Whether you are traveling abroad for work or play, it is often crucial to access the same platforms you use at home, including banking and financial services, communications applications, such as Skype, and streaming services. For example, you can search for streaming content from Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer. However, these companies limit their services based on your location. In addition, you may have problems with governments blocking access to sites like Google, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

The best way to access platforms

The best way to access many geographically restricted platforms is to opt for a virtual private network (VPN). Using a VPN while traveling abroad will help hide your specific geographic location and give the impression that you are somewhere else by tricking websites into giving you access. The VPN also configures the encryption of your Internet connection, preventing monitoring by Internet Service Providers (ISPs), hackers, and government agencies. This is especially important when traveling as you are more likely to expose your device to public Wi-Fi networks, which are a perfect place for hackers.

Best VPN list

If you want a quick summary, here's a list of recommended VPNs list for traveling abroad. We have found these to be great VPNs for international travel:

• ExpressVPN. This is one of the best options for traveling abroad! An extensive network of high-speed servers operating in almost a hundred countries can unblock just about anything. It includes 30 days' money back.

• CyberGhost. Best Budget VPN. Starter apps and some of the fastest streaming servers in our testing.

• NordVPN. A strong all-rounder with over ten years of service life. Fast, secure, and many servers to choose from.

• IPVanish. It is another excellent choice for people looking to benefit from high speeds and ultra-secure privacy. Both of these factors are critical when evaluating a VPN for overseas use, especially if you intend to stream video or access services like Skype, Google, and your local bank account.

• PrivateVPN. Excellent for unblocking most streaming services. A small network, but it is snowballing.

• VyprVPN. Strong security and privacy even work well in China and other countries where media censorship could be a problem

How do you set up a VPN?

Using a VPN isn't tricky at all. Follow these easy steps to get started:

1. Download VPN apps to your smartphone, laptop, and tablet. (Make sure you do this directly from the respective app store or directly from the VPN provider's site).

2. Open the application and follow the instructions that the company displays on your screen.

3. After the installation is complete, restart all devices.

4. Back online, open the VPN application, and connect to the server anywhere you choose.

5. The application will run in the background, but be careful not to disable it.

6. Congratulations! Now you can use the Internet like at home.

Note: Wi-Fi networks and internet speed are dependent on a country's overall network connection. Using a VPN will not increase your speed or give you the special access you used to get home, and the encryption rate will mean your speed may drop to some extent. When traveling to countries with poor internet access, such as underdeveloped nations, keep in mind that a VPN can do as much as the internet connection that powers it.

About free VPNs when traveling abroad

Free VPNs don't invest enough in cloaking technology and are not interested in delivering the same product as paid services. You may connect to the server, but be prepared to be inundated with spam ads and regular interruptions to convince you to upgrade to a paid plan. Free VPNs have many users and relatively few servers, which means the servers are often overloaded. This makes free VPNs ill-suited for data-intensive tasks such as streaming video, playing online games, or accessing banking and financial services. Moreover, free VPNs can be easily discovered by their network administrators. Still, the sophisticated and advanced ones from the best VPNs list will do the job of securing your location seamlessly.

Final word

When you travel, you are bound to have a great time. The last thing you want to focus on is your internet security. Set up a premium VPN on your devices and focus on the things that matter in life.

Post written by Lisa Mottins