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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
  • Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
  • Kyrgyzstan is rising in popularity as a unique travel destination and its easy to see why!

From the beautiful nature to the well preserved culture, plus being extremely safe, it really makes it an ideal destination, but definitely expect some logistical hurdles 😁

Horseback riding in Chon Kemin and visiting Ala Archa National Park are a must! That's also where we learned about the Golden Eagles, a centuries old tradition practiced by their nomad culture that is still done today, mostly to continue keeping the traditions alive and teaching visitors about it.

Do you want to visit Kyrgyzstan?

------

I'm currently hosting a custom created "luxe-adventure" through the 5 Stans of Central Asia with my group adventure community @mylifesatraveltribe! This trip is in high demand so if youd'd to join one of them, please follow there and sign up for our notifications email list linked on the bio, as we dont publicly announce or send out our itineraries. 😁
  • Kyrgyzstan is rising in popularity as a unique travel destination and its easy to see why!

From the beautiful nature to the well preserved culture, plus being extremely safe, it really makes it an ideal destination, but definitely expect some logistical hurdles 😁

Horseback riding in Chon Kemin and visiting Ala Archa National Park are a must! That's also where we learned about the Golden Eagles, a centuries old tradition practiced by their nomad culture that is still done today, mostly to continue keeping the traditions alive and teaching visitors about them!

Would you visit Kyrgyzstan?
  • KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
  • I was one of the last foreigners permitted in Virunga National Park in D.R. Congo before it was closed due to many armed and dangerous groups occupying it. 

That experience was one of the most memorable ones in my life, and part of why I’ll always say DRC is one of my favorite destinations I’ve been to (4 times).

But DRC is also one of the most corrupt countries, with some of the most horrific ongoing atrocities committed on the local Congolese people, the environment, and the animals by greedy, heartless humans.

Deforestation, illegal mining for minerals used to make your electronics, and destruction (plus human abuse) are a part of why the animals there suffer.

Poaching for bushmeat and to steal baby primates to sell as pets is another.

If you’ve ever seen a primate, especially chimpanzees, kept as a personal pet or on display, its parents were likely killed so it could be kidnapped. UAE and Gulf countries, Thailand, China, Eastern EU countries, and even people in the USA are all guilty of this.

That’s why one of the organizations I’ve become an ambassador for in D.R.Congo is @lwiro_primates . 

Lwiro Primates take in injured, abandoned, and smuggled primates, and they rehabilitate and care for them, even during a time when their own homeland is a very scary please.

So I am kindly asking today on World Giving Day for Apes, to send them a donation, or at least share their story or the info in this post. Anything helps, nothing does not.

And if you ever see a chimp as a pet, please ask the owner if they’re aware that its parents were likely killed just for it to be kidnapped and forced to be a pet. 😡

The link to the fundraiser is on Lwiro’s page and I’ll share on my Stories!

I’ve brought about 100 travelers to D.R.Congo, and they all can attest to what a beautiful and unique place it is. I pray and dream for the day that we can safely return there and bring tourism back.

Napenda Congo 🇨🇩💖
  • The highlight reel of Skardu, Pakistan! If you'd like the behind the scenes, see my previous posts or the story highlight! But also, yes, it really is this beautiful!

Do you like pretty highlight reels or do you prefer the struggle clips? 

Asking for a friend...who has a lot of both... 😬
  • The Photo VS the Moment in Skardu, Pakistan (wait for the videos after the photo) for anyone who thinks getting photos is easy, behold, freezing water, climbing on rocks, and magical geese who apparently want to be featured in the pics.!

(Comment "Skardu" and ill DM you my full travel guide plus how to get notifications for the group trip next year!)

What's the wildest thing you've done for a photo??

Thank you Destination Pakistan for the offer to work together and for helping get this footage so I didn't have to always use my tripod or selfie stick!
  • Just confirming that Haveli restaurant has the best rooftop view in Lahore! Make a reservation because it's always busy and ask to sit closest to the mosque!

The entire building of Haveli is beautiful and fascinating! A former mansion that's ornately decorated, and located in an area that was formerly infamous for..brothels!

Now, largely thanks to tourism demand, this area of Lahore is a lot cleaner and safer than it used to be, and it offers some of the most spectacular sites to see, both from above and below!

What would you rate this view from 1 to 10??
  • Made it to Skardu without any flight issues! Flights to and from the mountain region of Pakistan have a pretty high rate of cancellation due to unpredictable weather...

And speaking of unpredictable weather, the reports said it would be really cold, but it was warm, so i "had to" go shopping for shalwar kameez as soon as I arrived 😍

Then it was off to the Shangri La Lake for some pink tea before making the drive to Shigar cold desert for a sunset horseback riding session, before settling into a beautiful riverfront boutique resort!

Everyone says you have to go to the northern mountains of Pakistan, and now I see why! This place is magical and I only have a few days to explore!

PS did you know that this region has the highest number of world's tallest mountain peaks, it has has both deserts and lakes at extremely high altitudes, and also the largest glaciers in the world aside from the polar regions??

More coming soon! Do you want to visit Skardu??
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it! Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬 We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!! Photography company tagged as a collaborator! Would you do this or nah? ——— Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
6 days ago
44662
View on Instagram |
1/9
Kyrgyzstan is rising in popularity as a unique travel destination and its easy to see why! From the beautiful nature to the well preserved culture, plus being extremely safe, it really makes it an ideal destination, but definitely expect some logistical hurdles 😁 Horseback riding in Chon Kemin and visiting Ala Archa National Park are a must! That's also where we learned about the Golden Eagles, a centuries old tradition practiced by their nomad culture that is still done today, mostly to continue keeping the traditions alive and teaching visitors about it. Do you want to visit Kyrgyzstan? ------ I'm currently hosting a custom created "luxe-adventure" through the 5 Stans of Central Asia with my group adventure community @mylifesatraveltribe! This trip is in high demand so if youd'd to join one of them, please follow there and sign up for our notifications email list linked on the bio, as we dont publicly announce or send out our itineraries. 😁
1 week ago
24010
View on Instagram |
2/9
Kyrgyzstan is rising in popularity as a unique travel destination and its easy to see why! From the beautiful nature to the well preserved culture, plus being extremely safe, it really makes it an ideal destination, but definitely expect some logistical hurdles 😁 Horseback riding in Chon Kemin and visiting Ala Archa National Park are a must! That's also where we learned about the Golden Eagles, a centuries old tradition practiced by their nomad culture that is still done today, mostly to continue keeping the traditions alive and teaching visitors about them! Would you visit Kyrgyzstan?
1 week ago
41
View on Instagram |
3/9
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently! This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically) Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners! Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
2 weeks ago
54030
View on Instagram |
4/9
I was one of the last foreigners permitted in Virunga National Park in D.R. Congo before it was closed due to many armed and dangerous groups occupying it. That experience was one of the most memorable ones in my life, and part of why I’ll always say DRC is one of my favorite destinations I’ve been to (4 times). But DRC is also one of the most corrupt countries, with some of the most horrific ongoing atrocities committed on the local Congolese people, the environment, and the animals by greedy, heartless humans. Deforestation, illegal mining for minerals used to make your electronics, and destruction (plus human abuse) are a part of why the animals there suffer. Poaching for bushmeat and to steal baby primates to sell as pets is another. If you’ve ever seen a primate, especially chimpanzees, kept as a personal pet or on display, its parents were likely killed so it could be kidnapped. UAE and Gulf countries, Thailand, China, Eastern EU countries, and even people in the USA are all guilty of this. That’s why one of the organizations I’ve become an ambassador for in D.R.Congo is @lwiro_primates . Lwiro Primates take in injured, abandoned, and smuggled primates, and they rehabilitate and care for them, even during a time when their own homeland is a very scary please. So I am kindly asking today on World Giving Day for Apes, to send them a donation, or at least share their story or the info in this post. Anything helps, nothing does not. And if you ever see a chimp as a pet, please ask the owner if they’re aware that its parents were likely killed just for it to be kidnapped and forced to be a pet. 😡 The link to the fundraiser is on Lwiro’s page and I’ll share on my Stories! I’ve brought about 100 travelers to D.R.Congo, and they all can attest to what a beautiful and unique place it is. I pray and dream for the day that we can safely return there and bring tourism back. Napenda Congo 🇨🇩💖
2 weeks ago
56925
View on Instagram |
5/9
The highlight reel of Skardu, Pakistan! If you'd like the behind the scenes, see my previous posts or the story highlight! But also, yes, it really is this beautiful! Do you like pretty highlight reels or do you prefer the struggle clips? Asking for a friend...who has a lot of both... 😬
2 weeks ago
48235
View on Instagram |
6/9
The Photo VS the Moment in Skardu, Pakistan (wait for the videos after the photo) for anyone who thinks getting photos is easy, behold, freezing water, climbing on rocks, and magical geese who apparently want to be featured in the pics.! (Comment "Skardu" and ill DM you my full travel guide plus how to get notifications for the group trip next year!) What's the wildest thing you've done for a photo?? Thank you Destination Pakistan for the offer to work together and for helping get this footage so I didn't have to always use my tripod or selfie stick!
2 weeks ago
43830
View on Instagram |
7/9
Just confirming that Haveli restaurant has the best rooftop view in Lahore! Make a reservation because it's always busy and ask to sit closest to the mosque! The entire building of Haveli is beautiful and fascinating! A former mansion that's ornately decorated, and located in an area that was formerly infamous for..brothels! Now, largely thanks to tourism demand, this area of Lahore is a lot cleaner and safer than it used to be, and it offers some of the most spectacular sites to see, both from above and below! What would you rate this view from 1 to 10??
2 weeks ago
39
View on Instagram |
8/9
Made it to Skardu without any flight issues! Flights to and from the mountain region of Pakistan have a pretty high rate of cancellation due to unpredictable weather... And speaking of unpredictable weather, the reports said it would be really cold, but it was warm, so i "had to" go shopping for shalwar kameez as soon as I arrived 😍 Then it was off to the Shangri La Lake for some pink tea before making the drive to Shigar cold desert for a sunset horseback riding session, before settling into a beautiful riverfront boutique resort! Everyone says you have to go to the northern mountains of Pakistan, and now I see why! This place is magical and I only have a few days to explore! PS did you know that this region has the highest number of world's tallest mountain peaks, it has has both deserts and lakes at extremely high altitudes, and also the largest glaciers in the world aside from the polar regions?? More coming soon! Do you want to visit Skardu??
3 weeks ago
55643
View on Instagram |
9/9

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