Security and privacy
Look for strong encryption, a reliable kill switch and a clear privacy policy.
Protect your connection on public Wi-Fi and browse more securely while travelling.
A VPN creates an encrypted connection between your device and the internet, helping protect your information when using hotel, airport, café and other public Wi-Fi networks. It can also help you access familiar online services more securely while you are away.
A few important things to consider before choosing a VPN for travel.
Look for strong encryption, a reliable kill switch and a clear privacy policy.
A good VPN should protect your connection without making browsing, streaming or video calls noticeably slower.
Check how many devices you can connect and whether the VPN supports your phone, tablet and laptop.
Start with the provider that best matches your budget, devices and travel needs.
A strong all-round VPN with fast connections, excellent security features and broad device support.
View providerA polished, easy-to-use VPN with strong performance and excellent apps across major devices.
View providerA competitively priced VPN with unlimited device connections and a strong feature set.
View providerNordVPN is a strong all-round VPN for travellers, combining fast encrypted connections, easy-to-use apps and useful security features across phones, tablets and laptops.
Best for: Most travellers
The Basic plan provides the core VPN protection most travellers need, including encrypted browsing, access to NordVPN servers and support for up to ten devices.
Price guide: ££
View NordVPNBest for: Travellers wanting broader online protection
The Plus plan adds Threat Protection Pro and NordPass, making it suitable for travellers who want help blocking malicious links, trackers and other online threats as well as using a VPN.
Price guide: £££
View NordVPNBest for: Frequent travellers managing sensitive files
The Complete plan adds encrypted cloud storage to the wider NordVPN security bundle, making it more relevant to travellers carrying work documents or important files.
Price guide: £££
View NordVPNExpressVPN is a polished, easy-to-use VPN with strong security features and apps for phones, tablets and laptops. It is particularly well suited to travellers who value simplicity and dependable performance.
Best for: Travellers wanting a straightforward premium VPN
The Basic plan provides the core ExpressVPN service with fast encrypted connections, a network lock kill switch and support for up to ten simultaneous devices.
Price guide: £££
View ExpressVPNBest for: Travellers wanting added privacy tools
The Advanced plan adds wider privacy and security features, including a password manager and support for more simultaneous connections.
Price guide: £££
View ExpressVPNBest for: Families and travellers carrying several devices
The Pro plan supports up to fourteen simultaneous connections and includes ExpressVPN’s broadest feature package, making it most suitable for households or travellers protecting many devices.
Price guide: ££££
View ExpressVPNSurfshark is a strong-value VPN that combines useful security features with unlimited device connections. It is particularly well suited to couples, families and travellers who want to protect several devices without paying for extra connections.
Best for: Most budget-conscious travellers
The Starter plan provides the core Surfshark VPN service with unlimited device connections, making it one of the strongest-value options for travellers carrying several devices.
Price guide: £
View SurfsharkBest for: Travellers wanting wider security tools
Surfshark One adds antivirus, breach monitoring and private search tools to the VPN service, making it suitable for travellers who want broader protection across their devices.
Price guide: ££
View SurfsharkBest for: Frequent travellers wanting identity protection
The One+ plan includes Surfshark’s broadest protection package, adding personal data removal tools to the VPN, antivirus and identity-monitoring features.
Price guide: £££
View SurfsharkCommon questions about using a VPN while travelling.
A VPN encrypts the connection between your device and the internet, helping protect your browsing activity and personal information when you are online.
Yes. A VPN is particularly useful on hotel, airport, café and other public Wi-Fi networks because it adds an encrypted layer between your device and the internet.
A VPN can reduce connection speed slightly because your traffic is encrypted and routed through a VPN server. A good provider should keep the slowdown small enough that normal browsing, streaming and video calls still work well.
Yes. Most VPN subscriptions allow several simultaneous connections, while Surfshark allows unlimited device connections. Check the limits of your chosen plan before subscribing.
A VPN may help you connect through a server in your home country, but streaming platforms and other online services can restrict VPN access and availability is never guaranteed.
NordVPN is a strong all-round choice for most travellers, ExpressVPN suits users who prioritise polished and simple apps, while Surfshark offers excellent value for households with several devices.
Other services that can help you stay connected, protected and prepared while travelling.
Stay connected abroad without expensive roaming charges.
View guideProtect yourself against unexpected travel problems.
View guideSpend abroad with lower fees and better exchange rates.
View guideChoose a VPN before you leave home and enjoy a more secure connection whether you're using airport, hotel or café Wi-Fi around the world.