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If a VPN Isn't on Your Holiday Travel Packing List, It Should Be. Here's Why

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. travel-packing-list-it-should-be-here-s-why.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 10:26 GMT by CNET

Why You Need a VPN for Holiday Travel – A Comprehensive Overview

Planning a getaway? Between booking flights, packing, and figuring out itineraries, the last thing most of us think about is internet security. Yet, in an age where we stream travel videos, share photos instantly, and rely on cloud services for everything from tickets to luggage lists, staying connected safely becomes a necessity. That’s where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) steps in, and the CNET article “Why you need a VPN for holiday travel” explains why.

1. Public Wi‑Fi is a Hotbed for Hackers

Hotels, airports, and cafés often offer free Wi‑Fi that is notoriously vulnerable. Hackers can intercept data packets, capture usernames, passwords, and even credit‑card numbers. CNET highlights that a VPN encrypts all traffic between your device and the VPN server, making it near‑impossible for anyone on the same network to snoop on your activities.

2. Bypass Geo‑Restrictions and Censorship

Many travelers find that streaming services, news sites, or social media platforms are either blocked or heavily throttled in certain countries. Whether you’re in a country with strict censorship or simply trying to enjoy the Netflix library of your home region, a VPN lets you choose a server in a different country, effectively masking your real location. The article underscores this benefit with real‑world examples, such as using a U.S. server to stream shows unavailable in the UAE.

3. Avoid Price Discrimination

E‑commerce sites, airlines, and hotels often adjust prices based on a visitor’s IP address. Travelers can sometimes see inflated rates when they are abroad. By connecting to a VPN server located in your home country, you can often secure lower prices. CNET illustrates this with a side‑by‑side comparison of hotel prices accessed from local and foreign IPs.

4. Protect Sensitive Data on Mobile Devices

Smartphones and tablets contain a treasure trove of personal data—from health records to banking apps. While many mobile operating systems have built‑in VPN support, not all apps or services route traffic through the VPN by default. The article notes that a reliable VPN provider will offer a “kill switch,” ensuring that if the VPN connection drops, your device won’t automatically fall back to an unsecured network.

5. Keep Your Browser History Private

Some governments monitor internet traffic for political or surveillance reasons. Using a VPN creates a secure tunnel that obscures your browsing habits from ISPs and state‑level actors. The piece stresses that this feature is particularly valuable in regions with known internet censorship.

6. Recommended VPN Features for Travelers

The article lists several key features to look for:

7. CNET’s Favorite VPNs for Travel (as of the article’s last update)

CNET evaluates several VPN services, focusing on price, speed, security, and ease of use. The recommended options include:

1. ExpressVPN – Known for its high speeds and broad server network; ideal for streaming.
2. NordVPN – Offers a double‑VPN feature and a strict no‑logs policy.
3. Surfshark – Unlimited device support and a “Camouflage Mode” to hide VPN usage.
4. ProtonVPN – Emphasizes privacy, with a free tier and a privacy‑first jurisdiction.

Each provider is briefly summarized with pros and cons, and the article provides direct download links.

8. How to Set Up a VPN on Different Devices

iOS & iOS
The article references an additional CNET guide that walks you through adding a VPN profile in Settings → General → VPN. It notes that many providers offer native iOS apps for a smoother experience.

Android
A linked tutorial explains installing VPN apps from Google Play and configuring manual settings if you prefer a custom profile. The guide also covers enabling “Always On” mode for continuous protection.

Windows & macOS
CNET’s linked instructions detail how to install desktop clients, set up automatic connection rules, and use split tunneling to keep local network traffic separate from VPN traffic.

Routers
For travelers who wish to protect all devices in a hotel room, the article mentions that some routers support VPN passthrough, allowing you to configure a single VPN connection that routes all traffic from the router.

9. Potential Drawbacks and Mitigations

While VPNs are powerful, the article cautions against:

• Reduced Speed – Some free or low‑budget VPNs can throttle bandwidth. Choosing a paid, reputable service mitigates this.
• Legal Restrictions – In a handful of countries, using a VPN is technically prohibited or heavily monitored. Travelers should check local regulations before installation.
• Trustworthiness – Not all VPN providers are equally trustworthy. The piece advises reviewing independent audits and privacy statements.

10. Bottom Line

Whether you’re hopping across time zones for a honeymoon, attending a conference, or simply soaking up a beach holiday, a VPN offers a crucial layer of security and freedom. By encrypting your data, bypassing geo‑blocks, preventing price inflation, and safeguarding against surveillance, it turns any network—public or private—into a secure, private corridor for your digital life.

Ready to safeguard your travels? Grab one of the recommended VPNs, install it before you depart, and enjoy uninterrupted, secure internet wherever your suitcase takes you.