regardless of the provider’s policy on keeping logs, for example, the local laws can force them to keep certain information and hand it to any third party that requests it. To keep this sort of digital surveillance to a minimum, the providers below operate under jurisdictions with more privacy-focused laws in place.
So what are the best VPNs for traveling?
Below you have our list with the best VPNs to pick from:
1. NordVPN
- Highly affordable plans
- Different IP addresses aervers
- Tor over VPN, double VPN
- Based in Panama
- 24/7 Live Chat
- Can’t specify City or Province in App
NordVPN uses a stunning double encryption process that wraps data in unbeatable 2048-bit SSL encryption. NordVPN claims supercomputers can’t break encryption that strong, which should make your public Wi-Fi plenty safe. Add that to the massive network of servers in 57 different countries, an easy to understand zero-logging policy, DNS leak and kill switch features, and app support for every major desktop and portable device, and you’ve got a great recipe for a stellar VPN.
Ensuring streaming video availability is another one of NordVPN’s strong points. Services like Netflix tend to block certain IP ranges in an effort to stop VPN users from circumventing geo-locked content restrictions. NordVPN constantly changes their server arrangements to keep Netflix access as open as possible.
For up to date info on how to access Netflix with NordVPN, even on Android and iOS, see their support article.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
- Highly affordable plans
- Different IP addresses aervers
- Tor over VPN, double VPN
- Based in Panama
- 24/7 Live Chat
- Can’t specify City or Province in App
Surfshark is the newest VPN on this list by several years, but don’t confuse age for lack of experience. They’ve clearly taken lessons from what works with other providers, discarding anything outdated or not consumer friendly.
To wit, Surfshark uses only 256-AES-GCM encryption–the best commercially available. There’s no need for step-down ciphers, as connections are extremely fast over their RAM-only network (numbering 3200+ servers in 65 countries). You can spoof to any corner of the globe in complete anonymity with Surfshark’s special Camouflage obfuscation and NoBorders anti-censorship methods–available on every server.
Travel, connect, and browse in confidence knowing that Surfshark never keeps logs of your activity, no matter what you do on their network or where you go.
3. ExpressVPN
- Unblocking Netflix, iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime
- 3,000+ super fast servers
- No DNS/IP leaks found
- Strict no-logs policy
- 24/7 Chat Support
- Max 3 simultaneous connections
- Slightly more expensive than some other options
As the name implies, ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN service we’ve tested to date. Their servers not only provide blazing speeds are also built to ensure user privacy via a strict zero-logging policy, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch for its desktop programs.
They have a network of over 3,000 servers in 148 locations in 94 countries, which makes it an extremely robust service to pick an IP address from. In addition to this, ExpressVPN also unblocks most of the streaming websites, like Netflix, HBO GO or Amazon Prime, to only name a few.
While ExpressVPN won’t necessarily keep its prices low (for quality reasons) they do offer a 30-day money back guarantee (absolutely no questions asked) on all purchases no matter the plan you choose.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
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- Great user experience and easy installation
- No leaks detected
- Private: Strong no logs policy
- 24/7 Live Support
- Can’t unblock some popular streaming sites
CyberGhost have learned a lot from the days when they secured and anonymized the online presence of over 15 million users with a FREE product. Their premium offering is a complete solution — one of the world’s most reliable privacy and security solutions, to be more exact.
Their server network is huge with more than 3,000 machines in 60+ countries around the globe. In terms of privacy, they have a strist no-log policy in place since day one, and the company is based in Romania – a country with lax laws. They also make sure users get DNS and IP leak protection, support for OpenVPN, L2TP-IPsec and PPTP protocols and an automatic kill switch in case you need it.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
5. VyprVPN
VyprVPN goes to great lengths to support user privacy. The company’s number one selling point is the fact that they own and operate their entire networks of servers, over 700 spread across 70 locations. Encrypted data that passes through their servers is never accessed by third parties, and it also lets the VyprVPN team customize hardware and software to deliver superior speed and encryption. A great zero-logging policy, unlimited bandwidth, and both a DNS leak and kill switch support round out the service’s top features.
VyprVPN matches its great security features with a fantastic three day trial, all for free. It’s also available in a wide variety of areas that aren’t covered by some VPNs, including Turkey, Thailand, and Hong Kong.
Read our full VyprVPN review.
6. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access was built to help make the internet safe for everyone. The company creates some of the easiest to use software and apps on the VPN market, including apps for Android and iOS, even a Chrome extension for fast and easy access to VPN customization. On top of its accessibility features, Private Internet Access also has a zero-logging policy, a digital kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a smart IP cloak to ensure your real IP is never seen.
Another nice feature about Private Internet Access is that it supports L2TP protocols, which are extremely useful for connecting to VPNs within strict censorship countries like China and Turkey. The company has a quick and easy guide on setting this up.
Private Internet Access has several plans available with discounts for longer sign-ups. There’s even a seven day money back guarantee in case you aren’t happy with the service.
Benefits of Using a VPN as a Digital Nomad
When your life and locations are always changing, the digital world becomes the only steady thing around. Unfortunately, it’s also the most vulnerable part of your workflow. Nefarious hackers, spying ISPs, and even unscrupulous governments are keen to take advantage of your open information. VPNs stop these efforts in their tracks, and they bring a host of other useful features to the table, as well.
Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi
Digital nomads thrive on public internet hotspots. Hotels, cafes, restaurants, airports… You name a place, and your average digital nomad has used their Wi-Fi. On the surface this seems like an extraordinarily convenient feature. Internet access everywhere you go, all for free? Sure.
Unfortunately, public hotspots are hotbeds for nosy ISPs and even hackers. Man in the middle attacks are especially common on these open networks. They work by setting up fake Wi-Fi addresses you can connect to, or by spoofing a common website and tricking you into entering your personal details. The worst part is you never know if you’ve stumbled upon one of these attacks until it’s too late.
RELATED READING: 8 Things to Do if You’re a Victim of Identity Theft
When you connect to a public hotspot, VPN software stands between you and the network like a sentry. Every piece of information that leaves your device gets encrypted first, then sent through Wi-Fi. Even if you stumble into a man in the middle attack or are the unwitting target of a data logging ISP, the information they collect will be scrambled and completely useless. It would take a supercomputer millions of years to break even the most basic VPN encryption. That translates to some extremely safe coffee shop surfing.
Are you a frequent traveler who’s always on the move? Ensuring your internet security while staying at hotels is crucial. We’ve compiled a list of the best VPNs for hotels to help you maintain your privacy and security. Don’t compromise on your online safety, discover the best VPNs for hotel use.
Protect Against Censorship
The mobile life of a digital nomad means you’ll pass through country after country, sometimes several per year. Each region has its own laws concerning internet access, some going so far as to restrict what you can and can’t discuss online. Places like this don’t exactly advertise their unusually tense free speech regulations, which means you could stumble into a heap of trouble without even realizing it.
The best way to avoid situations like this is to secure your information before it even touches an external connection. VPNs do just that, all without any extra work on your behalf. You can run a VPN in the background to scramble all data leaving your device. Then, even if a government is actively trying to see what you’re working on, they won’t be able to, all thanks to encryption.
Defeat Region Lock Restrictions
Related to the point above, region locked content is websites, videos, movies, or anything that is made available only to certain parts of the world, regardless of your nationality. Used to watching your UK TV shows? You won’t be able to stream them from Japan or Taiwan, as the BBC servers are only able to see your non-UK IP address and will block access immediately. This is frustrating for anyone, but if you’re a digital nomad hopping from country to country, it’s downright infuriating.
Once again, VPNs can save the day. VPN traffic is routed through the services own network of servers before it reaches the internet at large. This means your data requests are assigned a new IP before any external sites detect it. By choosing a server location in a different country, you can effectively fool the internet into thinking you’re someplace else. In the example above, all you have to do is pick a UK IP address, reload the BBC site, and like magic you’re ready to watch Broadchurch.
Unblock Websites
Even if you’re not trying to access streaming content, some websites can block or alter their content based on your location. Worse still, some sites are simply unavailable in a number of countries, all thanks to ISP-level firewalls. Since VPNs mask all outgoing traffic, though, you’ll be able to break right through these walls and visit any website you please, all without divulging your identity.
Better VoIP Access
VoIP services like Skype are perfect for keeping in touch with friends and family abroad. And since you’re always on the go, that means everyone you know is technically abroad. Depending on your location you may find VoIP access severely restricted. Some countries outright block foreign services, rendering your Skype conversations impossible. You can avoid paying massive fees to use the locally owned VoIP software by signing up with a VPN and switching IP locations.
Another issue with VoIP access for digital nomads is privacy. Video calls over the internet are prime targets for government surveillance efforts, especially in countries that restrict VoIP access (why do you think they block Skype in the first place?) You might think it’s just you and grandma having a chat about the weather, but in reality everything is being recorded and transcribed for later analysis. VPNs can help avoid this by encrypting data passing through the VoIP service.
Reliable Online Banking Access
Managing your funds while traveling full time can be a huge hassle. Some banks forbid account access from other countries, while others closely monitor and restrict transactions over the border. This is especially common for digital nomads, since you’ll be adding and spending funds from new cities on a regular basis. Banks see this as suspicious activity, and you might have a hard time convincing them otherwise.
VPNs can fix this issue with some banks by allowing you to change your virtual location to a new area. If your bank is in the U.S., for example, but you’re currently hanging out in Chiang Mai, all you need to do is open your VPN software, pick a server stateside, then launch your bank’s online account app. The site will think you’re in the U.S., so you’ll be able to check balances and make transfers with ease.
What Can VPNs Secure?
If you’re a digital nomad, chances are you’ve got more than one portable device on your person. You also make heavy use of online services to finish your daily tasks. Both of these put your data at a greater risk than your average web user. The good news is VPNs have got you covered on a variety of fronts.
- Browser data – Most of us do everything in our browser, from streaming videos to working on spreadsheets. VPNs keep browser traffic anonymous and secure, no matter which sites you visit. Some even have dedicated browser extensions to make things even easier.
- Torrents – Torrent downloads are perfect for managing large files. They’re also inherently less anonymous than a standard download. Good thing VPNs protect and anonymize torrent transfers, too.
- Cloud storage – Most digital nomads would be lost without Google Drive, Dropbox, SpiderOak, or any other cloud storage service. This data isn’t guaranteed to be secured, however, which is why running a VPN is a good idea if you use non-local cloud services to sync your workflow.
- Mobile devices – A lot of people ignore security on their smartphone, but in reality it’s one of the most vulnerable pieces of hardware we can use. VPN apps for iOS and Android help minimize these risks.
- Laptops and tablets – No matter your portable device, most VPNs have software that will run quietly in the background to keep you safe.
- File transfers – Uploading and downloading content, even through FTP, is also covered by a VPN’s encryption.
VPNs Won’t Solve All of Your Online Security Problems
Although VPNs provide a ton of useful privacy features that make connecting to the internet while traveling much safer, they aren’t without their drawbacks, and they won’t make you invulnerable. VPNs can’t stop malware or viruses, for example, and they also tend to be slower than your average internet connection. The security they provide is well worth the small sacrifices, of course, but it’s a good idea to keep the following in mind when browsing the internet with your VPN.
- Devices aren’t automatically protected – Using a VPN means running an app every time you log onto the internet. If the VPN software isn’t active, you won’t gain the encryption or anonymity it offers.
- VPNs can be blocked – Some websites and companies actively block people who use certain VPNs. These include streaming services such as Netflix, which makes watching videos while relaxing in your hotel room nearly impossible.
- VPNs can’t protect you from malware – Malware can make it onto your computer or smartphone even if you have a VPN active. Encryption does nothing to stop viruses, so you still have to be cautious when visiting unusual websites.
- Slow speeds – Encrypting data increases the amount of information sent across your network. Delivering data to servers located farther away also adds to this latency. As a result, many users experience a slight slowdown when using a VPN.
RELATED READING: How to pretend you’re in a different country when online
Internet Security Tips when Traveling that are not VPNs
Secure Internet Access with the Tor Browser
The Tor Browser is a free and open source piece of software designed to protect your privacy online. The Tor Browser leverages the Tor network to encrypt traffic, sending it through foreign nodes to strip it of all identifying information so you can surf with increased security. It’s somewhat similar to using a VPN, only the focus here is on anonymity.
There are some major usability drawbacks to the Tor Browser that make it less convenient than a virtual private network. For starters, sending data through the Tor network takes a long time. Your internet speeds could drop by half, making even simple tasks take forever to complete. The Tor Browser also cuts out certain web technologies that are inherently insecure. JavaScript, ActiveX, Java, and QuickTime deliver a lot of content to our browser windows, but they can compromise user security by saving and transmitting private data. Tor plays it safe and blocks those features, which makes it tough to use a lot of popular websites.
For an in-depth guide on using the Tor Browser, including installation instructions and a list of benefits and drawbacks, see our article How to Use Tor: A Guide to Getting Started.
Browser Extensions for Increased Internet Security
Nearly all of our online activities take place through a web browser. Whether you’re checking e-mail on a laptop or looking at new shoes on your phone, chances are a web browser is sending and receiving information. Most browsers don’t do anything to encrypt or obscure personal information. If you’re on a public network, this can be a real problem. Fortunately, there are a number of browser extensions available that help secure your data before it leaves your device.
The extensions listed below are trusted by the digital privacy community and were built with user safety in mind. They’re available for most modern browsers, including Chrome, Opera, and Firefox, and also have mobile counterparts for Android and iOS. Follow the links for more information.
- HTTPS Everywhere – An extension made by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) that forces several popular websites to use a secure (HTTPS) connection. An indispensable addition to your extensions list.
- Disconnect – A powerful privacy tool that helps prevent data leaks and keeps your information safe. Also comes in Pro and Premium versions which block malware and even provide VPN services.
- Privacy Badger – Another add-on made by the EFF. This one blocks invasive ads, spying trackers, and helps discourage browser fingerprinting, all without breaking website layouts.
- NoScript – A phenomenal anti-tracking add-on for Firefox and other Mozilla based browsers. A good alternative to Privacy Badger with a few extra features.
Secure Your Cell Phone
Android and iOS devices carry an enormous amount of personal data. With access to your phone, anyone can see your e-mail, look at your bank account, locate your contacts, and even find out where you live. These portable devices are also easy to lose or have stolen, making them a high priority target for thieves and hackers alike.
Before you travel, make sure your cell phone is as secure as possible. This includes basic countermeasures such as setting a strong screen lock code, encrypting your device, and backing up valuable data.
- Use a strong screen lock passcode – We unlock our smartphones dozens of times a day, so it’s tempting to create short passcodes and unlock patterns just to save a little bit of time. Shortening your passcode makes it much easier to hack your device, however. Six digit combinations are a good balance between complexity and ease of use.
- Encrypt your device – Encrypting your phone’s data locks files on your device and makes them unreadable without the proper decryption keys. It doesn’t protect data that’s sent over the internet, but it helps keep hackers and eavesdroppers away.
- Use phone locator services – Both iOS and Android devices have features that let you locate your phone if it was misplaced or stolen. Enable these options to make sure you can quickly recover your phone if it goes missing.
- Enable remote data wipe – If your smartphone gets stolen, the best thing you can do is erase your personal information as quickly as possible.
For more information on securing your cell phone, see the articles listed below.
Switch to a Secure E-mail Provider
Everyone uses e-mail. It’s often the first thing we check when accessing the internet, especially while traveling. Unfortunately, e-mail wasn’t designed to be a secure form of communication. E-mail protocols send data unencrypted, making them easy to intercept and log. It’s the digital equivalent of mailing a postcard. Anyone can read what you wrote, all they need are the right tools.
In recent years several services have risen to the challenge of making e-mail more secure. Some of the measures they adopt include two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption to make sure only you and the intended recipient see the contents of each e-mail. The services below are either free or extremely low-cost, making them perfect for secure communicating while traveling.
- ProtonMail – One of the most feature rich and reliable encrypted e-mail service providers. Web-based access and mobile apps are available.
- Tutanota – A relative newcomer in the industry that delivers private e-mail without the hassle.
- Lavabit – A reliable encrypted e-mail provider with extremely powerful privacy features.
Conclusion
Being a digital nomad is an exciting way to live. You regularly see new sights, you meet new people everywhere you go, and you even try new foods on a daily basis. The lifestyle relies on a good connection to the internet to make things work, however, which puts a tremendous burden on your devices’ security features. You can take all the precautions you want, but at the end of the day a VPN is by far the best way to keep your data safe.
If you need a VPN for a short while when traveling for example, you can get our top ranked VPN free of charge. NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. You will need to pay for the subscription, that’s a fact, but it allows full access for 30 days and then you cancel for a full refund. Their no-questions-asked cancellation policy lives up to its name.
