Best VPN for travel in 2024

Traveling often means relying on public Wi-Fi networks, which are known to be vulnerable to hackers and data breaches. However, many travelers forget about their digital security and privacy when vacationing. Luckily, a travel VPN creates a secure and encrypted connection, making it impossible for anyone to breach.

Besides, , a virtual private network is also perfect for digital nomads who need to access their work files safely. Plus, many travelers use VPNs to stream content usually unavailable in their location. A reliable VPN lets you stay in touch with the world by breaking through the strictest firewalls in some countries.

And while it all sounds great, how do you choose the right VPN for traveling? I’ve got you covered. I ran extensive real-life tests in various locations and selected the Top 5 VPNs for travel. So, in this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about virtual private networks and how to stay safe and connected while traveling abroad.

Best VPN for international travel: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   Overall best VPN for flight booking & secure traveling
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Best VPN for traveling abroad with unlimited connections
   9.5
3. TotalVPN

   Best VPN for Europe travel with the cheapest subscription
   8.2
4. Proton VPN

   Safe & extremely private overseas VPN
   8.6
5. IPVanish

   VPN for international travel with unlimited simultaneous connections
   8.4

What is travel VPN and how to choose it

If you’re new to the VPN world, a virtual private network is a tool that boosts your online security and privacy. During your travels, you’ll have to use public networks, which are often dangerous and unreliable. A VPN works like a shield and protects the connection between your devices and the internet.

While it may seem complicated, picking the best VPN is actually not that hard. The first thing I recommend looking at is genuine reviews and reputation. After that, don’t forget to check the security features. Ideally, a reliable VPN for traveling should offer AES-256 encryption, IP & DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. And if you want a completely trouble-free experience, ensure it has an ad-blocking feature.

An independently audited no-logs policy is essential to stay anonymous during your travels. More so, if you’re heading to countries that have banned VPNs, ensure your chosen service has rock-solid, obfuscated servers. Streaming possibilities, torrenting, and geo-block bypassing are essential, too, and you can test these things out by grabbing a free trial version of a VPN.

However, testing and analyzing everything alone can take a lot of time. Hence, the best travel VPNs below are the most reliable options.

Best VPNs for travel: overview

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for flight booking & secure traveling
2. Surfshark VPN – fast & safe VPN for international travel
3. TotalVPN – the cheapest personal VPN for travel with ad blocker & antivirus
4. Proton VPN – safe & extremely private overseas VPN
5. IPVanish – VPN for international travel with unlimited simultaneous connections

To find the best VPN for overseas travel, I tested 20+ popular virtual private networks. I analyzed their speeds, global coverage, resilience against cyber threats, and geo-block bypassing capabilities. After multiple rounds, I selected the Top 5 VPNs for traveling abroad that will keep you secure and unlock various possibilities online.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for travel with ad block & other tools

According to multiple tests and opinions on Reddit, NordVPN is the best VPN for travelers. Thanks to obfuscated servers, it demonstrated excellent performance and worked in countries (e.g., China) where most VPNs were blocked.

Security & privacy: NordVPN offers Threat Protection, blocking annoying ads, malware, and trackers. Double VPN boosts security by routing traffic through multiple servers. As for confidentiality, NordVPN is based in Panama (no data retention laws) and has an independently audited zero-logs policy.

Server fleet: The provider offers 7000+ pieces of hardware in 118+ countries, meaning you’ll easily find a server near your travel destination. Plus, all of them are RAM-only, which instantly wipes data and amplifies your anonymity.

Speed: NordVPN is high-speed, thanks to the in-house NordLynx tunneling protocol. During the speed test, it consistently reached an average 471.2Mbps download speed!

Streaming: Wherever you might be, you’ll get access to YouTube TV, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and many other services. Plus, the SmartPlay feature will let you stream geo-blocked content on smart TVs and consoles.

Other features: The most unique feature is Meshnet. It lets you access other devices back home directly, so you can securely get files, share your Netflix account, or play LAN games easily.

Price: Grab a long-term plan for $2.99/month and get 10 simultaneous connections. All you have to do is use a NordVPN coupon. Plus, there is a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark VPN – VPN for travel bloggers that need unlimited connections

Surfshark is another outstanding VPN when traveling abroad. It’s perfect for adventurers with multiple devices, thanks to infinite connections. Not to mention, it’s one of the best VPNs for streaming, so you won’t miss your favorite shows while traveling.

Security & privacy: The service offers a strict no-logs policy, ensuring no one snoops on you. Moreover, AES-256 encryption safeguards your internet traffic on public Wi-Fi. Plus, CleanWeb gets rid of pesky ads and trackers.

Server fleet: Finding a server nearby with this service will be a walkover. That’s because Surfshark covers 100+ countries with 3200+ servers. RAM-only servers will ensure your anonymity.

Speed: Based on my analysis, Surfshark is the second fastest VPN on the market. It reached ridiculously fast connections of up to 467.9 Mbps. All thanks to the WireGuard tunneling protocol and Nexus technology. So, get ready for 4K-ready speeds!

Streaming: With Surfshark, you can enjoy extensive Netflix libraries, Prime Video, Sling TV, BBC iPlayer, and more. The Smart DNS feature allows seamless streaming on smart TVs and other devices.

Other features: Android users can use the unique GPS Spoofing tool. It will make it easier to change your location on apps like Tinder, YouTube TV, or Pokemon Go. Also, Camouflage mode will let you bypass even the Great Firewall of China.

Price: Get a Surfshark VPN coupon and get a super affordable plan for $2.19/month. There’s also a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. TotalVPN – the cheapest personal VPN for travel with ad blocker & antivirus

The cheapest VPN for travelers is Total VPN. Although it’s a relatively new player in the game, it’s still highly effective against digital threats and geo-blocks. In addition, it’s user-friendly, so even people unfamiliar with VPNs will be able to use it.

Security & privacy: Total VPN provides AES-256 encryption, leak protection, and a robust kill switch. The provider ensures confidentiality on the internet with a no-logs privacy policy. Sadly, there are no obfuscated servers, so using total VPN in highly restricted countries is nearly impossible.

Server fleet: The provider has a modest server fleet: 50+ pieces of hardware in 35 countries. Most are in Europe and North America, making it an ideal VPN for European trips.

Speed: TotalVPN utilizes the trustworthy OpenVPN tunneling protocol, which is slightly slower than WireGuard. Nevertheless, I got substantial speeds when the servers were nearby. The same can’t be said for long-distance servers.

Streaming: What’s great about Total VPN is that you can unblock leading streaming services worldwide. For example, if you’re traveling in India, you can change your location and watch American shows on Netflix US. Moreover, you can access BBC iPlayer, which is only available in the UK.

Other features: TotalVPN is a top-tier ad blocker. Start with a more extensive security package provided by Total AV. It offers industry-leading antivirus software and a top-tier ad blocker, so no digital dangers will reach you while traveling.

Price: You can get a discount on the most popular TotalVPN plan. That way, you can get a subscription for as little as $1.59/month. Plus, there’s a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of TotalVPN, read our TotalVPN review.

4. Proton VPN – secure free trial travel VPN with loads of features

Proton VPN is the best VPN for working abroad, offering robust security and privacy features. It held up against even the toughest challenges I tested it with.

Security & privacy: In addition to regular security features, Proton VPN has NetShield. It obliterates malware, obnoxious ads, and trackers. Plus, you can boost your safety by joining Secure Core (aka Multi-hop) servers. The service is based in Switzerland, one of the most privacy-friendly countries. It has been independently audited multiple times.

Server fleet: The provider has 9200+ servers in 110+ countries. Many are in Europe, so it’s a great choice if you’re heading there. And, thanks to Stealth servers, you can even use Proton VPN in China, Turkey, or Russia.

Speed: Proton VPN utilizes the WireGuard tunneling protocol, reaching around 439.8 Mbps (download speed). You can also use VPN Accelerator, which should improve your connection 4x times. Additionally, you can find 10 Gbps servers, which provide even better performance.

Streaming: Proton VPN is quite reliable when unblocking various services. It lets you watch BBC iPlayer, Hulu, or Netflix, and you can do it even in highly restricted countries.

Price: Proton VPN is one of travelers’ best free VPN options. But with premium, you’ll get the best features and loads of servers. Currently, you can get it for $3.59/month with a unique Proton VPN coupon code.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

5. IPVanish – user-friendly international travel VPN

IPVanishis among the most popular travel VPNs. It offers excellent coverage, reliable performance, and valuable features. The best part is that it works in highly restricted countries, as all of its servers are obfuscated.

Security & privacy: In addition to regular security features like a kill switch and AES-256 encryption, IPVanish has a Threat Manager. This excellent extra gets rid of malicious ads and viruses. It’s based in the privacy-respecting British Virgin Islands and has a court-proven zero-logs policy.

Server fleet: IPVanish doesn’t disclose the exact number of servers. But the last time I checked, it had 2200+ pieces of hardware in 51+ countries. All of them are RAM-only, so third parties won’t have a chance to collect your data.

Speed: It’s a reasonably fast VPN due to its proprietary tunneling protocol – WireGuard. During tests in various countries, the service managed to reach 414.4 Mbps average download speed.

Streaming: With this provider, you can enjoy Netflix US libraries, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and some other platforms. For your convenience, there’s the MediaStreamer feature. It lets you stream geo-blocked content on smart TVs and devices that don’t support VPNs.

Price: IPVanish is the most expensive service on the list. Luckily, you can save some money with an IPVanish coupon and get a plan for $2.19/month. Plus, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial.

For a deeper investigation of IPVanish, read our IPVanish review.

Best VPNs for traveling abroad: comparison

Short of time for reading through a detailed comparison? Find the essential information about the best travel VPNs below:

My research team and colleagues who travel often note that NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for traveling. The service unlocked Western media & apps in highly restricted countries like China and the UAE. Hence, they easily kept in touch throughout their trips. Moreover, the speeds were always stable, so my travel VPN test participants managed to enjoy Netflix US from other countries.

Visit NordVPN

Travel VPNs that didn’t make the cut

Notice that some popular VPNs didn’t make it onto the list? Well, just because they are well-known doesn’t mean they are fit for travelers. They lack in certain areas, such as privacy, speeds, or streaming possibilities. However, you can take a look at travel VPNs that couldn’t reach the Top 5:

• IVPN. One of the most private, open-source VPNs on the market. While it will ensure your safety, it’s pretty pricey, and there could be more servers to choose from.
• Bitdefender VPN. It is an excellent service with a free version and all must-have features. Sadly, it’s not the best for streaming when traveling.
• Mullvad. It is one of the most secure VPNs, according to Reddit users. The only problem is that the server selection could be better, and it’s unsuitable for streaming geo-restricted content.
• CyberGhost. A well-known provider with highly secure servers that can give you access to the most popular streaming platforms. Nevertheless, the performance on iPhones was bumpy. Plus, it lacked some features on Apple devices.

You should be a little bit concerned if your VPN is not on either of the lists. Your device is a treasure trove of personal data, financial info, and other sensitive materials. You might be in a pickle if it gets hacked during your travels. Therefore, I recommend getting a top-tier international VPN trusted by millions of travelers globally.

Travel safely with NordVPN

How I tested & selected travel VPNs

The VPNpro research team conducted multiple trials and reviews on top travel VPNs. I analyzed important things like speeds, server locations, security & privacy features, usability, compatibility, and performance in highly restricted countries.

Moreover, I asked some travellers and digital nomads to test the services in real-life situations for more accurate test results.

So, here’s my methodology for testing VPNs for travel and their features:

• Selection criteria. I picked travel VPNs based on their popularity, reputation, range of features, and previous experience using them. I aimed to select services catering to newbie travelers and experienced digital nomads.
• Testing environment. To find out how well a VPN works, I tested them in-house in a controlled environment using a standardized internet connection. On top of that, my colleagues in other countries also tested it in various situations, even in countries under heavy censorship.
• Analysis duration. Each VPN for traveling underwent a testing period of at least 3 weeks. It allowed me to evaluate long-term reliability, speed consistency, and the effectiveness of security features over an extended time.
• Trial scenarios. I tested VPNs in various scenarios, including streaming, torrenting, online gaming, and general web browsing. Additionally, my partners in China and the UAE checked whether they could bypass strict firewalls.
• Real-word usage. To truly test how effective the international VPNs are, I reached out to various travelers in different countries. They tested and reported their experiences when using them in multiple locations.
• User demographics. To assess the ease of using VPNs, I included people with different technical skills, from beginners to advanced users.
• Testing tools. To evaluate the VPNs and their claims, I assessed their security & privacy protocols and ran extensive speed & DNS leak tests. Not to mention, I used various devices with different operating systems to determine their performance and compatibility.

What is the best VPN for travel?

NordVPN is the best travel VPN, hands down. It provides a massive server network, excellent speeds globally, and top-tier security & privacy features.

When picking the best travel VPN, my research team paid close attention to the server network, safety features, connectivity, usability, and additional features. NordVPN stood out as the top choice as it ticked off all boxes. According to real-life testing by travelers and digital nomads, NordVPN proved to be the most reliable option when streaming, browsing, or working remotely.

So, settle for nothing but the best, and grab NordVPN for your travels worldwide.

Why do you need a VPN for travel?

Using a VPN for traveling can provide many perks, whether venturing for business or pleasure.

From extra security to hidden discounts, here are the key benefits of using a virtual private network:

• Data & device security. Traveling entails frequent use of free Wi-Fi in airports, public transport stations, cafes, and more. These networks don’t have robust security measures and could have hackers lurking about with malware at the ready. The best VPN prevents unnecessary data exposure and viruses from entering your device.
• Restriction unblocking. A VPN works by redirecting your connection through a server in another country. That way, you can circumvent restrictions and access content and websites from your home country. For example, you’ll be able to catch all NFL games live on YouTube TV even if you’re on the other side of the globe.
• Privacy. Snoopers can access your personal information, including travel photos, credit card information, and more. When you use a VPN, online activities remain indecipherable to ISPs (Internet Service Providers), governments, authorities, and other interlopers.
• Saving money. You can utilize a VPN well before your trip to change your virtual location and grab various digital services cheaply. Plus, a VPN can help you find cheaper flight tickets and hotels.
• Staying connected. Many countries forbid the use of Western social media or dating apps. Therefore, if you want to keep in touch and chat with your friends & family back home, a VPN can give you access to Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram, and many other applications.

As you can see, there are numerous benefits to using a VPN for travelers. All you have to do is choose a reliable provider that can keep all security and connectivity promises.

Get the best travel VPN

How do I get a VPN for international travel?

With so many travel VPNs on the market, getting one should be a piece of cake. Moreover, a good service should work on multiple devices. For example, if you’re looking for the best VPN for iPhone for international travel, chances are that it will work on other devices, too. So, here’s how you set it up:

1. Get the best VPN in the world. My #1 choice is NordVPN, now with a 74% discount.
2. Install the application on a device of your choice, for example, your iPhone.
3. Enable Threat Protection to avoid ads and boost security.
4. Launch the VPN and select a server. For example, you can choose a server nearby for the best connectivity or join one in the US to get American content.
5. Now, you can stay safe and watch anything while traveling abroad.

Visit NordVPN

Countries where VPNs are illegal

Besides blocking social media and most Western websites, some countries also forbid the use of VPNs. They do so to control information, regulate online activities, and ensure “political stability.”

According to academic papers and Surfshark’s research, here’s a list of countries that forbid entirely the use of VPNs, even for tourists and travellers:

• China
• Iran
• Iraq
• North Korea
• Egypt
• Turkmenistan
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Belarus
• Myanmar (Burma)
• Pakistan
• Tanzania
• Oman
• Russia

Furthermore, there are a handful of countries that have restricted VPN usage and access to the internet on multiple occasions:

• Turkey
• Venezuela
• Cuba
• Uganda
• Sudan
• Eritrea
• Saudi Arabia
• Kazakhstan
• Uzbekistan
• India
• Thailand
• Indonesia

If you are traveling to any of these countries and want to stay connected, I highly recommend using an international VPN prior to your flight. You should pick a service that is known for its effectiveness against censorship and firewalls. Moreover, to help you avoid trouble, a travel VPN shouldn’t leave any traces.

My researchers and people who have been to China recommend NordVPN as the top travel VPN. It’s undetectable and reliable even in the most brutal digital environments.

VPN not working while traveling

Unexpected issues are inevitable while traveling, and VPNs are no exception to these unpleasant surprises. However, you won’t be caught off guard if you know what to do. You can start by troubleshooting the issues. Here’s what you can do before reaching out to customer service:

• Connect to a different server. Perhaps you got unlucky and connected to a faulty server or a blocked IP address. You can resolve this quickly by reconnecting to a different one.
• Check for IP and DNS leaks. If you’re trying to circumvent certain restrictions, you won’t succeed if your IP address leaks and exposes your actual location. Check whether that’s the case on websites like ipleak.net.
• Use a different tunneling protocol. Some tunneling protocols are better suited for dealing with online restrictions. If your provider has different options, try them out. Also, check the settings menu for special features against censorship and DPI (Deep Packet Inspection).
• Update your VPN app. No app ever works as intended if it’s out of date. This is especially true for VPNs because the technologies against them are also updated regularly.

If you want to avoid such problems, I highly recommend picking a reputable VPN for international use. A provider like NordVPN should have no issues working even in highly restricted countries like China.

Nevertheless, troubleshooting issues with a virtual private network can be problematic if you’re in a place that restricts VPN traffic. Just in case, before your travels, arm yourself with a backup service in case the first one falters. You can get a free VPN like Proton VPN if you don't want to spend extra money.

Get the best VPN in the world

Best free VPN for travel

I do not recommend using a completely free VPN while traveling. That’s because most no-pay services won’t provide much-needed security. Plus, they are notorious for collecting and selling your data to advertisers and the government. They are also slow, limit your data, and are unreliable overall.

Luckily, there is an alternative to free VPNs for international travel. You can get a premium free trial VPN. You’ll have access to top-shelf safety features, loads of servers, and fantastic speeds for a limited time. Moreover, you’ll have no problems streaming content from all over the world.

At the moment, NordVPN and Surfshark offer the best deals. Thanks to the 7-day free trials and 30-day money-back guarantees, you can use them without paying.

Try NordVPN

Conclusion

The benefits of having the best VPN when traveling are immense. You won’t have to worry much about someone breaching your privacy or stealing your data while using public wifi. Moreover, you’ll have endless streaming possibilities and access to the unrestricted internet, even in countries under heavy censorship.

The most versatile service of the bunch is NordVPN. It’s the perfect choice for a travel VPN. It provides the best security features to boost your safety and privacy. Moreover, it’s the best VPN for streaming overseas as it can swiftly bypass geo-blocks and other curbs. You’ll get breakneck speeds wherever you might travel. My research team and people who tested NordVPN abroad, even in countries like the UAE, have proven all that.

What’s included in your digital arsenal while traveling abroad? Share your travel tips by leaving a comment!

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You may also like to read:
Best VPN for India
Best VPN for China
Best VPN for Hong Kong
Best VPN for Japan
Best VPN for UAE
Best VPN for USA

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FAQ

What is the best VPN for traveling?

The best travel VPN is NordVPN, according to my research and various reputable sources. It covers 118 countries, meaning there will always be a server nearby. Furthermore, NordVPN works in countries like China and Egypt due to its strong encryption and obfuscated servers. Plus, you can enjoy the internet ad-free with Threat Protection.

Do I need a VPN for international travel?

Yes, I highly recommend a VPN for international use. It can help you access region-restricted content and bypass internet censorship in countries like Cuba, Venezuela, or China. Most importantly, it will boost your online security and privacy by preventing hacking attempts on unsecured public WiFi.

How do I get a VPN for international travel?

To get a VPN for international travel, pick a reliable VPN from my Top 5 travel VPN list. Sign up for a subscription plan and download the VPN app on your device. Once installed, launch the VPN, log in, and connect to a server of your choice. Then, you can enjoy total safety and endless content online.

Which VPN to use for your phone while traveling?

If you need a VPN on your phone while traveling, consider reputable options like NordVPN, Surfshark, or Proton VPN. These providers offer user-friendly mobile apps, strong encryption, and a variety of server locations to enhance privacy and security during your travels. Not to mention, they work perfectly on Android and iPhone smartphones.

Is it worth getting a VPN for travelling?

Yes, it is worth getting a VPN for travel. It will protect you against various cyber threats on the internet while using public wifi. Moreover, you won’t have to worry about someone spying on you and your activities. Furthermore, the Top VPN for traveling will let you access any streaming service globally, even in countries like China.

What are VPN pros while travelling?

The biggest pro of using a VPN while traveling is that it amplifies your safety online on unsecured public networks. Additionally, a VPN allows you to access geo-restricted content, maintain your online privacy, and bypass internet censorship in countries under heavy censorship, such as China.

Which VPN is the best for changing country?

The best travel VPN for changing countries is NordVPN. It swiftly connects to servers in 118 countries, and there are specialized servers for torrenting, extra security, or bypassing firewalls. Otherwise, you can try Surfshark, which covers 100 countries, or Proton VPN with 110 countries on its list.