When exploring the world, you want to stay safe and secure – not just physically but online, too. And even while still planning for the fun and adventure out there, your online privacy and security should be a top priority.
In this digital era, so much is happening online, and information like your Internet protocol (IP) address can reveal much about you. When it gets misused, you become at risk of various online threats, including hacking.
You can now change your virtual location while searching and working online. This is often done using a virtual private network, or VPN, which works by changing your IP address with a VPN server. As a result, your virtual location becomes masked and shielded from prying eyes. It will look like you’re connected to the Internet from a different location.
How does it help with your travel planning and security? Check out some key benefits of changing virtual locations while preparing for your trip.
Protecting Personal Data
When planning a trip, you research destinations, plan your itinerary if you’re taking the DIY route, book your accommodations, and arrange transportation. This means using different online platforms using your Internet at home. However, as you do so, your personal data and online identity are at risk.
With a change in virtual location, you can protect your IP address and the sensitive information you share from potential cyber threats while searching and planning. It makes it more difficult for these threats to target your data.
Changing your virtual location becomes possible using a static IP address. This fixed IP address is what you need for privileged access using remote access systems like VPN.
Hiding Identity from Trackers
As you protect your online privacy and keep your things private with a change in virtual location, it becomes harder for others to follow you online and gather information about you. At the same time, you browse websites and identify who you are. This helps you avoid website trackers or advertisers wanting to offer online services.
You can prevent them from displaying ads about your physical whereabouts and protect yourself from phishing sites, tricks to fool you, and harmful software.
Avoiding Price Discrimination
You will love this one. Just like how you will be charged higher as a tourist in some destinations, you may also experience price discrimination during the planning stage of your travel. While booking flights, tours, accommodations, car rentals, and other travel services, some may offer different prices based on where you are or your perceived geographical location.
This is where virtual location change becomes very useful; altering it helps you avoid potential price discrimination. For example, a flight from New York to Paris might be more expensive if you book it from the United States than from a European location. Sometimes, it can also reveal discounted rates or special promotions not available to you as a visitor from your location. Or it lets you access the same product listings from a location where the price is lower.
Overcoming Geographical Restrictions
Many services and resources related to travel are restricted to locations or unavailable to you based on your physical location. However, with a virtual change in location, you can access them right away from home. This can be especially important when researching or seeking information on destinations that are not readily accessible due to regional restrictions.
For instance, some news websites and publications may restrict access to readers from specific countries. With a virtual location change, you can bypass these restrictions and access content relevant to your travel, such as local news or weather updates. This information is essential to plan your activities well and make informed decisions.
Wrapping Up
Changing your virtual location is a powerful tool that can enhance online privacy, secure data, help avoid discrimination, and overcome geographical restrictions when planning your travels. It lets you confidently explore the world, knowing that your online presence is shielded from threats and unwanted surveillance. So, swap out your IP address to enjoy these benefits the next time you set out on an adventure. Safe travels!
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
