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What is a VPN? Why Expats & Travelers Need Them

Alyssa Ramos

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what is a VPN

The first time I asked ‘What is a VPN?’ was because someone had suggested that I get one before going to China a few years ago. They said if I wanted to be able to access social media or even the internet, a VPN would let me bypass the restrictions that China has on both!

I thought it was some sort of secret spy ware that only seasoned travelers (or actual spies) knew about, but using a VPN is more common than you think! After using one as both a traveler and an expat, I would highly recommend getting one!

The VPN I’m using now as an expat in Barcelona is by IVPN, one of the most trusted virtual privacy companies in the World, and in my experience, one of the best values as well! I use an it not just for secure browsing, but also to reach my target audiences better on social media! I’ll explain all of the reasons below!

Let’s start with the basics:

What is A VPN?

What is a VPN

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and as the name implies, it is a connection that ensures online privacy. It can also mask your IP address and location, and allow you to choose a different location to show up as.

I’ll get to why those are all beneficial for expats and travelers in a second! But essentially some the reasons to use it are:

  • Ensures Online Privacy
  • Bypasses Geo-Restrictions
  • Secures Public Wifi
  • Prevents Tracking
  • Prevents Hacks

How Do You Use It?

what is a vpn

After selecting and purchasing your plan, you’ll be given a password for your account. All you have to do then is download the Ivacy app to the devices you want to use them on, and log in!

You can use your subscription for up to five devices in the same country, simultaneously!

Once you’re logged in, you’ll be prompted to select the country you’d like your location to be in. You can choose ‘Automatic’ if you want access to local content where you are, or like I said before, your home country if you want to see content from people there. More on this in a sec as well.

How Much Does an Ivacy VPN Cost?

There are several different types of VPN;s with different prices. I was shocked at how affordable an IVPN costs! For just $31 per year in the first your, you can have total privacy plus the perks of changing your location!

If you’re thinking of getting it, please click here using my link, because I get a small percentage of the purchase!

Benefits of Using a Virtual Privacy Network:

 what is a vpn

Alright now that you know what it basically is and how much it costs, let’s get to the fun part — the benefits of using a VPN!

How a VPN Ensures Anonymity?

Once connected to Ivacy, your original IP address is replaced with a new one, which makes you become untraceable.

How a VPN Prevents Geo-Restrictions?

By changing your location (meaning you can pick where you want your location to be), you can bypass restrictions like your Netflix not working, or Instagram not being available. For example, in China, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Disney+, etc are all blocked. BUT! If you set your VPN location to the U.S., you can still have regular access to everything!

How Does a VPN Secure You on Public Wi-Fi?

By masking your IP Address, a VPN makes it impossible for hackers and cyber-attackers to steal your information when you use public WiFi.

Why a VPN is Essential for an Expat?

Depending on your device and where you bought it (likely your home country), your IP address may not allow you to access certain local content where you’re now living. But instead of buying a new device, you can just get a VPN and change the IP location. You can also use it to change your IP address to your home country to access certain content on Netflix, Disney+ etc. I also use it to make sure I reach more of a U.S. audience on social media.

Hopefully this post has informed you about the amazing benefits of using a VPN as an expat or traveler! I was not paid for it but did get the VPN free, so if this article was useful, please comment and share on social media! Thank you!

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Alyssa Ramos is one of the first original travel blogger/influencers who helped normalize solo female travel. She’s been to 146 countries so far, plus Antarctica 4x, and all of her tips are on this blog!

@mylifesatravelmovie
Alyssa Ramos | Most Traveled Women

@mylifesatravelmovie

One of the World’s Most Traveled Women 146 countries (solo, so far) • 7 Continents Expert • Activist • Entrepreneur GroupTrips: @mylifesatraveltribe
  • Ashgabat, Turkmenistan is still one of the most bizarre cities i have been to in the 155 countries I've traveled so far, and the fact that it is purposely "all white" including cars is fascinating to see (strange to try to understand why), but since everyone usually only talks about the colorless city, I decided to show you the even more bizarre colors at night -- neon rainbow!

I like to think and hope that the locals got sick of the all white decor rule and chose to show their colors at night, but considering that electricity is unlimited and free for the gov, I'm sure it's their doing...which would still be funny...

Anyway, more bizarre things -- as a tourist, you cannot just wander on your own, you have to be with a guide (maybe why there aren't too many night time Ashgabat posts, but I specifically requested to go out to eat at night in local hot spots)

Also, everyone loves to report or repeat that it's strange that there's "no people there". There are, but most of them live in regular areas outside of this main commercial capital area... also most people work during the day when tours are happening 

Sorry not sorry to burst any bubbles! But there's many more fascinating things here than click bait ones! Hopefully this still gets shown anyway 😂

What have you heard about Turkmenistan? Need fuel for my next debunking post!!
  • The top searched city for flights right now isssss BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan!

I was just there and my top tip is actually to leave Bishkek, and go immerse yourself in the nature and culture of the beautiful country!

Don't get me wrong, Bishkek was cool! I found great shopping there (both at a local mall and the traditional market), and the city is pretty, but the nature areas are just, WOW!

Don't miss Ala Archa National Park and also Issyk Kul lake area!! Full blog post coming soon!

So excited to return here next year! If you want to go here and to all 5 Stans with a really cool travel community, drop a comment or DM and I'll send you the notifications form!
  • For all the queens and princesses who aren't getting that royal treatment they deserve at home -- go to Samarkand, Uzbekistan where you can dress up and feel like it at one of the most beaitiful places in the world!

Always remember though, you are the main person who can treat yourself like royalty, and you always should!

What do you do for yourself to feel like the "royal treatment"? For me it's little things like ordering bubbles on the plane even tho I'm in economy. 😁

Comment "queen" and ill DM you my full travel itinerary and tips for Uzbekistan, including how to book this photoshoot!
  • Don’t forget to vote today, preferably for kind, cultured, people with good-morals. 😁

Trust me, I do not want politics in my posts, but once again it seems like politics are always interrupting my travels, and I had to talk about this one!

I know I get judged a lot for what I do and wear…but when it’s by a representative from the U.S. gov who is in a country where I’m wearing the local fashion of, and they laugh and make a snarky remark to another minion, that’s where I have to call someone out. 

Overheard at the train station in Samarkand, Uzbekistan by a couple of my group trip guests, was “Look at that b*tch in pink” by a member of Rubio’s delegation who were there doing security checks for his upcoming visit.

The group of horribly dressed older men and one woman then had the joke on them when they were given a tour of a bazaar…where the local fashion I was wearing was prominently on display everywhere. 🫠

Just goes to show that if these Gov officials can talk badly about a U.S. citizen abroad, just imagine what they think of you all back home! 

So this is my response as a very proud “b*tch in pink”, and this whole situation is a great example of WHY I always purposely wear hot pink on my travels 🤗💖

PS stop starving your own people Marcocito!!!
  • Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
  • Anyone else have a bunch of random currency from various countries all over the place? What do you do with it all??

I started using a cheap coupon organizer to keep track of it all, especially since I repeat many of the countries I go to, and it has been so much easier that just a bug wad of colorful bills!

If I know I likely won’t return to a country, I usually give the cash away though, or keep a small bill as a souvenir!

Never would have guessed my fanciest most valuable wallet would be the $5 one that stores priceless memories from 155 countries! (Well I don’t have cash from all of them, maybe just 50, but still!)

What’s your most valuable priceless possession?

Also if you’d like to use my shipping link, please comment “rich bc”!
  • Sneaky fabulous way to see Registan Square in Samarkand before it opens: book this photoshoot!

((Comment Samarkand to get sent my full Uzbekistan travel guide plus the contact info for this photoshoot!))

Various colors, jewelry, and masculine costumes available as well! Cost is around $47 for the outfit, photos, and a video!

Highlight is definitely "flying" around Registan Square, and you really have to run to get those videos!! 😂

Would you do this or nah?

-------

#uzbekistan #samarkand #flyingdress #mylifesatravelmovie
  • Questions literally no one has ever asked about making 'smores or likely at the Darvaza Gas Crater (AKA "Door to Hell") in Turkmenistan.

((Comment "crater" and ill send my full blog post about how to go here! I've been twice now,))

This is a massive crater that collapsed in the desert when people were drilling for natural resources decades ago. Someone thought it would be smart to light it on fire, and it has been burning non stop ever since...

Rumors are it will close down soon for the gov to sell the gas, so go see it while you can! Or join one of my group adventures there!
  • When life brings you to the Door to HɛIl, roast some marshmallows, throw a dance party with friends, strap your seat belt on tight, and HOLD ON for a wild ride out of there! ...both figuratively and literally.

This is the famous Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenkstan, Aka the "Door to Hɛll". I went here solo last year and then recently brought my Travel Tribe which was waayyyyyy more fun...perhaps too much fun!!

First of all, I've never seen people enjoy that minivan Mario Kart race through the barren desert before 😂 or thought anyone would be down for Turkmen beer roadies. 

Then the looks on all of their faces when we drove up to the gas crater at night made the journey not only worth it but priceless!

We then proceeded to have an aggressive game of UNO (a must on our adventures), too much Turkmen wine (that's similar to port) and a very uncomfortable sleepover in yurts with "Chanel" and "Versace" bedding. IYKYK.

Also, can't believe I found marshmallows there, or that one of the guides just lit a hole on fire to roast them, but the smell of gas was very unappetizing so they were not consumed (by me).

FYI everyone is still saying the Darvaza Crater will be extinguished soon so the gov can capture the gas to sell, so go see it while you can, if you're up for a truly wild adventure!!

More wild and weird stories from our 5 Stans Group Adventure coming soon! 🤪

Is this on your bucketlist??
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan is still one of the most bizarre cities i have been to in the 155 countries I've traveled so far, and the fact that it is purposely "all white" including cars is fascinating to see (strange to try to understand why), but since everyone usually only talks about the colorless city, I decided to show you the even more bizarre colors at night -- neon rainbow! I like to think and hope that the locals got sick of the all white decor rule and chose to show their colors at night, but considering that electricity is unlimited and free for the gov, I'm sure it's their doing...which would still be funny... Anyway, more bizarre things -- as a tourist, you cannot just wander on your own, you have to be with a guide (maybe why there aren't too many night time Ashgabat posts, but I specifically requested to go out to eat at night in local hot spots) Also, everyone loves to report or repeat that it's strange that there's "no people there". There are, but most of them live in regular areas outside of this main commercial capital area... also most people work during the day when tours are happening Sorry not sorry to burst any bubbles! But there's many more fascinating things here than click bait ones! Hopefully this still gets shown anyway 😂 What have you heard about Turkmenistan? Need fuel for my next debunking post!!
22 hours ago
281
View on Instagram |
1/9
The top searched city for flights right now isssss BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan! I was just there and my top tip is actually to leave Bishkek, and go immerse yourself in the nature and culture of the beautiful country! Don't get me wrong, Bishkek was cool! I found great shopping there (both at a local mall and the traditional market), and the city is pretty, but the nature areas are just, WOW! Don't miss Ala Archa National Park and also Issyk Kul lake area!! Full blog post coming soon! So excited to return here next year! If you want to go here and to all 5 Stans with a really cool travel community, drop a comment or DM and I'll send you the notifications form!
23 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
For all the queens and princesses who aren't getting that royal treatment they deserve at home -- go to Samarkand, Uzbekistan where you can dress up and feel like it at one of the most beaitiful places in the world! Always remember though, you are the main person who can treat yourself like royalty, and you always should! What do you do for yourself to feel like the "royal treatment"? For me it's little things like ordering bubbles on the plane even tho I'm in economy. 😁 Comment "queen" and ill DM you my full travel itinerary and tips for Uzbekistan, including how to book this photoshoot!
4 days ago
641
View on Instagram |
3/9
Don’t forget to vote today, preferably for kind, cultured, people with good-morals. 😁 Trust me, I do not want politics in my posts, but once again it seems like politics are always interrupting my travels, and I had to talk about this one! I know I get judged a lot for what I do and wear…but when it’s by a representative from the U.S. gov who is in a country where I’m wearing the local fashion of, and they laugh and make a snarky remark to another minion, that’s where I have to call someone out. Overheard at the train station in Samarkand, Uzbekistan by a couple of my group trip guests, was “Look at that b*tch in pink” by a member of Rubio’s delegation who were there doing security checks for his upcoming visit. The group of horribly dressed older men and one woman then had the joke on them when they were given a tour of a bazaar…where the local fashion I was wearing was prominently on display everywhere. 🫠 Just goes to show that if these Gov officials can talk badly about a U.S. citizen abroad, just imagine what they think of you all back home! So this is my response as a very proud “b*tch in pink”, and this whole situation is a great example of WHY I always purposely wear hot pink on my travels 🤗💖 PS stop starving your own people Marcocito!!!
7 days ago
1,178114
View on Instagram |
4/9
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico? Save this for future trip planning! This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!! You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁 Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos… Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬 Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
1 week ago
20310
View on Instagram |
5/9
Anyone else have a bunch of random currency from various countries all over the place? What do you do with it all?? I started using a cheap coupon organizer to keep track of it all, especially since I repeat many of the countries I go to, and it has been so much easier that just a bug wad of colorful bills! If I know I likely won’t return to a country, I usually give the cash away though, or keep a small bill as a souvenir! Never would have guessed my fanciest most valuable wallet would be the $5 one that stores priceless memories from 155 countries! (Well I don’t have cash from all of them, maybe just 50, but still!) What’s your most valuable priceless possession? Also if you’d like to use my shipping link, please comment “rich bc”!
1 week ago
14630
View on Instagram |
6/9
Sneaky fabulous way to see Registan Square in Samarkand before it opens: book this photoshoot! ((Comment Samarkand to get sent my full Uzbekistan travel guide plus the contact info for this photoshoot!)) Various colors, jewelry, and masculine costumes available as well! Cost is around $47 for the outfit, photos, and a video! Highlight is definitely "flying" around Registan Square, and you really have to run to get those videos!! 😂 Would you do this or nah? ------- #uzbekistan #samarkand #flyingdress #mylifesatravelmovie
2 weeks ago
43353
View on Instagram |
7/9
Questions literally no one has ever asked about making 'smores or likely at the Darvaza Gas Crater (AKA "Door to Hell") in Turkmenistan. ((Comment "crater" and ill send my full blog post about how to go here! I've been twice now,)) This is a massive crater that collapsed in the desert when people were drilling for natural resources decades ago. Someone thought it would be smart to light it on fire, and it has been burning non stop ever since... Rumors are it will close down soon for the gov to sell the gas, so go see it while you can! Or join one of my group adventures there!
2 weeks ago
9
View on Instagram |
8/9
When life brings you to the Door to HɛIl, roast some marshmallows, throw a dance party with friends, strap your seat belt on tight, and HOLD ON for a wild ride out of there! ...both figuratively and literally. This is the famous Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenkstan, Aka the "Door to Hɛll". I went here solo last year and then recently brought my Travel Tribe which was waayyyyyy more fun...perhaps too much fun!! First of all, I've never seen people enjoy that minivan Mario Kart race through the barren desert before 😂 or thought anyone would be down for Turkmen beer roadies. Then the looks on all of their faces when we drove up to the gas crater at night made the journey not only worth it but priceless! We then proceeded to have an aggressive game of UNO (a must on our adventures), too much Turkmen wine (that's similar to port) and a very uncomfortable sleepover in yurts with "Chanel" and "Versace" bedding. IYKYK. Also, can't believe I found marshmallows there, or that one of the guides just lit a hole on fire to roast them, but the smell of gas was very unappetizing so they were not consumed (by me). FYI everyone is still saying the Darvaza Crater will be extinguished soon so the gov can capture the gas to sell, so go see it while you can, if you're up for a truly wild adventure!! More wild and weird stories from our 5 Stans Group Adventure coming soon! 🤪 Is this on your bucketlist??
2 weeks ago
22424
View on Instagram |
9/9

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