A VPN is the quickest way to reassure yourself that your data is safe while you’re travelling. Whether it’s thanks to the secure encryption it provides, the 24/7 protection you can set up, or the fail safes of features like kill switches, no other tool comes close.
The best VPNs, such as NordVPN, take this one step further. Offering the security benefits of a VPN alongside other tools to ensure you’re constantly aware of your safety online and have the steps you need should your data be compromised.
But how does this translate to your holiday? Here are 7 ways you can trust NordVPN to keep you secure, no matter the location you travel to.
- VPNs can offer quick, effective, 24/7 protection to families or groups while travelling abroad
- Tools such as NordVPN’s Auto-connect and the Kill Switch ensure you’re connected when you need and never left unsecured
- NordVPN’s Meshnet and Dark Web Monitoring features take this one step further, by alerting you to breaches and giving you secure access to devices you need anywhere globally
How NordVPN secures Wi-Fi access in cafés, airports and more
Connecting to NordVPN before you connect to any Wi-Fi source ensures there’s no accessible data that anyone can pinch. Public Wi-Fi, while tempting, can instead be ‘honeypot’ networks looking to lure you into connecting so your data can be stolen.
NordVPN uses secure ChaCha20 encryption or AES-256 (depending on the security protocol you choose) to scramble your data into unreadable ciphertext. Additionally, fast protocols such as NordLynx (built on WireGuard) retain 90–95% of your native internet speed (reaching speeds over 1200 Mbps in TechRadar testing) and ensure you get the maximum download speeds while retaining this added protection if you’re in a café or airport where the Wi-Fi is notoriously slow.
VPN protection while you’re switching networks on the move
If you’re travelling and constantly in and out of public Wi-Fi spots, it’s important that your VPN connects the moment your network changes. But, doing this manually can be a faff. NordVPN’s Auto-connect enables you to create rules your VPN follows that trigger it to connect.
For example, when you join an unsecured Wi-Fi network, you can set NordVPN to turn on automatically. Auto-connect is perfect if you’re in a rush to connect between flights, or are going between busy shops and markets where your connection changes constantly.
NordVPN maintains safety when your VPN connection drops
Public Wi-Fi is notoriously unreliable though, and sometimes VPNs will spontaneously drop out. Thankfully NordVPN’s Kill Switch ensures no data is sent unencrypted should your network environment change unexpectedly.
Kill Switch cuts all internet access from your device until your VPN connection is restored, keeping you safe from data collection by honeypot Wi-Fi sources that you might accidentally connect to on your travels.
Access the files you need while working abroad with Meshnet
If you’re working and need access to files while abroad, NordVPN’s Meshnet is the tool you need. As a more private alternative to cloud drives like Google Drive – which impose storage caps, extra fees, and third-party data access risks – it creates a secure local access network (LAN) for up to 60 devices that you can use to remotely access devices and transfer files directly.
Meshnet is perfect if you need to quickly grab large quantities of files for design projects or presentations. If you’re a gamer, you can also use this to create local multiplayer games with any other connected computer, no matter where they are in the world.
Stream without your hotel knowing your watch history
Hotel Wi-Fi is as insecure as public Wi-Fi. Staff members or malicious actors could easily access the data you send online without the addition of VPN encryption. What’s more, slower Wi-Fi speeds plus deep packet inspection could quickly leave you unable to watch your favorite shows from the comfort of your hotel room.
NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol stops your connection being throttled and is fast enough for even the most HD streaming, with speeds over 1200 Mbps. What’s more, NordVPN’s SmartPlay means you’ll never be stuck watching local content, instead, you can access home streaming libraries from services such as Netflix and Prime Video and watch to your heart’s content.
Get a warning if your data is breached with Dark Web Monitoring
If your data is stolen by a rogue trader or Wi-Fi snooper while travelling, NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring can catch the security breach early and help you resecure your data. It scans over 40,000 sources on the dark web for your information. This includes email addresses, credit cards, and Social Security numbers, and warns you the moment it spots anything.
From the moment your data is spotted, you’re guided through the steps to take to resecure your account. This is great if you’re on the move, as it means you’re not left panicking, working out what to do while trying to enjoy your break.
NordVPN protects you from government snooping in internet-restricted regions
If you’re travelling to restrictive environments, the limits impact tools such as the Google Suite, and major social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube. VPNs are restricted as part of these measures to avoid circumvention.
NordVPN’s NordWhisper protocol is a quick solution to this. It uses obfuscation to disguise your VPN traffic as regular traffic. This means your connection is not halted for using a VPN, and you can retain access to the tools and sites you use most from your home country. What’s more, when we tested NordWhisper in March 2026, it was capable of speeds over 600 Mbps, perfect if you’re struggling to download files or stream shows in these regions.
Securing your travel data with NordVPN
Travelling with NordVPN ensures that you remain secure no matter the network you connect to while you’re on the move. You keep access to your favorite social media platforms, avoid unwanted snooping, and can be warned should your data be stolen unexpectedly.
If you want to find out more about NordVPN before your travels, read our full NordVPN review. Otherwise head to the NordVPN website to get yourself secured and ready for your next adventure.
FAQs
Can NordVPN keep my mobile gaming sessions secure while travelling?
Yes, NordVPN can keep mobile gaming secure while travelling. With servers in over 224 locations, you’ll never be too far away from a server to connect to, meaning your latency stays low, but your security remains top-tier. Plus, it recorded only 7.2ms latency and 2.4ms jitter when connected to our nearest server in TechRadar’s March 2026 testing, so you should never be off the pace in competitive games.
Is NordVPN worth using for streaming while abroad?
Yes, NordVPN is worth using for streaming while abroad. Most public and hotel Wi-Fi networks use tools to detect high-bandwidth activity like video streaming and selectively limit speeds, and NordVPN helps stop your hotel from throttling your Wi-Fi speeds, keeps your connection secure from man-in-the-middle attacks, and works superbly with all major streaming platforms. What’s more, all of its servers are streaming-optimized with built-in SmartPlay DNS. This automatically bypasses streaming blocks and regional restrictions on platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, so all you need to do is get connected and enjoy your viewing.
Is NordVPN fast enough for everyday use?
NordVPN is absolutely fast enough for everyday use. In TechRadar’s March testing, NordLynx achieved speeds over 1200 Mbps. This is far in excess of what you’d need for 4K streaming, torrenting, or online gaming.