Travelling with children is always an adventure. Whether it’s a weekend city break, a summer holiday abroad, or even a long train journey across the UK, family travel often comes with a lot of excitement – and a fair bit of logistical juggling too. Between packing snacks, organising activities, and keeping everyone entertained during long journeys, most parents end up relying on tablets or phones at some point along the way.
For many families, a tablet loaded with favourite apps or shows can be a lifesaver on flights, during airport delays, or when you’re trying to keep things calm before bedtime in a hotel room. But something many parents don’t always think about is how safe those devices are when they’re connected to public Wi-Fi networks in places like airports, hotels, cafés, or holiday parks.
That’s why some parents also look into tools like a vpn for bbc iplayer when travelling, as VPN services are commonly used to help secure internet connections on unfamiliar networks. While the technology might sound technical at first, the basic idea behind a VPN is quite simple.
Why Public Wi-Fi Can Be Risky
Public Wi-Fi is incredibly convenient. Most of us connect without thinking twice, especially when we’re travelling and trying to avoid expensive mobile data charges.
However, public networks can sometimes be less secure than the Wi-Fi you use at home. Because many people share the same network, there’s a greater chance that sensitive information could potentially be exposed if the connection isn’t properly protected.
This doesn’t mean parents need to panic or avoid public Wi-Fi entirely. It simply means it’s worth taking a few sensible precautions, particularly when children are using devices that may contain personal information or access family accounts.
Kids and Tablets: A Normal Part of Modern Travel
Let’s be honest – tablets have become part of the modern parenting toolkit. While many of us try to limit screen time at home, travel is one of those situations where a little extra flexibility makes life easier.
A familiar programme or educational app can help pass the time during:
- long flights
- airport layovers
- train journeys
- rainy holiday afternoons
- quiet time in a hotel room
For younger children especially, having access to familiar content can also help them settle into new environments more easily.
But because children’s devices often connect automatically to available Wi-Fi networks, it’s worth thinking about how those connections are protected.
What Is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tool designed to create a secure connection between your device and the internet. It works by encrypting the data that travels between your device and the websites or apps you use.
In simple terms, this means the information being transmitted is harder for others on the same network to see.
Many people use VPNs for general online privacy or when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while travelling. Businesses also commonly use VPNs so employees can access work systems securely when working remotely.
For families, the main benefit is simply adding an extra layer of protection when using unfamiliar internet connections.
Other Simple Ways to Protect Family Devices
While VPNs are one option, there are several other easy steps parents can take to keep family devices secure while travelling.
1. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi
If possible, avoid logging into online banking or entering payment details when connected to public networks.
2. Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections
Many devices automatically connect to available networks. Disabling this feature can help ensure you only join networks you trust.
3. Keep devices updated
Software updates often include important security improvements, so it’s always a good idea to make sure tablets and phones are running the latest versions.
4. Use strong passwords
It sounds obvious, but using strong, unique passwords for family accounts is still one of the most effective ways to protect your data.
Talking to Kids About Online Safety
As children get older and start using devices more independently, it can also be helpful to talk to them about basic online safety.
Even simple conversations can make a big difference. For example:
- reminding them not to share personal information online
- explaining why they shouldn’t connect to unknown networks
- helping them understand how apps and websites collect information
For younger children, these discussions can be very simple. The goal isn’t to worry them – it’s just to help them understand that the internet, like the real world, is something we should navigate thoughtfully.
Finding the Right Balance
Technology is part of everyday life now, and that includes family travel. While many parents understandably want to encourage outdoor play and exploration during holidays, there are still moments when screens can be genuinely helpful.
A short cartoon during a delayed flight, an educational app during a train journey, or a familiar bedtime programme in a hotel room can sometimes make travelling with children far easier.
The key is simply making sure those devices are being used safely.
By taking a few small precautions – like choosing secure connections, keeping devices updated, and understanding tools designed to improve online privacy – families can enjoy the convenience of technology without unnecessary worry.
Final Thoughts
Travelling with kids is rarely perfect, but it’s always memorable. Between the excitement of new places, the inevitable snack negotiations, and the occasional “Are we nearly there yet?”, family trips create moments that stick with us for years.
In the middle of all that, a tablet or phone can sometimes be a small but useful ally for tired parents and tired kids alike.
Making sure those devices are used safely simply helps ensure that family travel stays focused on what matters most – exploring new places, spending time together, and creating memories along the way.