The Top 5 Best VPN for Travel (Best for September 2023 Traveling)

If you are someone who travels a lot, whether for work or fun, especially in other countries, it’s important to keep your online information secure. Using the best VPN for International Travel is like having a guard for your data, giving you peace of mind while you’re on the move.

Moreover, the service you use at home might be great for watching movies, but when you’re abroad, VPNs become a crucial tool for keeping your information protected. Imagine you’re at an airport, hotel, or café, and you want to use their Wi-Fi. It might be easy, but it’s not very safe. This is where the best VPN for traveling can help.

VPNs create secure tunnels, provide online security, and give access to websites and services back home, including VOIP, social media apps, banking and financial accounts, and streaming platforms.

The best VPN services offer an extra layer of protection making it much harder for anyone to see your important financial details or the passwords you use to log in to your accounts. So, your information is much less likely to be stolen or exposed to hackers.

Why You Need a VPN While Traveling in August 2023

You need a VPN while traveling because it’ll help in encrypting your web traffic and allow you to access geo-restricted sites from home in another country. A VPN acts as a robust encryption tool accessible through a device app. While traveling, a VPN safeguards your browsing data from hackers, advertisers, and third parties, ensuring secure online interactions and privacy enhancement.

So, ‘why do I need a VPN for international travel?’ We have highlighted some of the most important reasons why you NEED the best VPN for international travel:

• Enhanced Public Wi-Fi Security: Shield yourself from potential cyber threats on unsecured public networks. you can also carry a VPN device for travel. A VPN encrypts your data, safeguarding it from prying eyes, as highlighted by America’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
• Privacy from Third Parties: Different ISPs or governments may monitor your online activities. A VPN ensures your digital privacy is preserved, even in restrictive countries.
• Secure Email and Banking: Using public Wi-Fi for emails or banking can be risky. A VPN recommended by organizations like the National Cybersecurity Alliance keeps sensitive accounts safe.
• Overcome Geo-Restrictions: Some countries limit social media or website access. A VPN changes your virtual location, enabling you to bypass these restrictions and freely explore the internet.
• Consistent Access: Websites and apps can vary across countries. For instance, Netflix content differs. A VPN lets you access online content as if you were back home.

Quick Comparison of the Best VPN for Traveling

Here is a brief comparison table of the Best Travel VPNs in 2023:

VPNs
Ranking for Traveling Overseas	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th
Security	AES 256 bit	AES 256 bit	AES 256 bit	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit
Servers	3000+ servers	3200+ servers	5500+ servers	9700+ servers	2000 servers	200 servers
Number of Countries/Locations	94 Countries	100 Countries	60 Countries	91 Countries	75+ Locations	63 servers
Kill Switch	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Streaming	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and More	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and More
Compatibility	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers
Simultaneous Connections	5	Unlimited	6	7	Unlimited	5
Torrenting Support	All Servers	All Servers	Some servers	Some Servers	All Servers	All Servers
Pricing	$6.67/mo (Get 49% Off + 3 Months FREE on its 12-Month Plan)	$2.30/mo (Get 84% + 2 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan)	$3.99/mo (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan)	$2.11/mo	$3.33/mo	$2.00/mo

The Best VPN for Traveling in 2023 [In-Depth Analysis]

We tested 150+ VPNs to find out the best VPN for travel for our users. After our tests on an extensive testing methodology, we came up with the 6 best VPN service for international travel that offer hundreds and thousands of servers worldwide, excellent unblocking capabilities, and robust security.

1. ExpressVPN – Overall Best VPN for Traveling

ExpressVPN is overall the best VPN for international travel. ExpressVPN answers the famous query of users “What is the best VPN for international travel?” With its fast and reliable connection and security features, this VPN has garnered a world-class reputation as the world’s premium VPN service as the best international VPN since it offers thousands of servers, excellent unblocking, and stringent security to all travelers.

ExpressVPN server list has 3000+ servers in more than 94 countries worldwide. With this many servers, regardless of the country you visit, you’re bound to find a local server to connect to.

If you’re vacationing, you just need a VPN that works smoothly on social media apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Snapchat to update your followers with your vacation activities. You can also call ExpressVPN the best Facebook VPN, especially as it unblocks the social media site within seconds.

Moreover, we could also access various streaming platforms on the go. You can also unblock Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Netflix with ExpressVPN. On further testing, we have tested and streamed other international channels, such as Unimas, 9 channel, and 7HD with ExpressVPN.

The ExpressVPN apps are well-designed both for desktops and mobile phones, so you can install them on all your devices while traveling worldwide. This VPN supports five simultaneous connections on a single account, using which you can get ExpressVPN on iPhones and other iOS devices, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, and more.

As for security, ExpressVPN offers all the latest protocols, such as Lightway and OpenVPN, for maximum protection. It also offers protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. With this VPN, you also get a split tunneling feature and no-logging policy that is perfect for travelers who don’t want to leave a paper trail behind for would-be hackers or greedy marketers.

ExpressVPN’s no logs feature also makes it the best offshore VPN. This VPN service does not keep any internet traffic logs offering a secure connection. Even Internet Service Providers (ISPs) cannot see what you are doing online.

Its Private DNS is capable of running on every server while traveling. So if you try to check your Gmail, it’ll assign you an IP address for Gmail straightaway. You don’t have to enable the Private DNS feature manually since it runs automatically and keeps you safe from third parties.

Using these servers, the best VPN for overseas travel, you can bypass censorship in restrictive countries like China, Russia, and Turkey.

If we talk about speed, then ExpressVPN didn’t disappoint. In our ExpressVPN speed test conducted on its US server, we enjoyed getting a download speed of 87.78 Mbps and an upload speed of 42.22 Mbps on our connection of 100 Mbps.

As per these speeds, ExpressVPN is fast enough to be used while traveling.

Finally, ExpressVPN costs just $6.67/mo (Get 49% Off + 3 Months FREE on its 12-Month Plan) and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. If you’re going away only for a week, then you can also try out the ExpressVPN free trial for 7 days to enjoy being secure on mobile devices. It also has excellent 24/7 live chat support in case you need assistance.

For further details, read our in-depth ExpressVPN review.

2. Surfshark – Best Affordable Travel VPN

Surfshark is the most budget-friendly VPN provider that is quite popular thanks to its excellent performance and affordable subscription plans. If you’re running on a strict budget, Surfshark might be the best VPN for traveling abroad you can get, as it costs only $2.30/mo (Get 84% + 2 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan).

Surfshark’s server list has 3200+ servers in 100 countries. These servers should be more than enough for any international traveler. It also gives you secure access to your local banking apps through its encrypted security features.

Surfshark does an amazing job at unblocking geo-restricted streaming sites, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ with Surfshark. So if you are missing your favorite shows, but you are not able to watch them, Surfshark will cover for you. We tested unblocking Hulu with Surfshark while traveling outside the US region. We got instant access to the streaming platform and started streaming in 1080p.

With Surfshark, you can secure all your devices with one single account when traveling. Thanks to its dedicated apps, you can get Surfshark on Linux, iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows on the road.

Other than that, Surfshark offers strong AES-256 encryption. Some of its standout features include CleanWeb (adblocker), MultiHop (Double VPN), kill switch, and obfuscation. It also offers a split tunneling feature called WhiteLister. Using its No Borders mode, you can access sites of restrictive countries that they might not find very pleasing.

Powered with extraordinary bypassing technologies, Surfshark can bypass censorship in various countries like China, the UAE, and more.

In terms of performance, Surfshark offers fast speeds to users. In our Surfshark speed test, it delivered a download speed of 81.32 Mbps and an upload speed of 76.12 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection. With these speed results, you can stream your favorite channels buffer-free on the road.

Using these speeds, streaming, and gaming while traveling abroad was pretty easy.

Surfshark’s affordable prices are excellent for travelers, it also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee as well. This way, you can test the VPN risk-free for an entire month. You even get a Surfshark free trial for 7 days which can be beneficial if you’re only carrying your mobile on vacation.

Find out more about this VPN in our Surfshark review.

3. NordVPN – Most Secure VPN for Traveling

NordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs for traveling. In fact, NordVPN also answers the famous query of users “Is NordVPN good for international travel?” this international VPN provider prioritizes the privacy of its users above all other considerations by offering advanced features like obfuscation technology, DoubleVPN, kill switch, and more. It is also the Best VPN for Wavo.

NordVPN’s server list offers an extensive network of 5500+ servers in 60 countries, making it one of the best VPNs for overseas travel. For testing purposes, we tried accessing WhatsApp using NordVPN and could access it just as if we were back home.

NordVPN is a pretty awesome VPN for anyone who’s looking to unblock geo-restricted websites and stay safe from cybercriminals and hackers anywhere in the world. We were able to unblock Hulu, Netflix, Vudu, Showtime, HBO Max with NordVPN, and other streaming platforms.

With this VPN, you get six simultaneous devices at once. If you don’t own these many devices, then you can always share your account with your friends traveling with you. You can set up NordVPN on Roku, FireStick, iPhone, Android smartphones, and multiple other devices.

NordVPN also has a Threat protection feature that ensures to protection of the user abroad from any kind of cyberattacks, as travelers are easy prey for hackers. It also helps you grab the best reasonable deals available in different countries; by changing your IP address with NordVPN, you can get the cheapest deals around the globe.

NordVPN is also super secure. The provider uses strong security protocols like OpenVPN, SSTP, PPTP, DNS leak protection, and IKEv2 that can tunnel your data for maximum security. Its servers are equipped with obfuscation technology that masks your VPN traffic and disguises it as normal internet traffic to bypass VPN blocks.

Not only that, NordVPN’s Double VPN feature boosts security while surfing the web, adding extra layers of protection, especially for situations where you might need more security, such as when using a public Wi-Fi network in a hotel, airport, or other places. So if you’re touring the West, you’ll need the best VPN for travel to Europe to safeguard your privacy.

NordVPN offers amazing speeds on all its servers, even long-distance ones. So, we conducted a NordVPN speed test on our 100 Mbps connection, and the VPN delivered a download speed of 83.82 Mbps and an upload speed of 44.64 Mbps.

With these speeds, we could easily access local banking websites and communications services.

All in all, it is a great VPN service to stay secure overseas. NordVPN costs only $3.99/mo (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan) and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re just going on a quick business trip, then you can also use NordVPN’s free trial for 7 days. However, it’s conditioned to Android and iOS devices only.

You can learn more about this service’s qualities in our NordVPN review.

4. CyberGhost – User-friendly Travel VPN with Consistent Performance

CyberGhost is a user-friendly travel VPN that offers consistent performance throughout. It has a spotless reputation with easy-to-use VPN apps for traveling. The provider offers powerful encryption, a no-logging policy, and optimized servers for multiple activities on all its apps.

CyberGhost offers over 9700+ servers in 91 server locations. Again if you want to stay updated with your favorite show from back home, CyberGhost will surely let you do that. We used its streaming tab and connected to a Netflix US-optimized server of CyberGhost. We were able to stream Netflix US with CyberGhost in ultra HD.

CyberGhost offers 7 multi-logins to users, using which you can configure this VPN on up to 7 devices. While visiting a foreign country, you can set CyberGhost up on iOS, Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and other OSes/devices.

In terms of security, CyberGhost masks your IP and uses the fastest tunneling protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, SSTP, PPTP, IKEv2, and L2TP to protect your privacy and data. This way, your internet service provider (ISP) cannot trace your online activities. Equipped with remarkable encryption technology, CyberGhost can protect your personal data when connected to public Wi-Fi.

While testing, we could easily bypass censorship and keep our Instagram followers updated with our travel experiences. We could also unblock Instagram Music, making it a reliable Instagram VPN. Also, one of the golden features of CyberGhost is that it allows you to unblock your local banking site to make transactions securely with utmost security.

As for speeds, CyberGhost also offers consistent speeds on its servers. In our CyberGhost speed test, the VPN delivered a download speed of 75.47 Mbps and an upload speed of 69.34 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

These speeds were consistent on a variety of CyberGhost servers.

CyberGhost is also reasonably priced at $2.11/mo . This VPN also comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee and offers a CyberGhost free trial, making it a perfect choice for a tour VPN.

This international VPN offers all the bells and whistles of a premium VPN service. You can learn more about this provider in our comprehensive CyberGhost VPN review.

5. IPVanish – Best VPN for Traveling Abroad with Unlimited Connections

IPVanish is the best VPN for any traveler who wants unlimited connections. Suppose you’re traveling in a group, and everyone wants a piece of online security they can get. In that case, you all can pitch in and get IPVanish since it offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

IPVanish server list consists of 2000 servers in 75+ countries worldwide, It’s an awesome VPN that can help you unblock anything abroad and on the go by connecting you to an optimal VPN server which means it is very helpful in evading geo-restrictions.

We tested the VPN by accessing a local news channel in the United States. In that case, we could enjoy live news back home without any issues. We were able to stream Netflix with IPVanish without running into any issues.

Besides new channels, we also used this VPN to use TikTok during our 2-hour ride to the hotel. Not only could we enjoy watching various TikToks, but we could also create a few and post them as well. This made us jot down this provider as the best TikTok VPN.

IPVanish’s unlimited simultaneous connections make this VPN the best multi-device VPN service. Moreover, it offers compatibility with all major platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, etc., so you can use these devices securely while traveling. IPVanish also assures its users that there won’t be any data retention from its end.

If we talk about security, IPVanish offers a kill switch, split tunneling, 256-bit military-grade encryption, and DNS leak protection. The VPN is headquartered in the USA (a major member of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance). However, the provider offers a strict no-logs policy, which is safe to use. Moreover, this VPN evades censorship and allows travelers to browse the internet freely as they travel across borders.

IPVanish also offers good speeds for enjoying bufferless streaming. In our speed test of IPVanish, the VPN delivered a download speed of 86.75 Mbps and an upload speed of 73.67 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

These speeds were pretty fast and let us enjoy streaming without any lags.

IPVanish is a highly affordable VPN for traveling, costing only $3.33/mo with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’d like to test this VPN first before investing, you should opt for the IPVanish free trial available for 7 days on iOS and Android smartphones.

You can learn more about this service’s qualities in our IPVanish review.

Testing Methodology: How to Choose the Best VPN for Traveling

Since hundreds of VPNs are available in the market, choosing the perfect one for traveling is difficult. Some might even think that all VPNs are the same. However, in reality, all VPN services vary greatly, so you need to be cautious when choosing one for traveling.

Our team reviewed the best VPN for international travel in 2023, focusing on these key factors to help you decide wisely:

• VPN server Performance: We prioritized VPNs with consistent performance, particularly when you’re in different countries. Streaming shouldn’t be a hassle due to frequent drops or delays.
• Comprehensive Testing: While we can’t test everywhere, we rigorously tested VPN services from various places to ensure reliability across diverse infrastructures.
• Multiple Device Connections: We selected VPNs allowing a minimum of 5 simultaneous connections, ideal for securing your phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, and even a smart TV. Select those VPNs only that are more compatible with most of the streaming platforms and devices. It should work well even as a travel VPN for routers.
• Robust Security: Our chosen VPNs feature strong security protocols and encryption, along with proactive development teams that continuously enhance security and address reported issues.
• Essential Kill Switch: A vital safeguard, the kill switch prevents unprotected connections, crucially blocking default Wi-Fi access if your internet connection unexpectedly drops. The best free VPN for international travel wouldn’t offer such a facility.
• Seamless Geoblocks and Streaming: Our top recommendations excel in bypassing geo-blocks and facilitating smooth streaming without compromising connection speed. The VPNs we’ve picked can unblock Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more streaming sites within a minute.
• Extensive Server Network: VPNs offer servers in a wide range of countries, with a minimum of about 50 servers, ensuring ample variety and choice for users. The more servers a VPN provider offers, the better the performance you will get. So, ensure using the best VPNs for international travel that let you access several servers with multiple locations.
• Fair Trial & Pricing: Each recommended VPN provides a reliable money-back guarantee, ensuring your satisfaction and peace of mind.

How to Use a VPN for International Travel in 2023?

Opt for the best VPN for working abroad to ensure secure and efficient online connectivity.

Here’s how do I get a VPN for international travel?:

Before you go, it’s wise to assess the internet quality at your destination. If you’re heading to a country with strict regulations, consider adjusting your VPN settings, like activating the traffic obfuscation feature.

That’s why, you need to choose the best VPN when traveling that offers advanced security features for maintaining your data security and online privacy. For detailed guidance on the best VPN international travel server, reach out to your chosen VPN’s customer support.

Can I Get Cheap Airfares and Hotels with an International VPN?

Yes, you can get cheaper flights and hotels if you choose a VPN server from a country with the lowest airfare prices. By masking your location and appearing to browse from another country, you can unlock reduced flight costs and enhance your travel budget effectively.

The prices of hotel accommodations and flights vary from country to country, depending on how wealthy the region is considered to be. Therefore, a VPN can aid you in getting lower prices for international purchases, like hotels, flights, and hostels, while keeping your actual location secure.

So, if you’re looking to save some cash on your next international trip, we recommend you opt for ExpressVPN connect to servers of multiple regions, and then compare the prices of hotels and flights you want. Please clear your cache and cookies every time you visit the website so it doesn’t know that you’ve accessed it before.

Travel VPN Troubleshooting Guide

When using VPN apps during your travels, occasional glitches might arise. These situations can be bothersome, especially when you’re unsure about the remedy. Therefore, familiarizing yourself with quick solutions is advisable in case your VPN encounters issues.

• Switch Servers: If a VPN server’s IP gets blocked or underperforms, shift to a different one to ensure smoother connectivity.
• Activate Traffic Obfuscation: To mask VPN usage, enable traffic obfuscation, which conceals your activity.
• Inspect for Leaks: Verify against IP or DNS leaks using tools like dnsleaktest.com to ensure unobstructed browsing.
• Experiment with Protocols: If specific web traffic is blocked, try alternative protocols for seamless access.
• Update Software: Ensure your VPN app is up-to-date to prevent glitches stemming from outdated software.
• Consider Different Providers: If problems persist, explore other VPN services optimized for travel. Experience hassle-free travel with the best VPN – give ExpressVPN’s 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee a try.

Extra Cybersecurity Tips for Travellers

Don’t forget the following basic cybersecurity best practices to ensure the privacy and security of your data during your travels:

• Keep your device updated: Regularly update your devices – computers, phones, and gaming gear – to fix vulnerabilities. Ensure your operating system, applications, antivirus, and malware software are current. Enable automatic updates for added security.
• Back-Up Essential Data: Safeguard contacts, finances, photos, videos, and more by backing up your devices. This precaution aids recovery if a device is compromised, necessitating a factory reset.
• Lock Vigilantly: Secure your device when not in use. Set devices to auto-lock after periods of inactivity, and use strong PINs and passwords.
• Enhance Security with MFA: Activate multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added access protection, ensuring only you can log in.
• Protect your device with a VPN: Install a VPN on your device to keep sensitive data protected while traveling. Whether in taxis, security checks, or accommodations a VPN will encrypt your information and make it undetectable by a hacker.
• Charge Securely: Avoid public USB charging stations to prevent potential threats. Always use your trusted power adapter connected to safe power sources.
• Erase Rental Car Data: If you connect your device to a rental car, securely remove it to prevent others from accessing your private information.
• Avoid Public WiFi: Exercise caution with public Wi-Fi due to security risks. Whenever possible, rely on your carrier’s connection or use your phone as a personal hotspot.

In which countries are VPNs illegal while Traveling?

While traveling, VPNs are generally legal in numerous countries, including the USA, UK, and Canada. However, it’s important to note that VPNs might be prohibited in places like Belarus, Iraq, North Korea, and Turkmenistan. Moreover, certain countries like China and Russia have imposed restrictions on VPN usage, which travelers should be aware of.

While VPNs might be prohibited or discouraged in specific areas, you can maintain secure connections while traveling by selecting a suitable VPN. Opt for a VPN with obfuscated servers in countries where VPN usage is restricted, ensuring your activity remains undetected. Always ensure your chosen VPN is compatible with your travel destination before embarking on your journey.

Can I use a free VPN for international travel?

Yes, but we don’t recommend using a free VPN for international travel. Even though some free VPNs may work in the foreign country you’ve planned to visit, we won’t recommend you use a free VPN for traveling. That’s because these VPNs are pretty unreliable and slow and have poor usability. What’s worse is that these VPNs collect user data and sell it to third parties, making them extremely dangerous.

Even if you think you can compromise on all the factors above, you won’t be able to enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows. Even the best free VPN for travel may be unable to circumvent geo-restrictions and cannot unblock streaming services like Netflix.

This is why we highly recommend using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN for traveling abroad. A premium VPN is a fantastic option for everyone traveling. Your online traffic can stay encrypted, and you can enjoy accessing apps and sites like you would back home without any interruptions.

FAQs – Best VPN for Traveling

Wrapping Up!

A VPN has become an important part of one’s traveling luggage. There is an ocean of important and confidential information stored in our devices in the highly digitized modern world. It is only prudent to go the extra mile to protect yourself online and use the best VPN for international travel.

Amongst all the travel VPNs listed above, we suggest you opt for ExpressVPN due to its global servers, fast speeds, and robust security. It even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try out the VPN risk-free for a whole month!

We hope you found this article helpful while planning your travel. Let us know your views about the article in the comments below.