Why it’s smart to have a VPN during your Sabbatical

Sabbaticals focus on exploring new adventures and often involve reducing screen time—but reliable internet is still important for navigation, research, and staying in touch when needed (or even watching The Office when you’re sick).

In those moments, it’s worth having a VPN.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) adds a layer of protection when you’re using unsecured networks — and that’s exactly what most public Wi-Fi connections are. A good VPN encrypts your traffic, so hackers and third parties can’t see what you’re doing. It also lets you “pretend” to be in your home country, which helps when certain websites are blocked or content is geo-restricted.

Why travelers use a VPN:

• Online banking: Access your accounts securely from any country
• Streaming: Watch the content you’re used to at home
• Access blocked sites: In some countries, messaging apps or news outlets might be restricted
• Safe browsing: Especially when logging into personal accounts from hotel Wi-Fi or airport lounges
• Better privacy: You never know who’s on the network with you in that hostel common room

Good options for sabbatical travelers:

• NordVPN: Fast, secure, and easy to use — one of the most popular VPNs globally. It has a huge network of servers and works well for streaming and general browsing.
• ProtonVPN: Built by the team behind ProtonMail, with a strong focus on privacy. Also offers a free version — great if you’re just getting started or using it occasionally.

Both offer apps for phones, tablets, and laptops, and let you connect multiple devices at once — so you can stay protected whether you’re working remotely, planning your next route, or calling home.