4 Best VPNs for Travel & Tips for Saving on Flights

A VPN for travel helps you unlock geo-restricted content in the region you travel to. You can enjoy familiar streaming apps and websites even when you’re abroad.

If you’re in a country that blocks your favorite film, show, or drama, turning on a VPN is helpful. You don’t even have to worry about the money because most VPNs provide a free trial and an affordable price.

This post fully introduces the VPN price, features, and other important tips. You can read through the post and select the best option for you.

Comparing Prices and Plans of the 4 Best Travel VPNs

You can choose an affordable VPN to save your travel budget. Here is a brief list of prices of the four travel VPNs.

You can see that LightningX VPN offers the lowest price among the four options. It supports weekly subscription plans, which the other three do not. This is perfect for you to test the waters.

The monthly fees for the other three VPNs range from $11.95 to $12.95. In comparison, the annual and biennial plans are more cost-effective.

If you’re traveling or on a short business trip—say, for a week or a month—choose a VPN that supports short-term plans, like LightningX VPN.

Related Reading: 3 Best Paid/Free Thailand VPNs: For Travel or Immigration

4 Best VPNs for Travel

Beyond price, ensure the VPN is secure, fast, and user-friendly. Here are the key features of the top four travel VPNs.

1. LightningX VPN

LightningX VPN is one of the best VPNs for travel or business trips. It offers the most affordable subscription plans, excellent performance, and high security. Here’s a detailed overview.

• LightningX VPN provides over 2,000 servers across more than 70 countries, including the US, Canada, Brazil, Japan, and more. You can access unlimited streaming content even while traveling. Additionally, LightningX VPN provides 3 free nodes in the US and Hong Kong with unlimited data and smooth connections, ideal for unlocking overseas trading apps and streaming platforms.
• LightningX VPN employs advanced encryption algorithms and protocols like AES-256-GCM and Shadowsocks. You needn’t worry about data leaks when using public Wi-Fi or hotel hotspots.
• Compatible with Apple TV, Android TV, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
• You can use LightningX VPN to unlock and use Alipay, WeChat Pay, Netflix, TikTok, Disney+, HBO, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Spotify, AbemaTV, Apple TV+, and more.

2. Private Internet Access

PIA offers robust encryption and fast speeds, plus allows unlimited simultaneous device connections—ideal for group travel. Key features are outlined below.

• PIA operates 35,000 servers across 91 countries, including the US, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Nepal, Peru, and more. Its extensive server network enables you to unlock nearly all geo-restricted content.
• It employs robust encryption protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IPSec to secure your data and privacy, preventing tracking by governments, ISPs, or third parties.
• PIA guarantees unrestricted bandwidth and lag-free connections through its robust protocols. It also allows unlimited simultaneous device connections without latency. However, connecting too many devices at once may impact other users’ experiences.
• PIA is compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, and more. Its streaming services include Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Disney+, and others.

3. NordVPN

NordVPN is a comprehensive VPN for travel, offering reliable cybersecurity and ultra-fast speeds. Here are its key features.

• NordVPN operates 6,488 servers across 111 countries, covering the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. All popular server locations—including the US, Canada, Brazil, and Argentina—are included.
• NordVPN uses advanced protocols like OpenVPN and NordLynx to encrypt your data and privacy, preventing hacking or tracking. This is especially helpful when using public Wi-Fi networks or hotspots.
• NordVPN imposes no bandwidth restrictions. All servers deliver exceptionally fast speeds. For instance, US server nodes average 417.0 Mbps download speeds, while Japanese servers reach up to 527.1 Mbps.
• NordVPN is compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and more. It supports streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and Apple TV Plus.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN boasts an extensive server network, providing ultra-fast internet connections while traveling or on business trips. Here are its core features.

• ExpressVPN operates over 3,000 servers across 105 countries, including Argentina, the Bahamas, Germany, Australia, and more. It covers most nations worldwide, ensuring usability anywhere you travel.
• ExpressVPN utilizes advanced protocols like Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. These robust protocols encrypt your data and privacy during travel.
• It offers unlimited bandwidth and maximum speeds across devices like TVs and computers. This is ideal for streaming shows and movies on hotel TVs.
• Compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, and more. Supports Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and others.

How to Choose a Secure and Reliable VPN for Travel or Work?

You can follow these tips to find the right VPN for your overseas travel or work needs.

• Reliable encryption protocols: Connecting to public Wi-Fi or hotel hotspots may expose your IP address to strangers. Using a VPN with robust encryption protocols protects your data and privacy. Currently, most reputable VPNs utilize the WireGuard protocol.
• Compatibility with Your Devices: You should also choose a VPN compatible with the operating systems of your devices. For example, if you travel with a Windows laptop and an Apple tablet, only VPNs compatible with both systems can be directly downloaded onto your devices.
• Appropriate Subscription Duration: For short trips, VPNs offering 1-week or 1-month plans are sufficient.
• Excellent Speed and Performance: There’s no doubt that enjoying smooth streaming during your travels is fantastic. Therefore, choosing a VPN with excellent speed and performance is also crucial. This is generally determined by the number of servers and the quality of the encryption protocol.
• Sufficient Simultaneous Connections for Your Needs: If you’re traveling alone, you don’t need a VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections. However, if you’re traveling with others, you can choose a VPN that supports multiple or unlimited simultaneous connections, which can also help split the cost.

Tip: You can also set up a VPN router and bring it along on your trip.

How to Save on Airfare with a Travel VPN

Using a VPN can also help you save money by comparing airfare prices across different countries before your trip or business travel. The method is straightforward.

• Choose the VPN you want. You can download it onto the device you’ll be using during your trip.
• Subscribe to one of its plans. You can select the plan that best suits your needs.
• Select different countries and view their ticket prices. After checking prices in one region, clear your browser cookies to remove your original IP address from the cache before viewing prices in the next country. Simultaneously, take screenshots of these prices and compare them to find the cheapest option.
• After comparing prices, purchase tickets using the payment method of your target country. For example, if you’re in the US but change your IP address to India to buy tickets, use an India-based credit card instead of a US-based one.

How to Fix VPN Connection Issues While Traveling

During your trip, your VPN might fail to connect or stop working. Don’t worry—try these solutions to resolve the issues.

• Switch Servers: The simplest fix is to switch to a different server node to refresh the connection.
• Restart your network and VPN: If apps still won’t load after connecting to VPN, try disconnecting both VPN and WiFi or mobile data, then reconnecting them. This refreshes the VPN node cache and network connection.
• Update your VPN: Outdated VPN app versions may cause connection failures. Check your VPN’s settings or notifications to ensure you have the latest version.
• Try a different VPN: Experiment with alternative VPNs for better streaming experiences. If you’re using a VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can request a refund within 30 days of your first use.

Is Using a VPN Legal While Traveling?

VPNs are permitted in most countries. You can use them in these regions to access geo-restricted streaming content on Netflix, YouTube, and other sites. However, using a VPN for malicious activities or cybercrime is illegal.

Only a few countries, such as China, Russia, and North Korea, have banned VPNs. Before traveling to these countries, carefully review the VPN’s policies. If you’re only using a VPN to unlock essential travel tools like navigation apps, trading software, and streaming apps, there’s no need to worry.

Conclusion

A travel VPN offers significant convenience during your journey. It helps you access geo-restricted streaming content and encrypts your data. Additionally, many VPNs offer free trials, allowing you to test the waters.