Let’s be real—“VPN” sounds like something only a tech bro or your company’s IT guy would care about. That’s what I thought too. Then I had my first real “oh crap” moment trying to log into my bank from a café in Chiang Mai and got locked out for “suspicious activity.” That’s when I realized this VPN stuff might be worth paying attention to. I’ve tried a few since then. Right now I rotate between NordVPN and ProtonVPN. Nord’s great when I’m streaming or need speed, and Proton’s my go-to when I care more about privacy. Both are solid, even if you’re not a tech nerd.
So, What Exactly Is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is like a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. It hides your real IP address and encrypts your data, so no one (not even your sketchy Airbnb host) can see what you’re doing online.
Basically, it’s the digital version of pulling the curtain shut in a hotel room.
But Why Should You Actually Use One?
Here’s the thing. Most people don’t care about online privacy until they have a reason to. I was the same way. But after years of working remotely from places like Istanbul, Bali, and Mexico City, I’ve learned that not using a VPN is just asking for trouble.
Let me break it down:
1. Public Wi-Fi Is a Trap
I once connected to a coffee shop Wi-Fi in Tbilisi. Looked harmless. Five minutes later, I started getting weird emails about password resets. Turns out it was a spoofed hotspot set up to snatch credentials. A VPN would’ve encrypted my connection and kept my info safe.
2. Your Streaming Subscriptions Are Region-Locked
Trying to watch US Netflix while in Italy? Good luck. Without a VPN, you’ll be stuck with a tiny catalog. A reliable VPN lets you “be in” the US (or wherever you want) with a click. I’ve streamed Hulu from a hammock in Thailand—no drama.
3. Banking Abroad? Prepare to Be Locked Out
Ever had your bank freeze your account because you logged in from a foreign IP? Yep. A VPN lets you log in from your usual country and skip the panic-inducing fraud alerts.
4. You’re Being Tracked More Than You Think
Every site, app, and service you use is collecting data. A VPN masks your IP address and stops a lot of this tracking before it starts. Is it perfect? No. But it’s way better than nothing.
What a VPN Doesn’t Do
Let’s clear this up—VPNs don’t make you invincible. They don’t block viruses, make your browsing 100% anonymous, or let you do illegal stuff safely (stop watching those YouTube videos that say otherwise).
Also, free VPNs? Usually slow, sometimes shady. If it’s free, you’re the product. Just saying.
Real Talk: You Probably Need One
Even if you’re not globe-trotting or streaming from weird places, VPNs help protect you at home, on mobile data, and even on your work laptop. The internet’s getting creepier by the day, and using a VPN is just basic hygiene now—like locking your door at night.
I used to think they were overkill. Now I won’t even open Instagram without it. Paranoid? Maybe. But better safe than hacked.
Want help picking the right one? I’ve tested a bunch of them while traveling full-time—check out my Top 5 VPNs That Actually Bypass Netflix in 2025.