Should You Take Your Streaming Devices When Traveling?

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Traveling is like therapy for a lot of people.

You visit new destinations, eat delicious meals, marvel at amazing architecture, and learn about different cultures.

But you’re probably not spending all of your time sightseeing and eating.

There comes a point where you need a break to recharge and rest your feet.

And what can you do on that break?

Watch your favorite series, of course.

You might want to laugh out loud at Adam Sandler or get serious and focus on a Nolan movie.

After all, you’ve spent the entire day walking and wandering, so it’s only fair to reserve your nights for some entertainment.

The magic of technology has created streaming devices like Roku that help travelers watch their beloved movies and TV shows.

But can you watch your favorite content when in a different country?

Let’s find out if packing the device into your luggage is worth it.

Content Availability in Different Countries

When traveling, movie and TV show lovers often encounter the same problem—they can’t watch the same material they do at home.

For instance, streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Hulu have libraries limited only to certain regions.

This means that some movies and TV shows available in the US may not be available in other countries.

But don’t let this discourage you from bringing your Roku device with you.

With the help of a virtual private network (VPN), you won’t have to spend your nights staring at the wall in hotels or airports.

The great thing is that a VPN masks your location by rerouting your internet traffic through servers in different countries.

It will appear like you’re browsing from a different region.

So, a Roku VPN is just the thing you need when traveling.

Thanks to it you won’t run into any geographical restrictions, and you can watch the same material as you did in the US, have a relaxing evening, and get ready for a new adventure the next day.

Should You Insert Your Streaming Device into Accommodation TVs?

Hotels and Airbnb rentals usually have rooms with TVs in them.

So, you might be tempted to connect your streaming device to the TV in yours.

This isn’t the best idea.

When connecting your Roku or other streaming devices to an unknown network or TV, you may be exposing your device to potential threats.

Some smart TVs could have vulnerabilities, or even worse, hackers could set up fake networks to capture data from connected devices.

Also, your streaming device has your login information, which could be at risk if the TV or network you’re connected to has been compromised.

While packing to leave the rental, you might forget to log out or clear your data before disconnecting.

This way, others can gain access to your accounts after you leave.

A VPN helps by encrypting your internet connection and masking your IP address, but it can only do so much.

For extra safety, always take steps like logging out of your accounts and staying away from public Wi-Fi (unless your VPN is on).

What Are Some Other Perks of Using a VPN When Traveling?

Security comes first, but a VPN is much more than that.

Check out other advantages that travelers in the US swear by:

Get Better Travel Deals

Did you know that the prices of plane tickets, hotel bookings, and rental cars change depending on where you are?

The state of the economy and average wages in a given country influence these costs.

However, a VPN will conceal your IP address, so no one will know where you are when you want to buy something.

This is great for travelers since they can choose the most affordable option.

Access Your Financial Accounts

Imagine traveling to a foreign country and not being able to access your bank account.

You can’t get money out of your account, buy things, or pay for services online.

Sounds like a nightmare.

Sadly, this happens all the time.

If your US bank spots a connection from an unusual location, they can immediately freeze your account.

So, to save yourself from the mini heart attack that comes with not being able to access your money, use a VPN.

If you connect to a VPN server in the US while you’re away, the bank won’t be able to figure out where you are.

Access to Blocked Websites

Do you want to check out the latest news in the country you’ve traveled to?

The truth is that in some countries, certain websites or social media platforms may be blocked.

This can be annoying. Luckily, with a VPN, you can bypass these restrictions and access your favorite websites or apps without hassle.