A few years ago, I had no idea how much a VPN could change the way I traveled, worked, and even saved money. At first, I thought VPNs were just for tech-savvy people or privacy fanatics, but once I started using one, I realized how useful it could be in my everyday life, especially while traveling.

My first real “aha” moment with a VPN came during a trip to Southeast Asia. I was trying to stream my favorite TV show from home, only to find that it wasn’t available in the country I was visiting. Frustrated, I remembered a friend recommending a VPN to bypass these restrictions. I quickly downloaded one, connected to a server in my home country, and like magic, my streaming service worked again. It was such a relief, especially during long train rides or quiet evenings in my hostel.

Another big win came when I was booking flights. I’d heard rumors that airlines sometimes show different prices based on your location, so I decided to experiment. Using a VPN, I switched my virtual location to a few different countries, and sure enough, the prices for the same flight varied. By booking through a country with lower fares, I saved over $150 on a round-trip ticket.

Beyond travel, a VPN has been a lifesaver for online security. While working remotely in coffee shops or using free airport Wi-Fi, I always worried about hackers snooping on my personal data. With my VPN, I can encrypt my connection, so I don’t have to think twice about logging into my bank account or handling work emails on public networks.

Using a VPN has made my digital life smoother, safer, and even more cost-effective. If you’re not already using one, I can’t recommend it enough—whether you’re traveling, working remotely, or just streaming your favorite shows, it’s a smart tool to have in your corner.