How to use PureVPN for traveling

A man reclining on a deckchair beside a pool, loading a VPN onto a laptop
(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you're anything like me, you'll have a (mile-long) list of things to pack before jetting off on vacation—and you might not expect it to include a VPN.

The best VPNs are travel essentials, these days, and PureVPN has some particularly handy tools that'll help you and your gadgets stay secure while you're overseas. From unblocking content to saving money on region-locked deals, PureVPN has you covered, and you won't have to find extra space in your hand luggage to bring it along.

PureVPN: 87% off 5-year subscriptions

PureVPN: 87% off 5-year subscriptions
PureVPN proves that using a VPN doesn't have to be complicated—all of its apps (available for laptops, mobile, tablets, and more) are incredibly user-friendly. PureVPN's server network is large, too, with coverage across 69 countries (including the US, the UK, Australia, and Japan).

That's great news for streamers who want to keep up with shows and sporting events from back home or check out international content. Check out PureVPN risk-free with a 31-day money-back guarantee and save a massive 87% on a 5-year plan.

How to use PureVPN for traveling 

Let's dig into some of PureVPN's most useful tools for travel, whether you're jetting off solo, on a family vacation, or for work. 

1. Public protection

Let's face it—public Wi-Fi hotspots can be life savers when you're on vacation. They're typically offered by hotels, airports, and cafes, and will let you check your emails (or plan your next adventure) for free.

Unfortunately, these hotspots aren't always safe. They typically lack the security measures that your password-protected Wi-Fi connection at home has, and opportunistic cybercriminals can take advantage of this vulnerability to steal your logins, financial information, and other identifiable details.

PureVPN’s robust AES-256 encryption puts a stop to this. The VPN will route your traffic through a secure tunnel, encrypt it, and make it totally unintelligible to snoopers who try and make off with your details.

2. Servers everywhere

PureVPN has an impressive suite of over 6,000 servers in 69 countries (including key locales like the US, the UK, the UAE, Japan, and China). That means you'll be able to spoof your location, mask your original IP address with a new, temporary one, and fool the sites you visit into thinking you're elsewhere.

Why would you want to do this when you're already overseas? Here are just a handful of reasons:

  • Unblock region-locked streaming content: check out streaming content from back home (or just about anywhere else) by server hopping.
  • Take advantage of deals, sales, and offers that are only available in certain countries.
  • Access banking apps (and online banking sites) as easily as you would at home.
  • Avoid bans and restrictions keeping you from checking out social media platforms or messaging apps, and stay in touch with friends and family.
  • Doing some gaming on the go? Join a PureVPN server near the game's server for better performance with less latency.

3. Unblock content

If you're an avid Netflix fan, you'll probably already know that the streaming service offers different content to folks in different regions. It's all thanks to licensing agreements that dictate where certain shows and movies can and can't be broadcast.

Switch it up

Want a jargon-free guide to changing your IP address? We've got you covered. 

So, if you've been following a series and settle down to watch the latest episode from your hotel, you might discover that it's not available in your new location. PureVPN puts the show back on the road, however, and all you'll need to do is connect to a server based in your home country.

During my most recent tests, I was able to access Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer via PureVPN without any hiccups. The provider also worked with regional services, like Australia’s 9Now and UK staples ITVX and Channel 4.

4. Apps, apps, apps

PureVPN recently went through something of a glow-up, with redesigned apps that look awesome. The user interface is cleaner, with less clutter, and the VPN's features are much easier to find.

You can install PureVPN on just about any internet-enabled device, too, with apps available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. There are also Chrome and Firefox extensions and support for Linux—with GUI and CLI apps.

PureVPN currently offers 10 simultaneous connections, which is pretty generous, and means you can protect all of your gadgets with a single subscription. So, you can rest assured that any device you take on your travels will be covered—and even share your account with friends and family.

PureVPN's connection screen as it appears on Windows devices

(Image credit: PureVPN)

5. Your pick of protocols

If customization is your thing, you'll be glad to know that PureVPN lets you pick and choose your VPN protocol to suit the situation at hand: 

  • OpenVPN: the industry's gold standard when it comes to security and a tried-and-tested option. A great pick for online shopping sprees or any time you log in to an online banking app.
  • WireGuard: a lightweight speed demon that’s my #1 choice for streaming and gaming. If you're planning on watching some Netflix, or just want to prioritize performance, WireGuard is your guy.
  • IKEv2: a good balance of speed and security, but where this protocol excels is in its compatibility. You can use it with your mobile device, tablet, routers, and other smart gadgets.

6. Proven privacy

Generally, I recommend sticking to no-log VPNs that aren't interested in keeping tabs on your browsing history, downloaded files, and other usage metadata. The good news is that PureVPN proved its commitment to user privacy in 2024 by inviting independent auditors KPMG to comb through its no-logs policy. That’s exactly the sort of transparency I like to see.

If you take a look at the policy for yourself, you'll see that it reels off all of the data that it doesn't store, including:

"[...] browsing activities, connection logs, records of the VPN IPs assigned to you, your original IPs, your connection time, the history of your browsing, the sites you visited, your outgoing traffic, the content or data you accessed, or the DNS queries generated by you."

7. Super speeds

The TechRadar team is constantly putting providers to the test to figure out the fastest VPNs. PureVPN's WireGuard speeds clock in at a brisk 620 - 650 Mbps, which is plenty more than you need to stream crisp HD content and enjoy online gaming. 

FAQs

Are VPNs legal?

Yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries. There are a few exceptions to this rule that have banned VPN usage, and it's important to be aware of if you’re planning a trip, however, including Russia, China, and Iran. 

What should I do if I can’t connect to the internet?

If you're having trouble accessing the web while you're away, it's worth checking to see if your VPN kill switch is enabled. If it is, flip it off, and try connecting to the internet again.

Then, ensure that you have roaming data—a VPN can't help you stay secure online if you have no way to access the internet.

How can I check that my VPN connection is working?

The quickest (and easiest) way to check that your VPN working is with your IP address. Make a note of your original IP address before you connect to a VPN server and compare it to the IP address you see after you've connected—using a site like ip.me. If they're different, your VPN is working as it should and masking your IP address. If they're the same, you may need to reinstall your VPN or contact customer support. 

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

River Hart
Tech Software Editor

River is a Tech Software Editor and VPN expert at TechRadar. They’re on-hand to keep VPN and cybersecurity content up-to-date and accurate. When they’re not helping readers find the best VPNs around (and the best deals), River can be found in close proximity to their PS5 or being pushed about the countryside by the lovely Welsh weather.