Practical Tips to Stay Secure While Travelling Smarter

secure travel smarter

We live in a highly digitally advanced world and although these advances are mostly beneficial, there are still potential security risks, especially when travelling. Without using a VPN, we face numerous safety risks. In this article, you'll learn how to protect yourself when travelling with VPN for multiple devices.



Travel Security Challenges

Travelling without proper digital safety can lead to the loss of important information and the transfer of malware. Here are some of the most common ones:


Using Public Wi-FI

Widely available in most countries, public Wi-Fi can be a lifesaver when you run out of data. Unfortunately, these networks lack proper security, making them vulnerable to hackers. In fact, anyone connected to the same Wi-Fi could potentially access your personal information. To protect your devices, always use public Wi-Fi with a VPN. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, such as financial transactions, as much as possible.


Sharing Devices With Family and Friends

It's common to share our devices with the people we love and trust, but it could lead to malware transfer and unwanted data exposure. For instance, a friend or family member using your network may accidentally download malware which can damage your device, as such apps are easily transferred. Apart from using a VPN, you can use encrypted files or guest profiles to share or transfer items to and from your phone. This will protect your data from getting infected with malware.


Easily Accessing Private Information

When travelling, you take a lot of important documents and information with you. This information includes bank account details, travel itinerary and photos. If your phone or laptop is stolen and this information isn't encrypted, anyone can gain access to them.


Monitoring Apps

Many apps can track your location and this is dangerous especially when you're in an unfamiliar location. Sharing your location randomly with friends or strangers can expose you to different kinds of attacks.


Why Use a VPN for Multiple Devices?

A VPN for multiple devices offers numerous advantages for all tech-savvy individuals.

  • A VPN protects your data from external access hackers by encrypting your internet traffic and history.
  • By using a VPN for multiple devices, you can access content that may be unavailable in your current location. This includes streaming services and some social media apps. 
  • With a VPN, you can access prices in different countries while shopping online. That includes buying your plane tickets.  
  • Knowing that your devices and information are safe, you can enjoy your trip without worrying and confidently use public Wi-Fi networks.


Practical Tips for Travel Safety

Here are some practical safety tips you should adopt:

  • Ensure you create separate and complex passwords for all your accounts. You can use a password manager to make the process easy. Constantly update your phone to ensure continued security, as outdated phones are vulnerable to malware. 
  • Use a Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for better security. You'll need two or more authentication methods, like a password and a one-time code that is texted to your phone. Use a face or fingerprint recognition on all your devices and install efficient anti-virus software on all of them. 
  • Create regular backups of all your important information such as images, documents and videos to external hard drive or secure cloud service. You won't have to worry about losing your data if your device is stolen.  You can also use encrypted files to store all the important data you have. There are also lots of encrypted messaging apps that you can download from the app store or Google play store. 
  • Use an eSIM for your mobile data. It allows you to move between several cell carriers without a physical SIM card so you don't have to depend on public Wi-Fi networks. 
  • Check your app location permissions carefully. Limit location sharing especially when installing new apps and turn it off when you're not using it. Always read app reviews and only install apps from reliable sources. 
  • Be careful with sharing photos and videos or your travel itinerary online during your trip. This could make you an easy target for robbery and other forms of attacks.


Wrap Up: Safe Travel is Smart Travel

Travelling is fun but it's also important to be proactive when it comes to safety.  In addition to these security tips above, make sure to observe your environment. Remember: safe travel is smart travel.


What about you, do you use a VPN when you're abroad? Feel free to share any tips & advice below!

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ABOUTME

We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.

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