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Protravel International is unique in the travel industry, combining the upscale personalized service of a boutique agency with $22 billion in buying power of our parent company, Travel Leaders Group. With over 33 years in the industry, Protravel is an established client-focused, internationally-renowned travel management company.

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The 25 Best Travel Bags for Every Kind of Trip

It's all about the right luggage.

Whether it’s a two-day business trip to Boston or a boys’ weekend in Miami, there are a lot of different ways your bag can support you. Along with handy features, looks play a part, too; you should be proud of the bag you are toting along. Get yourself that snazzy weekender with hidden pockets and a built-in cooling compartment. Treat yourself to that sleek Rimowa roller you’ve been eyeing since last year. Splurge on that monogrammed duffel to replace the one your investment bank gave you when you signed on. Don’t go on another trip without your new bag, and take some action now.

Best Travel Duffle Bag

Herschel supply co. novel duffel.

Most Versatile Travel Bag

Longchamp le pliage energy.

Best Hard Shell Carry-On Travel Bag

Rimowa cabin s carry-on suitcase.

Best Travel Backpack

Away the everywhere zip backpack.

Best Lightweight Travel Bag

Métier vagabond duffel.

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On Travel Bag

Samsonite pro travel softside expandable carry-on luggage.

Best Travel Garment Bag

Tumi garment bag tri-fold carry-on.

Best Garment Duffel

Halfday the garment duffel.

Best Neoprene Travel Bag

Dagne dover landon carryall bag.

Best Luxury Duffel

Lucchese cosimo garment duffel.

Our favorite luggage brands make it easy to elevate your travel style . If you need help narrowing down your choices, we have our 25 favorites that our editors have tested and reviewed. Out with the old, in with a new travel bag.

When it comes to quick trips that last a day or two, a duffel is what you need. And Herschel’s Novel bag is, in so many words, the best bang for your buck. Not only is it incredibly durable and spacious enough for several fits (there’s also a separate compartment for your shoes), but it’s also less than $100. That’s what we call a win-win.

Drawing its inspiration from origami, Longchamp’s convertible travel bag is one of the most versatile out there. Wear it as a backpack or carry it around as a weekender, this bag is going to get you from point A to point B with ease. It’s sporty and practical and effortlessly in fashion.

From Karl Lagerfeld to David Fincher to Martha Stewart, all the high rollers can be seen toting this suitcase. It’s got distinctive grooves and an ergonomic design, and it just screams class. Plus, the TSA-approved locks are keeping your belongings extra secure.

It’s also Esquire approved and worthy of an investment.

For train travel, bus voyages ( ooof, we feel your pain ), or even a trip involving a connecting flight, there’s nothing like a good backpack to keep you hands-free and moving at a quick pace. Made of water-resistant nylon, Away’s backpack is a durable choice with padded shoulder straps and a laptop pocket.

Surprisingly lightweight, Métier’s duffel is a luxe option for frequent travelers. It’s thoughtfully designed with specific places for toiletries, sunglasses, a laptop, and the rest of your valuables. A secret card slot in the exterior pocket makes for easier travel at the airport.

In the luggage realm, there are very few that hold a candle to Samsonite. For more than a century (yes, that long), the brand has been churning out travel accessories, always offering quality styles for the day. It doesn’t get bogged down by its history. This soft-shell spinner, for example, features wireless charging pockets and a compartment for toiletries, and it’s made of 100 percent ballistic nylon. It’s also less than $250, which makes is a virtual steal.

Business executives know the importance of a garment bag. When you just hopped off the plane and are running late to that meeting, never stress trying to find a steamer again. TUMI is saving you from wrinkle embarrassment, keeping you put together everywhere and anytime.

We love our garment bags in duffel form. They are practical for traveling with suits or other formal clothes, but you can also use them for quick casual trips. Need more convincing? Check out our endorsement of this one.

In a flexible neoprene, Dagne Dover's carryall is one of the lightest duffels out there. It's got a laptop sleeve, and it also comes with a shoe bag and a dust bag. It also makes for a great gym bag, if you want something that's multipurpose.

We love this duffel so much, it was even one of the travel products our editors can't live without . Converting from a garment sleeve to a duffel bag, its versatility meets a luxurious style for a bag you will have for decades.

July Carry All Weekender Plus

Much like it's name denotes, this truly is a carry-all at its 50L capacity. A large padded pocket fits your laptop, and hidden pockets with magnetic closures keep your smaller belongings tucked away safely. If you are going somewhere for the long-haul, it also easily attaches onto your luggage.

Paravel Aviator Grand Suitcase

Paravel is new-ish to the luggage game, but in just a short time it is succeeding in the competitive market by focusing entirely on sustainability. The brand's collection is not only beautifully designed, but they are also made of recycled plastic water bottles. It also plants trees through Eden Reforestation Projects to offset the carbon emissions it produces via shipping.

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From the finest writing instruments to regal timepieces, Montblanc offers the kind of items beloved by jet-setters, C-suite executives, and anyone else of that sort. Naturally, this means that its briefcase is one of the best around, and will surely induce envy from the rest of the folks in first class.

Zero Halliburton Large Travel Case

When it comes to luxury, you can't ignore Zero Halliburton. This label is, after all, the maker of the iconic damage-resistant aluminum briefcases, so rest assured that its large spinner will stay looking good while its be tossed and turned from the check-in booth to baggage claim.

Victorinox Spectra 3.0 Frequent Flyer Carry-On

This Swiss brand makes luggage that lasts. Constructed in a high performance recycled polycarbonate, this suitcase is durable and eco-conscious. It expands by 20 percent and has multiple compartments for smart storage. We also love this piece from Victorinox because you can personalize it for no added cost.

Coofay Travel Backpack

Now you can pack for a weekend trip in a backpack. There's a laptop compartment, separate shoe storage, and a USB charging port. Travel compactly and with rest assured that everything you need it right on your back.

Lululemon Command the Day Duffel Bag

Aptly named, this bag is going to be your 24/7 savior. A water-repellent fabric protects against spills and weather. You can stay organized with the allocated pockets for shoes, laptop, and gear.

Yeti Crossroads Duffel Bag

You know Yeti for its coolers and bottles, but you're about to love it for its luggage. A water and abrasion-resistant exterior coupled with reinforced stitching makes this one of the most durable duffels on the market.

Mark & Graham 2-in-1 Garment Bag

This bag is literally a transformer. Going from garment bag to duffel, it helps to protect your clothing with its folding design. The smart silhouette even leaves room for two pairs of shoes to store at the side.

Mack Weldon Atlas Duffle

This reinforced canvas duffle will pass any test you put it through—from the gym to the plane. It has multiple pockets, one that's designated for shoes and the other for drinks and snacks ( remember to throw those out before you get to TSA ), and a slip-resistant bottom.

@media(max-width: 73.75rem){.css-1ktbcds:before{margin-right:0.4375rem;color:#FF3A30;content:'_';display:inline-block;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1ktbcds:before{margin-right:0.5625rem;color:#FF3A30;content:'_';display:inline-block;}} Accessories

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More From Forbes

Planning a vacation here’s your 2024 summer travel insurance guide.

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The joy of a summer vacation. But do you have protection for your trip?

Planning a vacation this summer? Yeah, you and just about everyone else.

More than 9 out of 10 Americans say they'll travel more this year, according to a recent Nationwide Travel Insurance survey . Most of those trips will happen in June, July and August.

Not just that, but 40 percent of the respondents say they'll spend more this year than last year. So how do you protect your vacation investment?

Travel insurance is the standard answer, but what kind of insurance — and how do you find it? That's the question many Americans are wrestling with as they make their travel plans.

Protecting your vacation is a serious concern this summer, experts say.

“Travelers are beefing up their trip protection with security advisory and extraction protection," notes Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies .

It's not just that they're spending more. It's that there's more to lose. The ongoing war in Ukraine, the Hamas attacks on Israel, and other violent conflicts have made travel insurance a key part of trip planning.

This summer may break travel records, experts say.

Is Leadership an Art or a Science

Apple confirms innovative iphone 16 pro upgrade, wwe smackdown results winners and grades after wrestlemania 40, it's going to be a busy summer for travel.

Overall policy sales for the 2024 summer travel season are up this year, but there's a spike in sales for policies in August, which is typically the busiest time of the summer. "Sales are up more than 25% over last year," says Stan Sandberg, co-founder of travel insurance site TravelInsurance.com .

Western Europe continues to be the most popular summer destination for Americans, with some notable hotspots. Travel insurance sales for Greece are up over 60% this year compared with 2023, followed by Norway and Portugal, which are up 57% and 52%, respectively, according to Sandberg.

Everyone's travel insurance needs are different, according to the pros.

What should you insure when you travel this summer?

Laura Heidt, the insurance desk manager for Brownell Travel in Birmingham, Ala., says there are some things every travel insurance policy should cover this summer.

"I always recommend people insure for the unexpected, such as flight delays, missed connections and medical coverage while out of the country," she says. "If you are willing to forgo the cancellation and delay coverages, which are typically the most expensive parts of a policy, you should still, absolutely, cover yourself with at least the medical component."

Heidt says she's seen a 10% boost in travel insurance sales for this summer compared with the same time last year, and many people are opting for the pricier "cancel for any reason" policies, which allow you to cancel your trip and receive a partial refund of your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses.

Travel insurance companies are seeing a similar trend.

"A majority of travelers choose a comprehensive travel insurance plan which includes coverage for trip cancellation, emergency medical, lost or delayed baggage and delay," explains Tim Dodge, vice president of marketing at Arch RoamRight .

He says this year, travelers are purchasing travel insurance on average within 11 days of their trip deposit to receive the additional benefit of the waiver exclusion for pre-existing conditions.

If you're traveling with kids, you'll need extra travel insurance protection.

Get a policy that's tailored to your needs

Travel insurance comes in all shapes and sizes. So you'll want to try a few on for size before you buy. You can actually do that, since most policies have a "free look" period that makes them fully refundable for the first week or two (depending on the policy).

"It's important to consider your specific travel plans and any potential disruptions in order to protect your investment," says Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association (USTIA).

He says traditional plans offer coverage for unexpected cancellations, interruptions, delays, emergency medical expenses and lost or delayed baggage. For international travel, USTIA advises opting for a plan with emergency medical and medical evacuation coverage.

It also depends on who you're traveling with. For example, if you're traveling with your children, you'll want to consider a family-friendly priced travel insurance plan. But your destination also matters, says Carol Mueller, vice president at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP).

"For young families, I typically recommend the ExactCare plan due to its pricing of two children at no additional cost for every one adult on the policy," she says. "However, for families venturing abroad, I’d suggest considering a plan like BHTP's LuxuryCare, which is designed to meet the distinctive needs of a high-investment vacation.”

You have choices when it comes to family coverage. For example, Allianz’s OneTrip Prime plan also includes coverage for kids 17 and younger when traveling with a parent or grandparent.

Medical evacuations can be expensive.

Look beyond travel insurance for extra protection

Mike Hallman, CEO of the air medical transport and travel security program Medjet , says MedjetHorizon memberships are selling briskly. They offer 24/7 security and crisis response, as well as transportation to a hospital at home if you're injured. Travelers are skittish even if they aren't going bungee-jumping.

"With geopolitical tensions still growing — all the riots in France, Italy, Ecuador and other tourist destinations over the last year — and crime causing the threat level to be raised for the Bahamas and Jamaica, it’s no wonder," he adds.

He makes a good point. Travel insurance can cover many of the events you're likely to encounter, such as a missed connection, lost luggage or a medical emergency. But it's also important to know what isn't covered — and to make plans accordingly.

Beware of travel insurance "overconfidence"

The summer travel season is still a few months away, but insurance experts are worried. Yes, they've seen a general uptick in insurance sales, but some travelers remain unprotected.

"We've started to see early signs that travelers are exercising less caution and are slightly less likely to sign up for travel insurance," says Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance .

By comparison, travelers purchased plenty of medical insurance in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic. Cronin believes travelers were terrified of getting stuck with COVID-19 in a foreign country without insurance.

"To those who are thinking about traveling internationally without travel insurance, my recommendation is to spend a few minutes looking deeper before deciding," he adds.

Some types of insurance, such as a standalone medical policy, cost just a few dollars a day. A medical evacuation membership is also affordable. And even full-featured travel insurance policies can be cost-effective when you consider the benefits.

"Don’t put your summer travel memories, or your investment, at risk by forgoing the right vacation coverage," says Daniel Durazo, director of communications at Allianz Partners USA . "With international travel peaking during the summer season, an unprotected trip can leave travelers on the hook for costs resulting from an unexpected trip delay or medical emergency abroad."

Bottom line: Seriously consider travel insurance to protect your trip — and don't be overconfident. You never know what might happen this summer.

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Protravel International - San Diego

Global reach, personal touch.

Protravel is a significant part of the San Diego community and Southern California. We have an outstanding team of specialists specializing in worldwide locations such as Europe, South American, Australia & New Zealand and the Artic. Specialties include adventure, cruises, culinary, golf, spa, multi-generational, and honeymoon planning. Our focus is on unique luxury experiences. Our team also offers corporate & travel management services to small and medium size companies with a focus on complex travel needs and internationally itineraries. Protravel International LLC has received numerous top production global awards. Find out more at: https://www.protravelinc.com/protravel_sandiego/

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This Celeb-loved Brand Launched a '90s-inspired Sneaker — and It's the One Shoe We're Shopping for Summer

Say hello to the shoe of the season.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

Move over Air Force 1s, there’s a new lifestyle sneaker in town. Cariuma, the celebrity-adored and Travel + Leisure editor-approved shoe brand, just launched a new style of sneakers: the Uba Pros . Striking the perfect balance between style and comfort, these new Cariuma shoes have only been on the market for one day, and they're already generating a lot of buzz. 

Building on the success of Cariuma’s ever-comfortable Oca Lows, Slip-ons , and Catiba Pro Lows , the brand is now adventuring into the world of streetwear, which isn’t all that of a surprise; just one look at the shoes on any New York City street , and you’ll see dozens of '90s-style skateboarding and basketball kicks. And, if any brand has the capability to fuse the style of a lifestyle shoe with a dreamy, memory foam-padded insole, it’s Cariuma — and I’m here for it. 

Cariuma Uba Pro Smoke White Sneakers

Available in three colors and men's and women's sizes, the Uba Pros also mark Cariuma’s step into cupsole sneakers. Fans of streetwear are well aware that cupsole shoes are an iconic, skater-esque style known for their sturdy, one-piece soles and rubber outsoles that perfectly contours, or "cups," to your foot. This shape also provides extra protection and support to the heel, toe, and arches, making it popular for casual activities like skateboarding, as well as a great choice for comfy walking shoes.  

To put the Cariuma spin on its inaugural cupsole style, the brand incorporated its signature triple-layered reinforcement zone, ensuring unmatched durability for the avid skater, explorer, or everyday commuter. Designed with top-quality suede from Leather Working Group Gold-rated suppliers, as well as recycled fabric, and sustainably sourced sugarcane and natural rubber, these eco-friendly, high-performing sneakers are just as good for your feet as they are for the environment (for each pair purchased, Cariuma plants two trees in the Brazilian rainforest). 

Cariuma Uba Pro All-black Sneakers

But, the Uba Pro line goes beyond just durability and sustainability. The shoes are meticulously crafted to provide all-day comfortable wearing, which is made possible with their impact-absorbing midsoles and multiple layers of cushioning, complimented by ample ankle support. Whether you're maneuvering through the skatepark or strolling the bustling streets of a new city, you can do so confidently knowing that every step will be receiving ample padding, shock absorption, and stability. Plus, they have breathable mesh panels to keep the inside of the shoe cool when things get sweaty in the summertime. 

I don’t know about you, but this shoe seems to check every single box on what makes an excellent travel shoe. Comfortable? Check. Supportive? Check. Durable? Check. And of course: stylish? Double check. I’m no fortune teller, but I’m confident that these '90s-style sneakers are going to be a hit with travelers this season. 

Cariuma Uba Pro Black and Ivory Sneakers

But here’s the catch: Cariuma drops are known to sell out fast , so if I were you, I’d snag a pair of the Uba Pros before they fly off of the virtual shelves. Should that happen and you still want to experience the next-level comfort that is a pair of Cariumas, keep scrolling to check out the other best-selling styles that are also widely loved by shoppers. 

More of the Most Comfortable Shoes at Cariuma: 

Cariuma oca low off-white canvas sneakers, cariuma catiba low pros sneakers, cariuma white leather slip-on sneakers, cariuma salvas white premium leather sneakers, cariuma naioca red gum suede sneakers.

At the time of publishing, the price started at $129. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

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Corporate Travel Companies Are Bulking Up: ‘Getting Bigger Is Critical’

Justin Bachman, Skift

April 10th, 2024 at 10:06 AM EDT

Pressure from travel suppliers who want better merchandising tools and lower costs are compelling travel management companies to consolidate.

The big players in the world of managing corporate travel are gearing up to get bigger: Amex GBT’s $570 million bid for CWT and the sale of Direct Travel to an investor consortium are two of the latest examples of the race to bulk up through mergers. 

The trend is driven largely by two factors: Travel suppliers – primarily airlines – seeking greater efficiencies in their distribution channels and the enormous capital required to invest in the technology to sell to and service travelers around the world.

“I think fundamentally customer needs are driving consolidation in the industry,” Amex GBT CEO Paul Abbott told Skift. “I think supplier needs are also changing. Suppliers want their distribution channels to deliver a modern retailing experience,” he said.

For example, airlines are moving a growing share of their fares from the traditional global distribution system model to a direct NDC (New Distribution Capability) platform. And agencies are under pressure to adopt it. 

CWT merging into Amex GBT is “a perfect example of how it’s really only the big players that have the capital to do it,” Mike McCormick, a travel consultant and former head of the Global Business Travel Association, said on April 1 on the Travel Again podcast.

The largest corporate firms, such as Amex GBT, BCD Travel and Navan, have been forced “to really make big investments in technology and continued investments” given the aggressive push by American and others, McCormick noted. 

Navan, for example, last month touted its deeper integration with United Airlines to support that carrier’s pricing strategy for fares, along with other self-serve tools and more personalization for travelers.

“Getting bigger is critical in terms of  a lot of the airline changes and negotiation, and always pressure on earnings and commissions and business in general,” McCormick said.

Investing For the Next-Generation of Travel

Investor Steve Singh, the founder and former CEO of Concur, is managing director of Madrona, the Seattle-based venture capital firm that is among the four investment firms that acquired Direct Travel Inc. on April 2. 

Singh told Skift the investor group is keen to create a “next-generation” travel management company that would offer a seamless connected trip in which all of a traveler’s airline, hotel, meeting, ground transport, and appointment bookings would be integrated, allowing for far simpler itinerary changes. For now, it’s an aspirational goal, one the industry has long wanted but that has proven tough to attain. 

Travel management companies sell multiple technology platforms to serve customers and “the result is that it is very expensive to build and run a TMC,” Singh wrote in a blog post explaining the investor group’s view of how the managed-travel industry should evolve. 

“The fact that these legacy solutions are built on GDS platforms that are not open and not extensible makes the goal of delivering an incredible client experience at a better value proposition even more challenging.”

“As someone who has logged tens of millions of flight miles, I would love a system that allows me to reserve a hotel from the time I arrive in a town to the time I need to leave, not from 3 p.m. to noon,” Singh wrote in his post.

What’s Next for Travelers

Amex GBT customers may see a greater focus on particular industry verticals, such as energy, U.S. government, mining and marine industries for CWT. Those areas tend to present greater complexity and transaction value, along with higher customer retention rates, Amex GBT told investors March 25 explaining the CWT deal.

Abbott said successful travel-management companies will increasingly need both software and services — not just one — that are married effectively.

“You have to have the best technology and the best people, you have to integrate it better than anyone else, and you have to deliver that consistently on a global basis,” he said. “And that’s hard and it requires significant investment and significant expertise.”

The Daily Newsletter

Our daily coverage of the global travel industry. Written by editors and analysts from across Skift’s brands.

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Tags: airlines , amex gbt , business travel , concur , corporate travel , cwt , navan

The best travel VPN in 2024

The best VPNs to use on your travel, according to our in-house tests

• Top 3 at a glance
• 1. Best travel VPN overall
• 2. Best cheap travel VPN
• 3. Best travel VPN for groups
• 4. Honorable mentions
• How to pick a travel VPN
• How we test

Top 3 travel VPNs at a glance 1. Best travel VPN overall: ExpressVPN 2. Best cheap travel VPN: Surfshark 3. Best travel VPN for groups: Private Internet Access 4. Honorable mentions How to pick a travel VPN How we test VPNs VPN FAQs

Along with your passport, sunblock, and phone charger, a VPN is a must-have item before you jet off abroad. It will safeguard your private information while you’re online and it’ll enable you to unblock all your favorite sites and services from back home. It’s especially useful if you’re headed to a destination that has strict internet censorship, such as China, North Korea, or Russia.

A quick online search will show you that there are plenty of VPNs that claim to be perfect for travel. But the truth is, not all of them are secure enough to protect your data, unblock streaming services, and go undetected by foreign governments. Luckily, we’ve compared dozens of VPNs to ensure they tick all these boxes for a fair price, while also delivering fast speeds and good customer service. So keep reading to find out our pick of the best travel VPNs.

The 3 best travel VPNs at a glance

If you’re looking for a quick recommendation for the best VPN for travel, take a look at our top three tried-and-tested travel VPNs: 

1. <a href="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.expressvpn.com%2Foffer%2Frecommended-deal%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Best VPN for travel: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is our number one choice for travel, thanks to its impressive fleet of secure servers around the world. No matter where you’re headed, ExpressVPN will keep your data safe with its market-leading security features. It’ll also allow you to unblock location-restricted content from anywhere.

It also has fast speeds that are ideal for streaming on the go. If you want to try it out, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can see if it’s right for you before you commit..

2. <a href="http://get.surfshark.net/aff_c?offer_id=61&aff_sub3=i%3Dbest&aff_id=1691&aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="get.surfshark.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Fast speeds for a low monthly cost: Surfshark

If you’re looking for a fast VPN that won’t break the bank or compromise your security, Surfshark could be your ideal solution. In testing, we found it had the fastest speeds overall.

It can give you access to a huge range of geo-blocked streaming services, and it comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, so you and everyone you’re traveling with can use one subscription. You can test it out risk-free thanks to Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee.

3.   <a href="https://privateinternetaccess.com/offer/future_60e7q6mk5?aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="privateinternetaccess.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Great for large travel parties on a budget: Private Internet Access

PIA has a massive selection of over 20,000 servers based around the world, and you can use them to unblock sites and services from other regions in seconds.

It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you and your travel buddies can all share one subscription. It’s also one of the cheapest reliable options around, so it’s ideal if you want to keep your costs low without skimping on security. You can test it out by using PIA’s 30-day money-back guarantee.

The best travel VPNs in 2024

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The best travel VPN overall: ExpressVPN

1. expressvpn.

The best travel VPN, and great for beginners

Number of servers: 3,000+ | Speed: Up to 750 Mbps | VPN locations: 160 in 105 countries | Maximum devices supported: 8 | 24/7 live chat: Yes | 30 day money back guarantee: Yes

✔️ You want to access sites and services from around the world while you’re traveling . ExpressVPN boasts 160 server locations across 94 countries, so you’ll have plenty of secure options that can unblock the content you want. 

✔️ This is your first VPN and you want something that’s easy to use. ExpressVPN’s intuitive interface is ideal for beginners, and its 24/7 customer support is very reassuring and helpful.

✔️ You want a secure VPN with plenty of features. ExpressVPN comes with a sophisticated kill switch, DNS leak protection, and an auto-connect feature.

❌ You're on a budget. ExpressVPN is definitely one of the more expensive options out there. So you might want to look at Surfshark or PIA if you’re on a budget.

❌ You want the fastest speeds around. Although ExpressVPN shouldn’t slow you down for most everyday activities, if you game or stream a lot, you might be better off with NordVPN or Surfshark.  

ExpressVPN  is the best travel VPN around, thanks to its large fleet of secure servers, excellent security features, and ability to unblock region-restricted content from anywhere.

If you want the best VPN for travel, you’d struggle to find better than ExpressVPN. With an impressive fleet of over 3,000 servers across 160 locations in 94 countries, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

It even has servers in locations that have restrictive rules around VPNs, such as China, Iran, and Indonesia. This means that you can still protect your data while traveling to these countries without impacting your speed.

Speaking of protecting your data, ExpressVPN is one of the most privacy-focused VPNs on the market. 

ExpressVPN can unblock location-restricted content from other parts of the world. It has the best coverage we’ve found in the US and Europe. And it has servers across 26 Asia-Pacific regions, giving you no end of options when it comes to accessing the content you want.

Unfortunately, ExpressVPN is one of the more expensive options out there, and it only comes with eight simultaneous connections, which is frustrating, considering the price, but this will probably be sufficient for a lot of users. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it before committing to a lengthy subscription.

The best cheap travel VPN: Surfshark

2. surfshark.

The best cheap travel VPN available

Number of servers: 3,200+ | Server locations: 160+ in 100+ countries | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited | 24/7 live chat: Yes | 30 day money back guarantee: Yes

✔️ You want the fastest speeds a VPN can offer. Surfshark is the fastest VPN we’ve tested, getting up to 950 Mbps. So you’ll be able to enjoy a smooth, lag-free experience.

✔️ You want a VPN solution for your whole travel party in one subscription. Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning that everyone going with you will be covered on all their devices with the same subscription.

✔️ You’re after a cheap VPN that doesn’t skimp on features. Despite Surfshark’s low monthly cost, it comes stuffed full of security features, as well as unlimited simultaneous connections and unrivaled speeds.

❌ You feel the need for a particularly robust kill switch. Although it works reasonably well, we found it struggled under intense testing. If you need one that’s completely foolproof, NordVPN and ExpressVPN would suit you better.

❌ You have an older Windows device. Surfshark doesn’t support Windows versions below 8.1, and Windows users don’t get a free 7-day trial option.  

Surfshark offers incredible value for money, with very reasonable low monthly subscriptions that come with unlimited simultaneous connections and access to 3,200+ servers across the globe.

If you want a solid VPN for travel without breaking the bank, Surfshark is an excellent choice, particularly if you’re going with a large group of people. That’s because Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can all use the same subscription on all your devices at once.

It has a fleet of 3,200 servers in 143 locations across 100 countries. Although this isn’t the largest offering around, it’ll give you plenty of options while you’re traveling abroad.

It’s a particularly strong choice if you’re visiting a country where VPNs are restricted, such as China. This is thanks to Surfshark’s NoBorders mode, which switches on automatically whenever it detects restrictions on your network. It will then present you with a list of servers that are strong enough to bypass the restrictions.

Surfshark is also brilliant at accessing geo-blocked sites and services. Plus, if streaming is important to you, you’ll really appreciate Surfshark’s unbeatable speeds. You can try it out risk-free thanks to Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee.

The best travel VPN for groups: Private Internet Access

3. private internet access.

A great travel VPN for group holidays

Number of servers: 20,000+ | Server locations: 84 countries | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited | 24/7 live chat: Yes | 30 day money back guarantee: Yes

✔️ You want a huge selection of servers to choose from. PIA boasts an incredible fleet of 20,000+ servers. So wherever you are in the world, you’ll be sure to find plenty of options nearby that you can connect to.

✔️ You’re looking for one VPN subscription for everyone you’re traveling with. PIA gives you unlimited simultaneous connections, which means that everyone going on holiday with you will be able to use the same subscription.

✔️ Your privacy is important to you.  PIA operates a strict zero logs policy, which has been proven in court twice now, So you can trust that PIA really is as secure as it claims to be.

❌ This is your first VPN and you want something user-friendly. PIA has lots of customizable options, which is great if you know what you’re doing. But it’s not the easiest one to use if you’re not used to VPNs.

❌ You want to watch 10Play. While PIA is great at unblocking most region-restricted content, we weren’t able to use it to access 10Play.

Private Internet Access offers fantastic value for money, with low monthly costs and unlimited simultaneous connections.  

If you’re after a VPN while you’re abroad, you won’t go far wrong with PIA. With over 20,000 servers across 84 countries, you’ll never be far away from a server. It even has a server in every single US state, making it a fantastic choice if you’re traveling around the US. 

Even though it doesn’t have servers in quite as many countries as some of the other providers on our list, it has them in many locations where VPNs are restricted, such as China and Turkey. However, if you’re traveling to Iran, Cuba, Syria, or Myanmar, PIA won’t be able to bypass the restrictions. So make sure you check it works in your destination before you sign up,

PIA comes with unlimited simultaneous connections. So you and your travel companions can all use it on as many devices as you like while only paying for one subscription. Considering how cheap PIA is, this gives you excellent value for money.

Sadly, it’s not as fast as NordVPN or Surfshark. But its speeds are adequate for most online activities, including streaming. Speaking of which, PIA was able to bypass region restrictions on every streaming service we tested, apart from 10Play.

If you want to try it out, PIA offers a free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Other quality travel VPNs I've tested

The very best VPN I've tested

Number of servers: 6,000+ | Server locations: 140 in 110+ countries | Maximum devices supported: 6 | 24/7 live chat: Yes | 30 day money back guarantee: Yes

✔️ You want robust security. NordVPN is one of the most privacy-focused VPNs on the market, with features like Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and built-in antivirus protection.

✔️ You want to unblock region-restricted content while you’re traveling. Whatever you want to watch, NordVPN will help you access the content you want in seconds.

✔️ You need fast internet speeds. Thanks to NordVPN’s own NordLynx protocol, you’ll be able to enjoy fast and reliable speeds that are ideal for streaming and gaming.

❌ You want to access servers from the largest range of countries. Although NordVPN has servers in 60 countries around the world, Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer significantly more options.

❌ You need unlimited simultaneous connections . A NordVPN subscription only comes with six simultaneous connections. So you’ll need to pay for more than one subscription if you’re traveling in a large group or sign up to Surfshark or PIA instead.

NordVPN is one of the most reputable VPNs on the market, and with its outstanding security features, strong unblocking capabilities, and consistently fast speeds, it more than lives up to its reputation as being one of the best all-round solutions.

NordVPN might be the perfect travel VPN for you but it depends on where you’re going. Due to the fact it has servers in a comparatively small number of countries, it may not suit your plans. So make sure you check your destination is covered before choosing NordVPN.

However, if you’re happy with the list of server locations, NordVPN is a fantastic choice. Its obfuscated servers make it a perfect VPN for China, Iran, and other locations where VPNs are restricted. It works by disguising VPN traffic to make it look like regular traffic, so it can go undetected. This also makes it ideal for unblocking region-restricted content.

Elsewhere, it delivers consistently fast speeds thanks to NordVPN’s unique Wireguard-based protocol, NordLynx. If you’re traveling solo or with one or two others, it’s a strong and reliable solution that won’t let you down. You can try it out before committing, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. CyberGhost

A good travel VPN with a long money-back-guarantee

Number of servers: 9,700+ | Server locations: 91 countries | Maximum devices supported: 7 | 24/7 live chat: Yes | 45 day money back guarantee: Yes

✔️ You want time to make up your mind. While most providers offer 30 days, CyberGhost gives a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. This gives you plenty of time to try it out before deciding if it’s the right provider for you.

✔️ You’ve never used a VPN before. CyberGhost is easy to use with plenty of tutorials and handy guides to help you get to grips with all CyberGhost has to offer.

✔️ You’re on a tight budget. Price-wise, CyberGhost is comparable with other great-value solutions, such as Surfshark and PIA. It also offers plenty of features, giving you great value for money.

❌ You want a wide selection of streaming options. In testing, CyberGhost struggled to bypass region restrictions on some of the most popular streaming services, such as the UK versions of Netflix and Disney Plus. 

❌ You want one subscription for your whole travel party. Unless you’re traveling alone or with one or two other people, you might find that CyberGhost’s seven simultaneous connections aren’t sufficient for you. Instead, you might be better off with Sufshark or PIA

CyberGhost is a brilliant travel VPN for beginners as it’s easy to use and is a very affordable solution. 

If you’re looking for your first travel VPN, CyberGhost is a solid choice, thanks to its simple, intuitive interface, cheap price plans, and generous 45-day money-back guarantee. On top of this, it offers a huge selection of 11,700+ servers in 91 countries, so you’ll almost certainly be able to access secure servers at your destination.

Despite its low monthly cost, CyberGhost has some of the fastest speeds around, beating the likes of ExpressVPN and PIA. Better yet, CyberGhost can unblock local banking apps with ease, which means you can do secure online banking without worrying about hackers.

However, it’s not quite as adept at unblocking location-restricted streaming services. In our testing, we found that it struggled to unblock the UK versions of Disney Plus and Netflix.

It also doesn’t have the most reliable customer service, unlike NordVPN and ExpressVPN. It’s pretty good for the price, however, and if you want to try it out, you get a full 45-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to decide.

How to choose the right travel VPN

When choosing the best travel VPN, you’ll need one that will successfully spoof your true IP address and make it appear as though you’re in a different location. This will prevent third parties, including foreign governments, from being able to see your online activity or restrict your internet usage. Therefore, you’ll want a VPN with plenty of robust security features to prevent anyone from being able to view any of your data.

It’s also important to check whether or not it has a good range of secure servers at your destination. If you’re headed somewhere that restricts VPNs, such as China, Iran, or Russia, you’ll also need one that has obfuscated servers so you can access the content you want without detection.

On top of this, a good travel VPN will be able to unblock region-restricted sites and services from around the world. If you’re traveling as part of a large group, it’s a sensible idea to pick a provider that offers enough simultaneous connections for everyone.

How we test travel VPNs

Before recommending the best VPNs for travel, we put all the market-leading providers through a rigorous testing process before selecting the best options.

Our expert team of in-house testers try out a huge range of options and decide on the best ones. We trial desktop and mobile apps on all major operating systems and check all of the settings in each app to ensure it works well.

We also run further tests every six months to keep our findings completely up to date and to ensure we’ve tested out any new features. And we test each VPN to see if it can consistently unblock all the major streaming services.

For more details, see our full methodology on how we test VPNs .

Travel VPN FAQs

Where is using a vpn legal.

VPNs are legal in most places around the world, including the US, Europe, Canada, and Australia. However, there are some countries that prohibit the use of VPNs, such as China, North Korea, and Iraq. If you’re caught using a VPN in one of these locations, you could risk a heavy fine or even imprisonment.

Is using a VPN safe?

Yes, using a VPN is extremely safe. In fact, provided you choose a reputable VPN, it will radically improve your online security by spoofing your real IP address and protecting your data from being viewed by third parties. 

Should I use a VPN while travelling?

Yes, it’s a very sensible idea to use a VPN while traveling because it will keep your data private and allow you to access sites and services from other parts of the world. It’s particularly helpful if you’re visiting a country that restricts internet usage, such as China, Russia, or Iran. 

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

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Olivia joined TechRadar in October 2023 as part of the core Future Tech Software team, and is the Commissioning Editor for Tech Software. With a background in cybersecurity, Olivia stays up-to-date with all things cyber and creates content across sites including TechRadar Pro , TechRadar , Tom’s Guide , iMore , Windows Central , PC Gamer and Games Radar . She is particularly interested in threat intelligence, detection and response, data security, fraud prevention and the ever-evolving threat landscape.

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When Emme Hayes moved to Los Angeles in 2014, she felt a call familiar to many readers of this newsletter: She had to get into the mountains. She started hiking in the San Gabriels, and those initial experiences led her farther afield, including backpacking trips to the Sierra . But her new hobby also created a conflict. She was working as a fashion designer at the time, which gave her an insider view of the waste and pollution that are rampant in the fashion industry. Her day job and her love for nature were in conflict.

“I felt like, ‘How can I be doing this and then go back to my nine to five, which is just destroying the planet?’” Hayes said.

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So she made a change. In 2019, she launched ReMade, a line of sustainable clothing she designed and produced using waste material from other garments. It was a start, but it still didn’t solve the problem.

“The more I followed along with the climate crisis, [I realized] we just need to stop producing altogether,” Hayes said.

Instead of making new clothing, she decided to make it easier for people to keep using or find new homes for the items they already owned. In 2021, she opened the doors on a new venture: Articles in Common , an online marketplace for gently used gear and apparel.

“It’s like a Depop and Etsy, but for the outdoors,” Hayes said.

Articles in Common is a one-stop shop for outdoor enthusiasts, and it’s divided into a few sections. The Granola Gear marketplace includes everything from trekking poles and sleeping pads to climbing shoes and jackets, all gently used, inspected and ready for a new home. There are also sections for used dog gear, used books (on outdoors-related topics) and vintage clothing.

AIC accepts outdoor gear and garments from all brands, and they’ll help you repair your gear items too: popular requests include resoling climbing shoes and repairing torn jackets. The idea is to make it easy for people to shop better and ultimately shop less.

“If it’s not easy for people, we’re not going to get to where we need to be in terms of mitigating the amount of stuff that gets sent to the landfill,” said Hayes.

As a gear nerd with very limited storage space, Articles in Common has been a godsend. I had been trying to sell some camping equipment over the last few months on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, but my listings languished. Selling them to AIC was a blissfully simple process. I used the website’s contact page to reach out about my items, sent in a few photos and received an offer that same day. After I accepted the offer, someone arrived at my apartment to pick up the items the next day (AIC offers pickup in L.A. County for a small fee). Once my items were processed, I received payment via Venmo.

I was glad to make some space in my closet and get a little extra cash, but mostly I was relieved that my items would get used and not end up in a dumpster. With AIC, taking the easy way out was also the right thing to do.

Want to learn more about Articles in Common? Check out their Athletes for Earth event at Sender One climbing gym this Earth Day, April 22. Register to shop their marketplace of local vendors and bring some clothing or an extra pair of hiking boots — there will be a gear swap and gear repair pop-up at the event as well.

3 things to do

1. Hike with Angelenos at Griffith Park Join Meetup’s Los Angeles Hiking Group on their weekly moderate-paced jaunt through Griffith Park. The free four-mile excursion will stick to larger fire-road type trails and include views of Downtown L.A., the observatory and the ocean. Afterward, they’ll grab lunch at Village Bakery Cafe. Bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes. Weather permitting, the hike will start where Griffith Park Boulevard ends at Carmen Drive at 10 a.m. Saturday. For more details about where to meet, visit meetup.com .

2. Draw a connection to nature in Sun Valley. Diego Blanco, an administrative assistant at Theodore Payne Foundation’s gardens, will lead a series of guided exercises to help you observe wildlife and sketch those observations on paper. The three-and-a-half-hour exercise is meant to deepen your “observation and knowledge” of the outside world. Participants will be provided with loose pencils and paper, but are encouraged to bring their own drawing materials. It starts at 1 p.m. Friday and admission for non-members costs $30 per person. To purchase tickets visit eventbrite.com .

3. Learn the names of birds and plants in Altadena We’ve previously mentioned Pasadena Humane’s birding and meditation walk in this newsletter, and now they’re back with more outings for spring. Certified California naturalists from their staff will help you identify plants and birds on a three-mile walk through JPL/Devil’s Gate Dam loop. The $5 event is BYOB (bring your own binoculars), and attendees are encouraged to download the ebird, Merlin Bird ID or iNaturalist identification apps on their phones beforehand. The walk kicks off at 7:30 a.m. Friday. Visit eventbrite.com to grab your tickets.

The must-read

There’s a new secret weapon in the fight against devastating mega-wildfires: beavers. As Alex Wigglesworth outlines in her recent article , the buck-toothed, flat-tailed rodents are adept at creating mini wetlands, which keep plants well-watered and help them resist flames. Although they were hunted nearly to extinction in the 1800s, beavers are making a comeback, and with climate change making wildfires even more dangerous, we need them more than ever.

Happy adventuring,

If you, like me, feel an irresistible urge to scream the lyrics to “Say It Ain’t So” whenever and wherever you hear the song, don’t miss this incredible oral history of the making of Weezer’s Blue Album, which turns 30 this year.

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild . And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here .

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We’ll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga.

Michael Charboneau is a freelance writer covering gear and the outdoors, and he’ll be writing The Wild newsletter for the next few months. He has written for a variety of publications, including Men’s Journal, Runner’s World and InsideHook, and he lives in West L.A. When he’s not writing, he can be found running, hiking and biking around Los Angeles and its mountains.

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