Why you need to pack a VPN for your next vacation

Traveling is fun, but planning a trip can be exhausting–especially for tech fans. You need to make sure you have everything you need, including of course the correct chargers and adapters for each of your devices. There’s nothing worse than hunting for an overpriced Apple Watch charger in the hotel gift shop when you just want to sleep off the jet lag.

These problems are well understood. But one thing that’s frequently forgotten by traveling techies is data privacy and security. You’ll probably end up using public Wi-Fi in airport lounges, coffee shops, and your hotel room, which can expose your personal data to hackers and identity thieves. This is why you need a VPN.

If you’re not familiar with the idea of a VPN, don’t worry. Read on as we explain what exactly a VPN is, and how it can help protect your data while traveling.

How a VPN can protect your data

Our personal devices carry a lot of sensitive information, from passwords to bank accounts, credit card numbers, and documents. Sometimes, we need to send this data to other people or websites, and doing so on public Wi-Fi can be risky, as attackers can intercept your data more easily. After all, anyone can connect to that same network, which exposes the IP addresses of the devices on it.

A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, can help keep your data safe, even when your device is connected to an untrusted Wi-Fi network. Here’s how it works.

Essentially, a VPN creates a virtual, encrypted tunnel between your device and external servers. This means that when you use a VPN, even the owner of the network can’t intercept your data, as it’s protected by encryption. So even when you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network, you can safely access your email and banking apps without worrying about someone stealing your data.

Many apps and websites also track users through a process known as “fingerprinting,” which creates a digital profile of you based on your browsing history and IP address. Because a VPN masks your real IP address, it becomes harder for websites to track you or determine your actual location.

Using a VPN to hide your real location

If you’ve ever tried to access streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or HBO Max while traveling, you may have noticed that the catalog is different from country to country. In some locations you might find that the platform isn’t available at all. This can be an unpleasant surprise if you were planning to catch up on a favorite show while recovering from a day trip.

But when you use a VPN, you browse the web with an IP address based on the location of the VPN server rather than your own. For travelers, this comes with a great advantage: you can access streaming platforms as if you were still at home, with the same movies and shows you’re used to. For example, someone visiting another country could use a VPN to switch their virtual location and watch live sports from their home country without worrying about content availability by region.

Similarly, in some places you’ll find that local regulations prevent access to specific apps and websites. In the same way that a VPN lets you change your location to access streaming content, you can also use it to bypass browsing restrictions in a given region. And since all your data is encrypted when using a VPN, you don’t have to worry about getting in trouble for visiting restricted websites while traveling.

iCloud Private Relay

If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac and use iCloud, you may be familiar with iCloud Private Relay. As Apple describes it, the feature “helps you protect your privacy when you browse the web.” It’s part of iCloud+, Apple’s subscription plan that offers additional iCloud storage.

In brief, iCloud Private Relay works similarly to a VPN, but it doesn’t completely replace one. The service establishes a secure connection between your network and third-party servers. Your real data, such as IP address, DNS records, and location, is hidden so that no one can track you online.

But unlike a VPN, iCloud Private Relay only works within Safari, Apple’s own web browser. In other words, everything you do in other apps remains exposed, which isn’t ideal when you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network. A VPN, on the other hand, protects your entire connection, regardless of which app or browser you’re using. iCloud Private Relay also doesn’t allow access to geo-blocked content.

Nevertheless, if you’re an iCloud+ subscriber, there’s no reason not to use Private Relay. After all, it gives you an extra layer of security when browsing the web on public networks.

To enable iCloud Private Relay on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings (or System Preferences) app
2. Tap or click the iCloud menu
3. Look for the Private Relay option under the iCloud+ Features section
4. Turn on Private Relay

With Private Relay turned on, you can also choose whether you want an IP address based on your region (to access localized content) or a random IP address from your country. Choose the option that best suits your needs. Just keep in mind that the “country and time zone” option provides more privacy.

How to choose the right VPN

Now that you know how a VPN works, it’s time to choose a good one. While a VPN can protect your data, it’s extremely important to choose a reliable provider. Stick to paid, reputable services and avoid free VPNs–some may perform poorly or even sell your data to third parties.

Another thing to consider when choosing a VPN provider is whether it offers easy setup for Apple devices. Ideally, you’ll want one with a dedicated app available in the App Store so you can set it up in just a few taps.

At time of writing, our recommendation for Mac users is NordVPN. It’s a fully featured option that’s secure, easy to use, and unbelievably fast compared to its competitors. But if you’d like to read up on the alternatives, check out our comprehensive guide to the best Mac VPNs.

As it happens, our pick for iPad and iPhone users right now is the same: NordVPN. But again, you can read up on all the options with our massive and regularly updated guide to the best iPad/iPhone VPNs.

Sure, thinking about VPNs may not be as exciting as planning your next holiday destination. But taking the time to protect your data can save you a major headache and give you peace of mind wherever you go.