What is the Best VPN for travelers?
When I started to travel the world I did not have a laptop. I did not have a phone either. Back then, if you needed to use a computer, you went to an internet cafe and sent a few emails. Then you returned back to traveling. Back then, when you needed to use a computer, you went to an internet cafe, sent a few emails, and then went back to traveling.
Obviously, things have changed since that first big trip of mine.
These days, every traveler has a smartphone, laptop, or tablet (sometimes all three!). They can be super helpful for staying in touch with friends and family and making bookings for your trip as you go.
Personally, I always travel with a smartphone and laptop. They are essential to running my blog. Also, they help me to be flexible when traveling. With a laptop or phone, I can easily book and make changes to my itinerary. Having a phone or laptop ensures I can easily book as I go and make changes to my itinerary.
While these devices have drastically changed how we travel (and the travel industry as a whole, but that’s a topic for another day), they have some drawbacks that most travelers don’t think about.
The most notable? Safety.
Constantly connecting to unprotected Wi-Fi around the globe can leave your devices open to attack. And since we all use our phones to make purchases and do our banking, that means that our personal data is susceptible to attack.
Fortunately, there’s a super easy (and affordable) way to ensure that your devices and data are protected when you travel: A VPN.
What Is A VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) provides privacy and anonymity by creating a private network from a public internet connection. They hide your online activities by masking your IP and encrypting data. This makes them virtually untraceable and prevents would-be thieves from accessing your private information.
While you might be traveling in Germany, your VPN can cloak your footprint so that it seems like you’re in the U.S., Thailand, or any other destination. This obscures your actions and makes it harder for would-be thieves to access your data.
One of the best and most popular VPNs is Surfshark.
What Is Surfshark?
Surfshark is one of the biggest and best VPN companies out there. Surfshark is a cybersecurity firm based in the Netherlands that was launched in 2018. It helps people understand cyber threats and manage their digital lives. Using Surfshark helps you both manage and understand cybersecurity and cyber threats.
In addition to its VPN, which has over 3,200 servers across 100 countries, Surfshark also offers a suite of other security-related products perfect for travelers:
Surfshark Antivirus
- – Keeps your devices free from viruses and malware.Surfshark Alert
- – Alerts you if your email address appears in breached online databases, monitors your credit cards, and checks password vulnerability.Surfshark Search
- – Allows you to search the web without leaving a digital footprint.Alternative ID
- – Generates a brand-new identity and an email to use online to keep your real ID hidden. You can also use a virtual number to avoid spam calls. Considering how much time we spend online, and how much sensitive data we share online, those two (at least for me) are no-brainers.In 2022, 5.5 million malware attacks were detected across the world, and that number is only increasing. FBI reported almost 1 million cybercrime reports in the U.S. by 2023. This is an increase of 10% over last year. AI is being used to create more convincing phishing email. So, I anticipate that we will see more viruses and breaches of internet security in the future.
That is why you should be prepared.
Why use a VPN?
The main reason for using a VPN is to ensure your security. Recent research showed that more than 40% of respondents’ online security was compromised while using public Wi-Fi. (Interestingly, it most often happened at airports). You can use your device abroad safely and confidently with a VPN. This applies to both mobile data and public WiFi. There are other reasons why travelers may want to use VPNs: to access geo-restricted sites and get better prices.
When booking online, the prices of things like hotel rooms and flights can vary depending on where you are. This is due to fluctuations in exchange rates. Booking a hotel room in the UK from a U.S. hotel website could cost you $200 USD per night. If you book through the UK site, it might cost only 146 GBP a night. That’s 10 GBP less. Sure, that’s not a ton, but saving a few bucks every time you book can add up, especially if you travel often or are booking a long trip.
Using a VPN to Save Money & Bypass Streaming
Once you install your VPN and are ready to book, you should always connect to the IP address of the destination you’re booking the hotel in. If you are booking a hotel for a trip to Thailand, connecting with Thailand’s IP will increase your chances of getting the best rate. A VPN will help you achieve this. It’s just a matter of clicking a button and selecting the country to which you want to connect. )
Here’s an example of me connecting to a U.S. IP address while I’m in Germany:
That said, always “shop around” using different VPN locations (chiefly ones from the EU and the UK) as those usually result in better deals when compared to the U.S.
Additionally, VPNs allow you to access geo-restricted content. Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer all have different libraries based upon location. You can bypass these restrictions by connecting to servers located in other countries. It is useful for travelers and expats who wish to access their native content while on the road. You can watch your favorite shows online without buffering or annoying pop-ups. A VPN can let you do that.
Pros and Cons of Surfshark
Surfshark is one of the biggest and best VPN companies out there, offering a host of perks as well as three different tiers for pricing, based on your needs.
Here’s a quick look at what I like about them, as well as where they have room for improvement:
PROS
Keeps your digital freedom while traveling to internet-restricted countries
Provides quick and secure access to blocked or censored material
Private & safe access to local content everywhere in the world
Watch sports online securely with no buffering or annoying pop-ups
Allows usage on an unlimited number of devices
Stop ads from loading to save data and boost speeds
- Auto-connection option so you don’t have to remember to enable it
- 24/7 live chat and support
- Independently verified no-logs policy (meaning they don’t record your data)
- CONS
- It’s a paid service
- Prices increase dramatically after a 24-month introductory period
- Who Is Surfshark For?
- If you’re connecting to the internet in a public place, Surfshark is for you. It doesn’t matter if you are working remotely in a coffee shop or searching for a hostel on the road. Everyone will use a VPN at some point. VPNs were once mainly used by corporations. Now, over 30% of Internet users use VPNs, and this number is growing. It is my opinion that every traveler needs to use a VPN as well as antivirus software. This is the minimum security you should have. Some countries do restrict or even ban the use of VPNs. They are banned in North Korea and Belarus, while only certain government-approved VPNs can be used in India, China, and Russia (which kind of defeats their purpose to be honest). For example, they are banned in North Korea and Belarus, and only certain government-approved VPNs can be used in India, China, and Russia (which kind of defeats their purpose to be honest).
- Fortunately, however, in the majority of places you visit, you’ll be allowed to use your VPN freely.
Do VPNs slow down your internet connection?
- VPNs can sometimes slow down your internet connection due to the encryption process and the distance to the VPN server. Surfshark has been optimized to minimize speed losses. I’ve not noticed any difference. Keep in mind that speed may vary depending on where you are and how you use it. While free VPNs are available, they have limitations such as slower speeds and data caps. You can use a free VPN to test it for a short time. For long-term usage or when traveling, it is always better to use a paid VPN service. This will ensure greater security and privacy.
*** - I use a VPN whenever I travel. Every traveler should use a VPN. While it may not have been necessary in the past, we do so much online these days that it’s foolish to leave your data unprotected.
When it comes to VPNs and online safety, I think Surfshark has a great suite of products that caters to travelers of all stripes, from the casual holidayer to the digital nomad. The company offers a lot of benefits, has great customer service and is very affordable. The prices do go up after two years which is not my favorite, but they are still affordable. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Book Your Trip: Tips and Tricks for Logistical Planning
Book your Flight
Find cheap flights by using Skyscanner. Skyscanner is my favourite search engine, because it searches all websites and airlines in the world.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. Booking.com is the best option if you don’t want to stay in a hostel. It consistently offers the lowest rates for hotels and guesthouses.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. This is comprehensive coverage in the event of an accident. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Want to travel for free?
Travel cards let you earn points which can be redeemed for flights and accommodations for no extra cost. Visit my guide on choosing the best card to see my favorite deals and to learn how to get started. Ready to book your trip? Here are all the companies I use to travel. You can’t go far wrong with them. They are top-of-the-line and the best you can get.
