Safe internet abroad

Why a VPN is essential for your privacy and security

Protect your data on public Wi-Fi networks and avoid GEO restrictions

Travelling is becoming increasingly accessible, and more people are discovering the beauty of exploring the world. It’s important to prepare well for a trip — from booking cheap tickets and packing your suitcase to ensuring online accessibility abroad.

Connectivity involves choosing a SIM card or eSIM abroad and browsing the internet safely. Safe internet browsing is done through a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which not only provides security benefits but also lets you watch your favorite series on platforms like Netflix, HBO, or Live TV channels.

On this page, I’ll explain what a VPN is, why it’s essential for travelers, and which VPN service I personally use.

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Why you should have a VPN while travelling

Research shows that many travelers frequently search Google for terms like “VPN abroad”, “public Wi-Fi risks”, and “safe internet on holiday”. And that’s not for nothing. The risks of using public networks are well known, and it is important to protect your data and privacy.

🔒 Protect your privacy & prevent hackers

If you use public Wi-Fi networks, there are a number of ways in which you are at risk.

• Fake Wi-Fi networks
  A hacker can create a fake network that looks like a legitimate Wi-Fi network, e.g. “Free_Wi-Fi_hotel”. You connect unsuspectingly, but actually you give that hacker direct access to your data.
• Man-in-the-middle attack
  This means that a hacker puts himself between you and the website you go to. Everything you enter passes through the hacker first, allowing them to steal or modify your data.
• Malicious software (malware)
  Sometimes hackers can put a virus on your device over a public network. You may not notice it right away, but in the meantime it can, for example, encrypt your files and demand money to get them back (ransomware).

If you use a VPN service – I personally use NordVPN – you encrypt your connection. It is then not possible for malicious people to monitor or intercept your connection. A VPN secures your connection even if you are on a public wifi network.

It’s always advisable to use a VPN when connected to public Wi-Fi networks. Whether at an airport, a restaurant or a hotel. But if you work with privacy-sensitive data – such as banking – you really can’t do without one.

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🌍 Bypass censorship & geographical blocks

Although I have already devoted a separate page to it – Netflix or watching TV abroad – it is worth mentioning that with a VPN you can do more than just secure your internet connection.

With many VPN services, you have the option to choose which country you want your connection to go through. That means if you are in America, you can specify that you want to use a Dutch internet connection.

This allows you to bypass geo-blocks. So if you want to watch Dutch TV – which is often blocked abroad – you can do so with a VPN. The same goes for services like Netflix, Videoland, HBO or Amazon Prime.

Censorship

In countries like China, Turkey and the UAE, social media or streaming services are often restricted or completely blocked. Here too, you can use a VPN service and route your connection through – for example – the Netherlands, so that you maintain access to your favourite websites no matter where you are in the world.

NordVPN offers:
✅ Access to more than 5,000 servers worldwide
✅ Bypass geographical blocks for Netflix, BBC iPlayer and more
✅ Additional security features such as Double VPN and Onion Over VPN

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Which VPN is best for travel?

If you’re traveling and understand the importance of a VPN. But which one should you have? There are several providers offering good VPN solutions. There is no single best option.

In the table below, I have compared a number of VPN providers. The information comes from their official website and discussions on Reddit. The most frequently mentioned criteria are speed, reliability and ease of use.

VPN service	Speed	Number of servers	Netflix & streaming	Privacy policy	Price
NordVPN	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	5.000+	✅ Works with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu	No-logs policy	€3.39 p/m*
ExpressVPN	⭐⭐⭐⭐	3.000+	✅ Works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer	No-logs policy	€6.67 p/m
Surfshark	⭐⭐⭐⭐	3.200+	✅ Works with Netflix, Prime Video	No-logs policy	€2.49 p/m
CyberGhost	⭐⭐⭐	7.000+	❌ Sometimes blocked on Netflix	No-logs policy	€2.75 p/m

💡 NordVPN comes out top of the test thanks to its speed, reliability and strong privacy protection.

My experience with VPN providers

I have personally used NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark. With ExpressVPN, I often experienced slow connections and trouble accessing streaming services abroad as well as not finding the connection very fast, I am very pleased with both Surfshark and NordVPN.

From Nomadmenu, we have the opportunity to give you up to 70% discount on NordVPN. Thereby, you can always Try NordVPN free for 30 days — test the service and enjoy secure browsing during your travels!

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Conclusion: Protect yourself while travelling with a VPN

Whether you’re working in a café in Paris, travelling through Thailand or booking a hotel in Dubai, a VPN is a must-have. This ensures you’re using the internet safely.

In my opinion, NordVPN offers a complete solution and almost always has interesting offers. Going on a trip? Try NordVPN free for 30 days — it lets you test the service and ensures a secure connection during your trip.

🔹 Keep your internet safe and protect your data
🔹 Browse and bank online with peace of mind
🔹 Experience the convenience and benefit of no blocks on Netflix and TV watching

Frequently asked questions about VPNs when travelling