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Public Wi-Fi is one of the biggest convenience traps for travellers, especially for those of us who remember a time when cybersecurity wasn’t even a concern.
Airport lounges, hotel lobbies, cafés – free Wi-Fi is everywhere. But using public Wi-Fi while travelling can expose you to more than just a slow connection. Hackers love these unsecured networks, and they rely on people connecting without thinking twice.
With a background in forensic accounting and a husband with a background in IT, we’ve always taken travel tech safety seriously. Things like VPNs and strong passwords are second nature to us, but I know that for many travellers, it’s overwhelming and often overlooked.
That’s why I’ve created this practical guide. These are the public Wi-Fi safety tips we follow every time we travel. They’re simple, effective, and designed to help you protect your data on public Wi-Fi without needing a degree in IT.
Your passwords are the digital keys to your life – from email and social media to banking and travel bookings. That’s why it’s critical to take the time to choose strong, secure passwords and protect them properly, especially when using public Wi-Fi while travelling.
If there’s one thing hackers count on, it’s that most people still use weak or repeated passwords. Strong passwords are one of the most basic yet overlooked ways to protect your personal data on the road. Whether it’s your email, banking, or travel apps, a weak password can make you an easy target, and the numbers prove it.
Recent research from NordPass revealed that millions of people are still using passwords that are dangerously easy to guess. In fact, here are the 10 most common passwords of 2025:
If your password is on this list, or even close, it’s time for an update.
Avoid using:
Also, never reuse the same password across multiple accounts. If just one login is compromised, it can open the door to everything from your email and cloud storage to your bank account.
Instead, create passwords that are:
Don’t let a weak password expose your information. In the next section, we’ll walk through how to manage your passwords without losing your mind.
Trying to remember dozens of strong, unique passwords is stressful, especially when you’re travelling. That’s why we rely on a password manager to do the heavy lifting.
A good password manager stores all your login details in one secure vault and can even generate new, complex passwords when you create a new account. It also helps you log in automatically without storing anything in your browser, a key security upgrade when you’re using public Wi-Fi while travelling.
We use LastPass (affiliate link), and it’s made password management simple and secure, both at home and on the road. You only need to remember one strong, unique master password; the app does the rest.
If you’re serious about protecting your information while travelling, a password manager like LastPass is one of the best tools you can have.
It might seem convenient to let your browser remember your passwords, but it’s also a major security risk, especially when you’re using public Wi-Fi.
If your device is ever lost, stolen, or compromised, saved browser passwords can be accessed far too easily. Many browsers don’t encrypt this information, and someone with just a little tech knowledge can retrieve your login details in minutes.
Even before you travel, take a moment to turn off the “save passwords” feature in your browser settings. Rely on a password manager instead – it’s safer, smarter, and gives you peace of mind when you’re connected to public networks on the go.
Entering just your username and password is what’s known as single-factor authentication. If that password is ever lost or compromised, which is a bigger risk when using public Wi-Fi, someone could easily gain access to your account.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second method of verification. This could be a code sent to you via text message or email, or a one-time password generated through an app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator on your mobile device.
Yes, it’s an extra step when logging in, and yes, it takes a few extra seconds. But that minor inconvenience is well worth the added security.
Another bonus? 2FA can also act as an early warning system. If you ever receive a verification code that you didn’t request, it’s often a sign that someone has tried to log in to your account using your correct username and possibly password. Without the second factor, they can’t get in, and that alert tells you it’s time to change your password immediately.
We enable two-factor authentication on every account that offers it. It’s one of the most effective and underused ways to stay safe online, especially when travelling.
Before you leave home, make sure your devices, especially your laptop, tablet, and smartphone, are running reliable, up-to-date anti-virus and anti-malware software.
Why? Public Wi-Fi is one of the easiest ways for malicious software to slip onto your device. All it takes is clicking a suspicious link, downloading an infected file, or being exposed through a compromised network. And once malware is installed, it can run in the background undetected, collecting personal data or even giving someone remote access to your device.
We never travel without trusted protection running on all our devices, and we make sure all software is up to date before we leave. Updates often include security patches that fix known vulnerabilities, so skipping them puts you at greater risk.
Not all anti-virus tools are created equal. When choosing one, especially for travel, look for:
We personally use Bitdefender, which offers both free and paid versions. The free version provides basic protection and is a good starting point if you’re on a budget.
That said, as with any free vs. paid tool, the free version has limitations. It’s important to compare features carefully and decide whether the paid version, with its added layers of protection (like ransomware defence, anti-phishing tools, and multi-device coverage), better suits your travel needs.
When you’re at home, device sharing features like AirDrop, Bluetooth sharing, or file sharing across networks can be helpful, but on public Wi-Fi, they can expose your data to others on the same network.
Before you leave for your trip (and especially before you connect to any public Wi-Fi), take a moment to turn these features off:
These settings are easy to toggle back on later, but while you’re travelling, they add a valuable layer of protection.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the most powerful tools you can use to protect your data when using public Wi-Fi while travelling.
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. That means your online activity, from browsing and banking to booking flights, is hidden from hackers.
We always run a VPN when connected to hotel Wi-Fi, airport hotspots, or any public network. It takes just a few seconds to activate and instantly gives us more peace of mind.
If you’ve never used one before or aren’t sure why it matters, check out our full guide:
👉 Should I Use a VPN Overseas? Why It Matters for Travellers
Whether you go with a free version or a premium service, a VPN is one of the smartest ways to boost your travel tech safety.
Your device might be trying to help, but when it automatically connects to Wi-Fi hotspots, it can expose your personal information.
Many phones, tablets, and laptops are set to automatically reconnect to known networks. The problem? Hackers can easily create fake hotspots with names like “Free Airport Wi-Fi” or “Hotel_Guest” to trick your device into connecting without you even noticing.
Before you travel:
We always turn off auto-connect before we leave home, and we only connect when we know the network is safe. If you want to take it a step further, delete old Wi-Fi networks from your device entirely; that way, your phone won’t try to log onto them later.
It’s a small habit that gives your public Wi-Fi safety a big boost while travelling.
Quick Tip: Look for the padlock icon before connecting.
Your device may not always alert you to the difference, but this quick visual check can help you avoid risky connections.
💡Pro Tip: Consider skipping public Wi-Fi entirely for sensitive tasks. Using mobile data (this can be expensive) or a travel eSIM is often safer than relying on shared hotel or airport networks. We often use an eSIM to stay securely connected without hunting for public Wi-Fi. If you’re not sure which one to choose, check out our guide:
Public Wi-Fi is great for reading the news, but it’s not the place to log into your bank account or make sensitive transactions unless you’re using a VPN.
Even on secure networks, your activity can be vulnerable, especially if you access sites that don’t encrypt their data. That’s why it’s important to limit what you do online and check that every website you visit is secure.
Here’s how to stay safe:
If your browser shows a warning or says the connection isn’t secure, don’t ignore it. Just back out and wait until you’re on a secure connection.
Even with tools like VPNs and anti-virus software, your online choices play a huge part in protecting your privacy while travelling.
Think of a firewall as your device’s front gate – it monitors incoming and outgoing traffic and blocks anything suspicious from getting through. It won’t replace a VPN or anti-virus software, but it adds another important layer of defence, especially on public Wi-Fi.
Most operating systems come with a built-in firewall (like Windows Defender Firewall or macOS Firewall), but it’s not always turned on by default, and if you’ve changed settings in the past, it might have been disabled.
Before you travel:
A firewall helps filter out threats before they reach you, especially if a malicious program tries to send or receive data from your device without your knowledge.
Not Just for Laptops:
While firewalls are most common on laptops, smartphones and tablets also benefit from firewall-like protection.
It’s worth checking your mobile security settings or exploring an app that gives you more control over background traffic while travelling.
You can use public Wi-Fi for basic tasks like checking the weather or looking up directions, but avoid logging into any sensitive accounts (like banking or email) unless you’re using a VPN. If you’re not using a VPN, stick to secure websites (look for HTTPS) and keep your browsing brief.
Hotel Wi-Fi might feel more secure, but it’s still a public network, especially if no password is required or it’s shared among all guests. Use a VPN, double-check for HTTPS, and avoid auto-connecting to the network.
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic to protect your data from being intercepted. Antivirus software protects your device from malware and viruses that can be accidentally downloaded. They do different jobs, and both are important.
Yes – mobile data is usually more secure than public Wi-Fi. If you’re travelling internationally, consider getting a local SIM or travel eSIM to safely access the internet without relying on public networks.
In many cases, yes. Mobile apps often use encrypted connections even if the website version doesn’t. For sensitive tasks like banking, use the official app (with 2FA enabled) instead of logging in through a browser.
Public Wi-Fi is incredibly convenient, but it’s also one of the easiest ways to compromise your personal data while travelling. The good news? With just a few smart habits and tools, you can stay connected and stay secure.
Whether it’s using strong passwords, running a VPN, or simply being more selective about what you access online, these small changes make a big difference. You don’t need to be a tech expert to travel safely – just a bit more aware.
Want a broader overview of safety while travelling? Don’t miss our guide:
👉 Travel Security 101: How to Stay Safe Before, During, and After Your Trip
And remember, this isn’t about paranoia, it’s about peace of mind. Because when you’re exploring somewhere new, your focus should be on the experience, not on what’s happening behind the scenes on your devices.
Safe travels and safer browsing.
Hi, I’m Lisa Bundesen - the voice behind The Middle Age Wanderer. I’m a retired chartered accountant turned passionate traveller and photographer. Alongside my husband Darren (and with our two fur babies waiting at home in Australia), we explore the world one adventure at a time.
I’ve travelled to over 35 countries, and I created this blog to inspire fellow travellers in their 50s, 60s, and beyond to embrace adventure. Whether it’s hiking ancient trails, diving into new cultures, or sipping wine in scenic places, I believe life after 50 is the perfect time to explore more.
Here, you’ll find honest travel advice, destination guides, and real stories to help you travel smarter and with more confidence - because age is not a barrier, it’s an invitation.
Hi, I’m Lisa, a 50+ retired chartered accountant. My husband, Darren, and I explore the world every opportunity we get. Staying fit is key to our adventures, from hiking the Inca Trail to scuba diving. We call Australia home but travel overseas often, always eager to discover new cultures, bustling cities, cuisines, nature and wildlife.
We would love you to join us on our journeys and hope that our adventures give you encouragement to explore this amazing world.
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