virtual private network VPN abroad
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How to have secure, unrestricted internet access abroad

Having spent time in China, I can tell you that being unprepared for intermittent internet access was rather frustrating. Although China is undoubtedly among the world’s most censored countries when it comes to internet access, there are a number of others where it is complicated also. Apart from restricted internet access, online security is a huge issue. If like me, you require reliable secure internet access, without restrictions, then prepare yourself by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) such as the aptly-named HideMyAss!. This is a life-saver if you are one of the many people who need secure internet when travelling. virtual private network VPN secure internet anywhere Secure internet access when travelling When you travel and use the internet, without a VPN, you are frequently taking a security risk with your data.  Internet access in hotels, airports, restaurants and other pubic places often means that you’re using semi-public or pubic WiFi. The reality of this is that anyone else on that network, which is often hundreds to thousands of people, could grab your data. Credit card numbers, usernames, passwords and any other identifying information can be grabbed on these networks if the websites you are visiting are not properly secured. These days with so many scams, this is not a risk you want to take. A virtual private network (VPN) adds a layer of protection against this, with only one click. It’s extremely inexpensive and easy to use. It’s such a super solution to internet access when abroad. virtual private network VPN abroad HideMyAss! It’s like having your own PO box on the internet Basically using a VPN is like you have your own PO box online. It’s an address that makes it tougher to trace it back to you. So what happens when you logon to the virtual private network is that you get a real IP address, but it is owned by the provider of the service – instead of being where you are, on your machine, you appear to be where the server is, using their machine. Your data is secured to help prevent hackers and snoopers from intercepting your activity or tracing your online activity to your real IP address. Governments, banks, law firms and a number of other businesses use this important privacy tool to protect important confidential data. Your data is of just as much importance to you, so having your own private PO box online, is a wonderful way to have peace of mind. virtural private network VPN abroad Choose your geo-location Not only does a virtual private network (VPN) protect your data, but it also means that you can choose your geo-location. So if you are travelling somewhere that has internet restrictions, you only have to choose another location to overcome this. Even in a non-restricted country, you can surf your favourite English websites, visiting them just as if you were back home, which I frequently do when abroad. I can stream my favourite programmes seamlessly. I just love this aspect of using a VPN – I don’t need to feel like I’m out of touch with issues and programmes that really matter to me when I travel. HideMyAss! currently have 940+ VPN servers, across 190+ countries, situated in 350+ locations, with a grand total of 120000+ IP addresses. virtural private network VPN Use on any device HideMyAss! works on any device, including games consoles and internet-enabled TVs. They even allow you to use it on two devices at the same time. So no matter where you are and what device it suits you to use, they’ve got you covered. virtual private network VPN internet anywhere Feel secure abroad Apart from the convenience of being able to access internet regardless of where you are, just as if you were at home, the peace of mind that HideMyAss! gives is second to none. If you’ve ever been unlucky enough to lose your passport while on holiday, imagine trying to untangle yourself from a hack in a foreign land. With HideMyAss! you don’t need to worry about this ever again. virtual private network VPN travel Pricing Prices start from £3.99 per month if you sign up for a full year. If you don’t think you’ll need it for the entire year, you can get six months for just £4.99 a month. Alternatively, if you’re just going on one or two trips over a month, at a cost of £6.99 you can cover yourself for those 30 days. HideMyAss! also offers you the chance to test drive their VPN system for 7-days for free. virtual private network VPN HideMyAss And with a new, easy-to-use version of the service recently launched, whether you are a regular business traveller, an adventurous travel blogger, someone who travels when they can on holiday, or you travel as part of enjoying your retirement, everyone can feel more secure with HideMyAss! It’s definitely a no-brainer! Images: Shutterstock Disclosure: This post is sponsored by HideMyAss!.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.

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6 Comments

  1. Getting internet connection while traveling ab road is not always easy…I kind of suffered a couple of times with it…so, I was looking for a complete technical post that can solve problems……and after reading this post, I think now I know how to access internet more easily….Thanks :)

  2. Please read the reviews of apps before you recommend them. For example, on the Apple Store HideMyAss gets 1 star, and all the reviews are from angry customers that say it doesn’t work and the company doesn’t issue refunds.

  3. This wasn’t an app recommendation, Derek – it was an explanation of HMA’s service (which isn’t app-specific).

    As for their app, until recently it mostly got 5-star reviews (click on ‘all versions’ rather than just ‘current version’ on your iPhone/iPad).

    There are just 4 reviews, however, for the current version of the app, that are admittedly less positive. All 4 reviews have been posted in first week of October 2016 (ie. they post-date the above post for what it’s worth) and Apple state ‘We have not received enough ratings to display an average for the current version of this app.’)

    It sounds like there are clearly some issues with this latest release just one week in but I’m sure HMA will address those given time.

  4. Hi Paul,
    I need to get on this soon for a trip to China

    Thanks for sharing this post which is one many travelers ask
    me about.

    Any other suggestions for Apple products?

    cheers

  5. Useful info. I love all the images of people in beautiful places focussed entirely on their laptop or tablet and ignoring the scenery. Sort of sums up the modern world, even though I know this blog is about getting out there and seeing the world.

  6. I laughted at the picture with rollers and shorts :D
    Useful indeed. I also always travel with a NordVPN, and it is my personal saviour. For a small price I can watch whatever I want and sometimes even save some money on tickets.

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