Whether you’re jetting off for business or leisure, international travel is an adventure filled with discovery and digital risk. From bustling airport terminals to cozy hotel lobbies, travelers rely heavily on public networks to stay connected.
Yet these open connections are prime hunting grounds for cybercriminals. That’s why using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) isn’t just smart, it’s essential for anyone crossing borders with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop in tow.
Public WiFi: A Hacker’s Playground
Airport lounges, train stations, and cafés offer convenience, but their open WiFi networks are notoriously insecure. According to recent research, one in four travelers has experienced a cyberattack while using public WiFi abroad. Hackers often set up fake hotspots with names like “Free_Airport_WiFi” or “Hotel_Guest_WiFi” to lure unsuspecting users. Once connected, attackers can execute man-in-the-middle attacks, intercepting everything from your social media logins to your banking details.
Real-world cautionary tale: In mid-2024, Australian authorities arrested Michael Clapsis for orchestrating one of the first documented mid-flight man-in-the-middle cyberattacks, using “evil twin” WiFi networks on domestic flights and at airports in Perth, Melbourne, and Adelaide. These fake hotspots mimicked legitimate networks and lured unsuspecting travelers into connecting, only to redirect them to phishing pages requesting logins and banking details. Dozens of victims had personal data compromised, and investigators linked the fraudulent networks to Clapsis’s prior employment.
According to the Australian Federal Police, this case exposed the vulnerability of public transit WiFi: “To connect to a free WiFi network, you shouldn’t have to enter any personal details, such as logging in through an email or social media account,” warned AFP Detective Inspector Andrea Coleman.
Hotel WiFi Isn’t Always Safe
Hotel networks might seem more secure, but that perception is often misleading. Many hospitality providers prioritize easy access over robust security, leaving guests vulnerable to data theft and malware injections. Shared logins, outdated routers, and weak encryption protocols make these networks fertile ground for cyber snoops.
If you’re accessing sensitive accounts, like work email, cloud storage, or financial apps, you’re essentially leaving your digital front door unlocked. Even luxury hotels aren’t immune to breaches, as their high-value clientele make them prime targets for surveillance and fraud.
You’re Still Living Your Digital Life Abroad
Travelers often perform the same digital tasks on the road as they do at home: checking credit card balances, shopping online, accessing cloud documents. The problem? Public networks don’t provide the protection you’re used to. Connecting without safeguards is like shouting your passwords in a crowded airport lounge.
A VPN acts like noise-canceling headphones for your data. It encrypts your connection end-to-end, shielding every action you take online from nosy eavesdroppers. Whether you’re logging into banking apps or uploading photos to the cloud, a VPN keeps your personal details private.
And it’s not just hackers you need to worry about. Government surveillance in certain countries can monitor online activity, restrict access to content, or even censor social media. A VPN helps you sidestep censorship, ensuring open access to information and services no matter where you roam.
Location Matters for Privacy and Your Wallet
VPNs don’t just protect your identity, they can help you save money and reclaim digital freedom. By masking your location, VPNs allow you to browse as if you’re in another country. That means you can dodge regional price hikes on travel bookings, software subscriptions, and even streaming services.
Pro tip: Some airline and hotel booking platforms vary pricing based on location. Switching your virtual location back to the U.S. via a VPN might reveal cheaper deals than those shown abroad. The same applies to digital services. Many platforms offer better rates to domestic users.
Additionally, if you’re traveling in regions with restricted access to news sites or social platforms, a VPN helps you maintain a connection to your home internet environment. That means uninterrupted access to your favorite content, regardless of geographic censorship.
Cafés and Downtime: Stay Secure While You Relax
Grabbing a latte in a tucked-away café abroad? You might be inclined to browse your inbox or stream a show between excursions. But coffee shops are another hotspot for cybercrime. Unsecured networks and shared bandwidth can leave you vulnerable to hackers looking to steal credentials or distribute malware.
At Michigan State University, a ransomware attack in 2020 led to the loss of significant research, including a full year of work for one researcher when encrypted files and inadequate backups made recovery impossible.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Travel Without a VPN
A VPN is your digital passport, protecting your identity, shielding your data, and giving you control over your online experience. Whether you’re booking hotel rooms, accessing financial services, or just checking social media during downtime, a VPN ensures your connection is secure and private.
So before you zip up your suitcase and board that flight, make sure your devices are equipped with a reputable VPN. It’s one of the simplest, most impactful steps toward smarter, safer travel. In today’s digital age, it’s no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.