Why Do I Need a VPN?
VPN stands for virtual private network. If you plan on accessing the internet from your home country, then having a VPN is essential if you decide to travel abroad. Not only that, but a VPN will also add an extra layer of protection from others who might try to access your device through an unsecured Wifi connection.
Here’s a list of some popular VPN providers you might want to check out.
Note: All the VPN services below have free versions as well as paid versions with more added features.
1. ProtonVPN
This is the first VPN I subscribed to. It also has a free version with limited features. I actually used this VPN for a good while before choosing to subscribe. It has a good Interface and easy to use menu.
It also provides a kill switch, which basically protects your ip address in case the vpn loses it’s connection. Other features include being able to block malware, ads and trackers while browsing the internet.
The free version doesn’t include the kill switch and ad blocker, it also only allows you to connect to three different countries which, as of right now, are only Japan, Netherlands, and the United States.
Proton does allow unlimited use with its free version. Other free VPN services cap their free versions with a monthly data limit. Although, other free VPN services might set a limit they offer more countries to connect from.
If you want to check out all the features Proton provides visit their website at ProtonVPN.com.
2. PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN also has a free VPN version you can use. Privado’s free version allows you to connect to 12 different countries.
List of available countries on PrivadoVPN:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- United States
Privado provides much more countries to connect to than Proton, but caps the amount of data you can use on the free version to 10GB per month.
While Proton allows unlimited access, you would only be able to connect to 3 different countries. So there’s a little give and take if you’re trying to decide on which service to use for your travels.
Both paid versions of Privado and Proton allow a lot more access with about the same features. You can compare the features by visiting proton and privado’s sites:
3. Windscribe Free VPN
Windscribe’s free VPN also has a limit of 10GB a month but provides 11 different countries to connect from. It’s not as fast as the above VPN services, but it’s paid version seems to offer a good amount of extra features.
The big difference between Windscribe’s free VPN and the other VPN services above. Is that you can you use Windscribe’s free version on multiple devices.
Most free VPN services only allow connection to one device at a time. Unless you were to subscribe to their monthly service and unlock all features. If you’d like to check out more of Windscribe’s features you can go to their website at Windscribe.com.
Anything Else About VPN’s and Travel?
It’s important to familiarize yourself with VPN’s if you plan to be on your laptop or access the internet while traveling abroad. Free VPN services are great if you just want to add an extra layer of protection while browsing the internet.
If you try to use the internet while abroad without a VPN you might not be able to use the same websites, apps, or services you tend to frequent due to restrictions.
With a VPN, not only do you gain extra security, but you also gain access to the same websites/apps that may not work in some countries. Another thing to note is that free versions of VPN services are not as capable as their paid versions.
You can however, download all the VPN’s free versions above, and use them for whatever situation suits you best.
If you want to read more on travel check out the blog at Traks&Paks. If you’re a first time solo traveler you might want to check out Solo Travel? What To Know Before Going Solo if you want some advice and insight on traveling solo for the first time.
