Hotel Wi-Fi, airport networks, and cafe connections are among the least secure networks you will ever use. A VPN encrypts your traffic so that anyone monitoring the network -- from the hotel IT department to a stranger on the same Wi-Fi -- cannot read what you send and receive. The second use case for travel VPNs is content access: streaming services and some websites are geo-restricted, and a VPN lets you connect through a server in your home country to access them.
What to Set Up Before You Leave
Install and test your VPN before you travel, not after. Some countries (China, Russia, UAE, Iran) actively block VPN traffic, and downloading or setting up a VPN from inside those countries is significantly harder. If you know you are visiting a restrictive country, choose a VPN with obfuscation technology and check which protocols work in that country.
Best VPNs for Travel 2026
ExpressVPN is the most consistently reliable VPN for travel, especially for restrictive countries. Its Lightway protocol is fast and stable on mobile connections, and it has servers in 105 countries. It is the most expensive option (around 8-10 euros per month on an annual plan) but worth it if you travel frequently to countries with internet restrictions.
NordVPN is the best value for most travelers. It has obfuscated servers for restrictive countries (labeled Obfuscated Servers in the app), fast speeds, and a 6-device simultaneous connection limit. Annual plan is around 3-4 euros per month on sale.
Mullvad is the best option if privacy is your top priority. It accepts anonymous payment (cash, Monero) and does not require an email address to sign up. Its server network is smaller (45 countries) but speeds are excellent. Not ideal for streaming due to limited server variety.
Hotel Wi-Fi: What the Risk Actually Is
The main risk on hotel Wi-Fi is a man-in-the-middle attack where someone intercepts unencrypted traffic. HTTPS already encrypts most modern website traffic, so the real vulnerability is: apps that use unencrypted connections, DNS queries that reveal which sites you visit, and captive portal pages that can be spoofed. A VPN mitigates all three.
Download Your Content Before You Fly
For regions with very slow internet, a VPN will not make the connection faster -- it adds a small overhead. Download Netflix shows, Spotify playlists, and maps for offline use before you travel. The VPN is for security and access, not speed.