Best VPN for Travelling Abroad – 2024 Review Guide
What is the best VPN for travel in 2024? Traveling is a fantastic stress buster and a means of relaxation for millions of people worldwide. For a section of folks, it is a part of their job! No matter what the reason for traveling to you is – you will need access to certain facilities and provisions when you travel. Not everyone wants to rough it!
While traveling, you will need to access and use the web for various purposes. From keeping in touch with those at home to checking office emails, you will need to get online while traveling. However, accessing the web on the move can be tricky and at times, unsafe. To ensure you do not compromise the safety of data while using the web on the move, using a VPN service or app is prudent.
Best VPN for Travel – Quick Summary
The best VPN services you can use while traveling are:
Should I Install the VPN Before Going Abroad or After?
We recommend setting up the VPN app on your devices before you head abroad. That way, you can make sure that everything is working as intended. Some countries impose strict censorship measures. You might even be blocked from accessing VPN service websites. Windows PC, Mac, Android, and even Amazon Fire Sticks all natively support VPN. All you need is a subscription to a reputable VPN service.
How Do I Set up my VPN Connection before Travelling?
It all depends on what device you plan to use. For your laptop or mobile device, simply follow these instructions:
Required tools
- A VPN Subscription
- VPN App
- Your Device
Total cost: 10 USD
Duration
Total time: 5 minutes
Get a VPN
Sign up with a VPN service if you haven’t done so already.
Install the App
Download and install your VPN service’s app to your device.
VPN apps are available on PC, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Pick a Server
Launch the app and sign into it using your VPN credentials.
Premium VPNs allow you to use one subscription on multiple device simultaneously.
Connect
Choose a VPN server from within the app and connect to it.
Depending on the server you pick, you’ll get a new IP address that corresponds to that server’s region.
Result
That’s it. You have successfully set up a VPN connection on your device. To revert the changes you made, simply disconnect from the server you’re connected to.
Best VPN for Travel in 2024 – Detailed Analysis
Before choosing a VPN to use while abroad, you need to make sure that the service you want to sign up with actually unblocks the streaming channels or websites you want to use. Another thing to consider is whether that VPN actually protects your privacy online. Finally, make sure that the VPN provider offers a 30-day refund guarantee. That way, you can always get your money back just in case things don’t quite work out. Here’s our list of the top VPN providers you can use overseas.
- Best for streaming and privacy
- High speed servers in 160 VPN locations
- Works for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu
- 24/7/ live chat support
- 3 extra months free on annual plan
- UltraHD streaming
- Free Smart DNS proxy
- Unblocks all major streaming services
- Limited Time 72% Discount
- Unlimited VPN connections
- Over 1000 servers
- Ad-blocking feature available
- User-friendly application
- Exclusive Smart VPN feature
- Standalone Smart DNS subscription available
- Extra security features
- Extensions for Firefox and Chrome
- Split-tunneling available
Our best VPN for travel list does not include any free VPNs. Such services are notoriously slow and don’t work as intended in most cases. Shelling out around 10 bucks for a premium VPN service is well worth it when you consider all the perks you get out of it. Not to mention that proper VPNs allow you to protect your privacy online and access all the sites which are only available back home.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands and offers up to 2000 servers worldwide. That’s pretty essential for anyone who’s looking to unblock geo-restricted content. As for security, ExpressVPN uses 256 bit AES military-grade encryption and supports OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2, PPTP and SSTP as VPN protocols. So, in other words, you can guarantee that you’re always safe when you’re browsing the web.
This VPN also adopts a strict zero-logging principle, which helps users surf the internet with complete anonymity. Not even your ISP or government can pry on what you do online after you connect to ExpressVPN’s private servers.
The provider also features an Internet Kill Switch service to keep your connection safe all through. Not only that but once you subscribe to their service, you’ll be able to benefit from a VPN connection on three devices at once. To find out what else ExpressVPN has to offer, take some time off to go through our ExpressVPN Review.
2. BulletVPN
Although it’s new, BulletVPN is considered to be one credible VPN provider that any subscriber should look forward to operating with. It offers a high level of online security and a bunch of other smart little privileges.
First, let’s start with one of the most important things a VPN should offer customers, different IP addresses in different countries. Well, BulletVPN features a wide range of servers to tap into in order to obtain different IPs. These servers are scattered around the world including countries such as Germany, Australia, The US, Brazil, and Canada.
Their app, on the other hand, is pretty straightforward and easy to use. You don’t have to be tech-savvy to navigate through its features. You can find BulletVPN clients on PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, no one is left unprotected.
The VPN also offers a 30-day refund policy which is pretty rare among VPN providers. That’s why this puts BulletVPN among other giants like ExpressVPN or Nord. You can also easily unblock American Netflix courtesy of their blazing fast servers in the United States. That’s not all by the way. Along with a Kill Switch and 6-device simultaneous connection, you can find out more about this VPN in this full BulletVPN review.
3. NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the top VPN providers out there when it comes to server distribution. It has more than 4000 servers in over 60 countries. NordVPN is based in Panama, which means that it’s definitely safe as it doesn’t answer to any data regulatory authorities. Not that it’s necessary as they hold a 100% guaranteed zero-logging policy.
This provider also uses 256 bit AES encryption. It is supplemented by some of its unique features that include double VPN encryption. This service routes your internet traffic through two servers instead of one, i.e doubles your level of security.
NordVPN offers software called CyberSec. This particular feature shields your device from being infected by viruses, malware, or any malicious software coming your way. Smart Play, on the other hand, is this VPN provider’s own Smart DNS service. You can access geo-restricted content without losing your internet speed or access to local channels. However, you won’t be encrypting your data in the process. If you want to learn more about this provider, check out this NordVPN Review.
4. SurfShark
We all know that size isn’t everything. Well, that’s quite true when it comes to a provider such as SurfShark. If you compare it to the others on our list, you’ll find that this newcomer doesn’t stand a chance. I beg to differ. Although there’s like 9 million download-difference between SurfShark and ExpressVPN, let me tell you why this one deserves to have a spot among the giants.
First, SurfShark offers an outstanding server network of more than 1000 servers in 60 countries. It also offers native apps and browser extensions that are very easy and intuitive to use. They feature a clean and minimal interface anyone can navigate.
Now, you’re going to love this. Although it’s new, it has one over the others. This VPN grants you the ability to connect unlimited devices per account. That means that you can share your account with all the people you know so that they can benefit from a secure VPN connection.
Other features of SurfShark include an Automatic Kill Switch, 24/7 chat support, Bitcoin Payment, Zero Log Policy, and so much more. Are your questions still not answered? Take a look at this SurfShark review and learn more.
Choosing the Right VPN for Use in Travel
VPN services are used by general and corporate web users for reasons like online anonymity and data safety. These services can be of fabulous use when you want to access the web while traveling, in a secure way. However, not all VPNs are ideal for using when you travel. Analyze the following aspects to figure out which VPN is suited for your needs while traveling.
Safety while using Public WiFi Hotspots
This is actually the major reason you should be using a VPN service while traveling and accessing the Internet! You may be tempted to use free Wi-Fi zones at airports, railway stations, and such places while traveling. This saves you from spending on data packs while on roaming. But, remember that these Wi-Fi hotspots are not always safe. A laptop connected to such networks can be easily targeted by hackers and other malicious users. However, when you use these networks through a VPN, the data sent and received from the web is encrypted. Press the button for a VPN service that offers a decent level of data encryption. Those services offering 128 bit AES encryption are decent and anything above that is a better bet.
Accessing Region Restricted Content
With a VPN, you can easily access web content that is usually restricted to certain territories. For example, you cannot watch the content on several streaming service providers such as Hulu outside Japan and the USA. However, with a VPN, your PC’s real IP address is hidden and you are assigned with a virtual ID. This makes it easy to access video and audio content no matter where you go. This can come in handy when you are waiting for a flight and craving for some entertainment. This capability is a real boon when you travel to a country where certain social media sites are blocked. Harsh as it may sound, even Google is banned in certain countries. Using a VPN will allow you to bypass these restrictions and firewalls and access information on the go.
Server Locations
This is a determining factor when choosing a VPN, for your next overseas trip. Not all VPN services offer the same number of servers. Some free VPN services have only a few servers located in specific countries. This may mean that you will have limited accessibility even though you use the VPN. On the other hand, most paid VPN services offer dozens of servers. This can be handy when you want to access content available only in selected countries. VPNs with more number of servers also tend to be faster compared to others eventually.
Works in as Many Countries as Possible
Some VPN software are easy to block, while others are simply too hard to crack. If you travel a lot, you will do well in choosing a VPN that works in as many countries as possible. Look for a VPN that has the ability to work in countries such as China that works tirelessly at blocking VPNs. If the VPN you choose works in China, it will work anywhere else too!
Online Anonymity on the Move
You may be involved in a profession that requires you to travel a lot and stay online invisibly. This is a mandate for those involved in journalism and radical activism related activities. And, even if you are not a journalist and still want to maintain anonymity, a VPN will mask your activities without limiting your access to information. Be sure to choose a VPN that does not keep any user logs, especially while traveling. This will help you maintain online anonymity and allow you to work on the go.
Easy to Install and Use
Even the best software is of no use if it is simply too hard to install and use. The same holds true with VPNs. Pick a VPN that is easy to use on both Mac and Windows. There are several VPNs that you simply need to download, run, and use. Some may ask you to create an account.
24/7 Live Chat Support
This is a feature often overlooked when people choose a VPN service to use while working abroad. You basically want to sign up with a VPN that offers a helping hand at any time of the day. Whether you are having trouble with the setup, unblocking a certain site, or simply need an expert opinion on anything related to virtual private networks, professional customer support is a must.
Other Things to Check
There are a few things to analyze when it comes to choosing a VPN service for travel. Not everyone has same the web usage needs. While some may use the web only to check mail, others may stream movies, music, or even play games on the net. If you use P2P services for file sharing and heavy downloads, check if the VPN you have chosen supports this. Not all VPNs are compatible with P2P and torrent apps. You also need to check on aspects such as bandwidth limitations in this regard.
Best VPN for Travel in 2024 – Final Tips and Tricks
It’s recommended to set up your VPN connection or VPN app on PC, Mac, iOS, or Android before you travel. That way, you can test that everything is working as it should before leaving the homeland.
Setting up mobile VPN apps can get tricky at times. Install trial versions, read reviews, and make sure that the service you choose is not just user-friendly, but also travel-friendly.
Hopefully, this best VPN for travel review guide gave you a better idea of which VPN service you should sign up with and which ones you should definitely avoid.
ExpressVPN Review
Name: ExpressVPN
Description: ExpressVPN is a VPN service that allows you to browse the web anonymously and unblock geo-restricted sites.
Price: 12.95
Currency: $
Operating System: Windows, OSX, Android, iOS
Application Category: Multimedia
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Refund Policy
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Speed
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Support
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VPN Apps
Visit VPN Provider
I think it really depends on your travel destination because not many VPNs are working in countries like China or India. I was in Beijing last month and before leaving bought NordVPN (my friend’s impact) and it was a lifesaver for me. If you need a VPN mainly for travelling – Nord is the one I recommend.
The amount of server it has makes it one of the best VPN for travellers since it has many servers located all over the world.
The link you gave isn’t working anymore.
Hello Scott. Which link are you referring to?
You push Express VPN pretty hard. Do you get compensation for doing so or for those who get Express VPN through you site? Is your advice and opinion unbiases?
Hello Brent. ExpressVPN simply are one of the best VPN service providers out there.
Kind of sidestepped the actual question there…