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Comparison of the best VPNs
1. Proton VPN
Ideal for users looking for a reliable and secure free VPN
Proton VPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service renowned for its commitment to security and compliance with the privacy policy and retention of its users' data. Based in Switzerland, a country known for its robust privacy laws, Proton VPN offers an advanced level of security that makes it one of the “best VPNs” available.
Features
Proton VPN is equipped with unique features to ensure secure browsing and to protect your privacy:
- Secure Core Servers: These route your traffic through multiple servers before leaving it to your final destination. This makes it much more difficult to keep track of your activity.
- Excellent value for money
- Solid Encryption: Using the AES-256 encryption protocol, the preferred security level for armed forces.
- No-logs policy: Proton VPN does not store details of your internet activities.
- Kill switch: If your VPN connection falls, Proton VPN blocks all traffic to prevent data leaks.
- P2P support: Torrenting is allowed on some Proton VPN servers.
- Ad blocking: Proton VPN includes an ad blocker for uninterrupted browsing.
- Available for all operating systems (Windows, Mac, Android TV, Linux, etc.)
Pricing
Proton VPN offers several pricing plans to meet various needs:
- Free plan: Access to 3 servers, one connection, average speed.
- Basic plan: 4€/month, access to all servers, two connections, high speed, P2P supported.
- Plus plan: €8/month, all basic features plus Secure Core servers, TOR over VPN, access to servers in more than 50 countries, up to 10 simultaneous connections.
- Visionary Plan: 24€/month, all the features of the Plus Plan plus a ProtonMail Visionary account.
- Satisfied or refunded
With a particular focus on keeping users' data private, using a VPN like Proton VPN is an excellent and reliable choice for those who want to protect their internet activities.
2. NordVPN
Best multi-purpose VPN for security and streaming
NordVPN, initially launched in 2012, is a leading VPN service provider. As of September 2019, NordVPN was operating on over 5500 servers in over 60 countries, with a notable presence in the United States, United Kingdom, France, France, Netherlands, Netherlands, Netherlands, Netherlands, Australia, and Canada. Based in Panama, NordVPN benefits from an absence of laws in the country, which reinforces its privacy policy.
Features
NordVPN offers a varied and impressive range of services, including:
- Military-grade encryption : For maximum security of your data.
- CyberSec : Automatically block suspicious websites
- Double VPN : Offers an extra level with double encryption.
- Fully hidden IP address : Guarantees your online anonymity.
- Strict no newspapers policy : NordVPN doesn't keep track of your online activities.
- Protects against DNS leaks
- Clear privacy policy
- Onion on VPN : Allows connection to the Tor anonymity network.
- SmartPlay : Access your favorite streaming sites.
- P2P sharing : Perfect for sharing files online.
- Extending the proxy of web browser
Pricing
NordVPN offers four pricing plans:
- Monthly plan : $11.95 per month.
- Yearly plan : $6.99 per month (savings of 41%, for a total of $83.88 billed annually).
- 2 year plan : $4.99 per month (savings of 58%, for a total of $119.76 for two years).
- 3-year plan : $3.49 per month (savings of 70%, for a total of $125.64 for three years).
Each plan is fully refundable for the first 30 days.
If you're looking for the “best VPN that's most excellent for its security, a wide range of servers, and a strong privacy policy, NordVPN is worth your consideration. Its impressive range of features ensures a safe and unhindered online experience.
3. CyberGhost VPN
Ideal for beginners looking for a user-friendly interface
CyberGhost VPN has been a major player in the field of VPN services for over 15 years, offering specific connection speeds that are fast and secure for unlimited browsing and streaming. With its robust tools to protect online activity, CyberGhost VPN allows you to unblock streaming services, to broadcast sports events, to get better online deals and to access blocked sites.
Features
- One-click connection : CyberGhost VPN makes it easy to set up an anonymous Internet connection.
- Extensive server network : With over 6,200 servers in over 88 countries.
- Smart rules : CyberGhost VPN allows privacy triggers to be set up manually.
- Secure file sharing : No bandwidth limits for sharing files.
- Stop switches : Ensures that your real IP address is never exposed.
- Strict “no logging” policy : Your data is never stored.
- 24/7 customer support : Support available at any time to answer your questions.
Pricing
- CyberGhost VPN offers several pricing plans, which vary depending on the length of your contract.
- The best value for money is offered by the $3.15/month plan, which covers a period of two years and includes two additional months for free.
With a wide range of privacy features, CyberGhost VPN is a solid choice for those looking for the “best VPN.”
Thanks to its strict no-log policy and extensive server network, you can browse with confidence knowing that your online activity is protected.
4. Surfshark VPN
Best value for unlimited connections
Surfshark VPN, a new player based in the British Virgin Islands countries, is starting to make waves in the VPN industry. With over 800 servers in over 45 countries, Surfshark is committed to providing quality service, positioning itself as one of the “best VPNs” available.
Features
Surfshark VPN offers a variety of privacy features:
- IP address masking : Strengthens your anonymity.
- Split tunneling : Allows you to choose which applications go through the VPN.
- AES-256-GCM encryption : Ensures the protection of your data
- Camouflage mode : Add an extra layer.
- MultiHop : Allows you to connect via multiple countries at the same time.
- NoBorders mode : Allows the use of the internet in restricted areas.
- Private DNS and leaks : Ensures the security of your connection.
- Stop switch : Protects against data leaks in case of disconnection from the VPN.
- Strict no-logs policy : Ensures that your activities are not recorded.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections from all devices at the same time.
- CleanWeb : Block them malware, phishing attempts, advertising, and trackers.
- Whitelist function : Allows “split-tunneling”.
Pricing
Surfshark offers three pricing plans:
- Monthly plan : $12.95/month.
- Yearly plan : $3.99 per month, billed once per year.
- Biennial plan : $2.49 per month, billed once every 24 months.
All plans include a 7-day free trial on Google Play and Apple App Store.
Despite some drawbacks, Surfshark offers a variety of features at a very competitive value for money, making this VPN an option worth considering for all users.
5. PureVPN
Great for businesses with specific security needs
PureVPN, based in Hong Kong and supported by GZ Systems, is a renowned VPN service provider, offering over 2,000 servers across 180 locations (cities and countries). With over 300,000 IPs, it is one of the “best VPNs” currently available on the market. Additionally, PureVPN is the first VPN service provider that is fully GDPR compliant.
Features
Here are some of the features of PureVPN:
- GDPR compliance: Ensures the protection of personal data in accordance with European regulations.
- 256-bit, military-grade AES encryption: Protocol that protects your data with the highest level of security.
- Internet kill switch and split tunneling: Ensures your safety even if the VPN connection is cut.
- 5 multilogins: Allows you to use an account on several devices.
- Fully encrypted, even when using a public Wi-Fi network.
- No data stored: Respect your privacy.
- Port Forwarding Option, Dedicated IP, and P2P Protection (premium): Provides additional flexibility.
- Certified newspaper absence policy: Guarantees the anonymity of your activity.
- Kodi and Chromebook Solutions: Optimize your streaming and browsing experience.
Pricing
PureVPN offers three pricing plans:
- Monthly plan : $10.95 per month.
- Yearly plan : $5.81 per month (47% savings).
- Biennial plan : $3.33 per month (71% savings).
Each plan comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee.
Despite a few drawbacks, PureVPN offers a full range of features: its GDPR compliance and no-log policy underscore its commitment to protecting the privacy of its users.
6. IPVanish VPN
Perfect for advanced users and P2P file sharing
Launched in 2012, IPVanish is a VPN service based in the United States. Originally designed for the Windows operating system, IPVanish quickly expanded to include iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and Fire TV. With over 40,000 shared IPs available on over 1,300 servers in over 75 locations around the world, IPVanish has become a major player in the VPN market.
Features
- Extensive server network : IPVanish has over 1,300 servers in over 75 countries around the world.
- Strong encryption : It uses AES-256 encryption, which is considered to be one of the strongest available.
- Unlimited bandwidth : No restrictions on the amount of data you can use.
- SOCKS5 web proxy : Allows you to hide your online identity.
- No traffic logs : IPVanish doesn't keep track of your online activity.
- Access to censored content : Allows you to bypass access limitations to certain applications and websites.
- Unlimited server change : You can change servers as many times as you want.
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections : Allows you to connect up to 10 devices at the same time.
- Unlimited P2P traffic : Suitable for peer-to-peer file sharing.
Pricing
IPVanish offers two pricing plans:
- Monthly plan : Billed at $10.99 per month.
- Yearly plan : Costs $3.75 per month, or $44.99 per year
IPVanish stands out for its vast server coverage, encryption, and unlimited bandwidth: perfect for anyone who cares about their online security.
7. StrongVPN
A reliable choice for circumventing censorship in restrictive countries
Since its establishment in 1994, StrongVPN has become one of the top VPN providers in the world. It offers over 950 servers in over 25 cities, with a total of 59,000 IP addresses, making StrongVPN a very good service in terms of infrastructure and coverage.
Features
StrongVPN offers a variety of top-quality features including:
- No login and activity records
- “Best available country” option: To get the fastest connection to the server.
- Up to 12 simultaneous connections: To protect multiple devices at the same time.
- No speed limit: For fast and unimpeded navigation.
- Strong DNS: For safe browsing.
- Strong AES-256 encryption: Protocol for an optimal secure connection of your data and your connection
- L2TP, SSTP, OpenVPN, IPsec, and IKEv2 protocols
- Public Wi-Fi networks: For protection even on unsecured networks.
- WireGuard protocol beta: Protocol for improved encryption and speed.
Pricing
StrongVPN offers two pricing plans:
- Monthly plan : $10 per month.
- Yearly plan : $5.83 per month
Each of these plans comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
StrongVPN, with its robust infrastructure and impressive features, is a solid choice for anyone looking for the “best VPN.” Despite some limitations, its reliability and commitment to confidentiality are undeniable.
8. ExpressVPN
High-end VPN for optimal speeds and maximum privacy
Launched in 2009, ExpressVPN is a service offered by Express VPN International Ltd, based in the British Virgin Islands. This VPN software is primarily designed to ensure the privacy of its users, by encrypting their web traffic and masking their IP addresses. ExpressVPN is considered to be one of the largest VPN services in the world, with over 2500 remote servers in 94 countries and over 150 locations.
Features
- Access to global content : Allows access to blocked sites from anywhere in the world.
- Broad network : 16 server sites in 94 countries.
- Anonymous browsing : Completely mask users' IP addresses.
- Secured data : No data is written to the hard drive.
- Lack of connection and activity logs : No record of your online activities.
- VPN shared tunneling : Allows traffic on your normal network while connected to the VPN.
- Private and encrypted DNS : Protect your DNS requests.
- Wi-Fi : Protects against malicious attacks on public Wi-Fi networks.
Pricing
ExpressVPN offers three pricing plans:
- A one month subscription at 12.95 dollars.
- A 6-month subscription at $9.99 per month.
- An annual subscription at $8.32 per month.
All plans come with a 100% money-back guarantee for the first 30 days of service.
If you're looking for the “best VPN,” ExpressVPN is a solid option, with its extensive server network and strict no-log policy. Its commitment to privacy makes ExpressVPN a reliable choice for protecting your online activities.
LEARN MORE: Get started with ExpressVPN and get 3 more free months
9. Norton Secure VPN
Best option for users looking for a comprehensive security suite
Norton Secure VPN, backed by Symantec, a global leader in antivirus, stands out for its transparency and quality customer service. Much more than a VPN, with 1500 servers across over 200 sites and 30 countries, Norton Secure VPN is a reliable choice for those looking for the “best VPN.”
Features
The software offers a range of features dedicated to privacy:
- Bank-grade encryption : Ensures the maximum security of your data.
- Anonymous browsing : Protect your privacy.
- Access to sites internet, favorite videos and apps while on the go.
- Block unwanted ads
- 100% data encryption : Protect your data even on public Wi-Fi networks.
- macOS, Windows and Android, iOS compatibility
Pricing
Norton Secure VPN offers monthly and annual plans, for various numbers of devices:
- Monthly packages : $4.99 for one device, $7.99 for 5 devices, and $9.99 for 10 devices.
- Yearly plans (first year): $39.99 for one device or five devices, $59.99 for 10 devices.
- Yearly plans (after the first year): $49.99 for one device, $79.99 for 5 devices, $99.99 for 10 devices.
Despite a few limitations, Norton Secure VPN is a solid option for those looking for a trustworthy, secure, and reliable VPN service backed by a well-known brand in the field.
10. Hotspot Shield
Great for streaming and online gaming with high speeds
Hotspot Shield, operated by AnchorFree Inc., gained global recognition for its numerous uses during the Arab Spring to circumvent government censorship. Based in California and created in 2005, the company now offers its services in more than 70 countries, positioning itself as one of the “best VPNs” available on the market.
Features
Hotspot Shield offers a variety of features that ensure safe and private browsing:
- Premium VPN servers
- Private browsing and unlimited access to content
- Malware, Phishing, and Spam
- No ads
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Personal data security and Wi-Fi (100% data encryption)
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, as well as plugins for Chrome and Firefox
- Full torrenting support
- 256-bit encryption
- Support for routers and media players
- Emergency stop device
- No logs policy
Pricing
Hotspot Shield offers three pricing plans:
- Monthly plan : $12.99/month.
- Yearly plan : $7.99 per month, billed once per year.
- Biennial plan : $6.99 per month, billed once every 24 months.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card, or PayPal.
Despite some drawbacks, Hotspot Shield offers a wide variety of features at competitive rates, making it worth considering for all VPN users.
11. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Preferred choice for users who care about their privacy and open source code
Launched in 2010, Private Internet Access (PIA) has become one of the “best VPNs” for those looking to browse the web securely and anonymously.
Based in Colorado in the United States, this company has more than 3200 servers in 37 countries around the world.
Features
PIA offers a complete range of features to secure your internet experience:
- Secure applications: No leaks identified during testing
- Great privacy features
- Blocking ads, malware, and phishing attempts
- Logless, tested and proven virtual private network provider
- User friendly and constantly updated applications
- Support for P2P sharing
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Great for torrenting
- Possibility to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously
- Port forwarding and DNS leak protection
Pricing
PIA offers three pricing plans to adapt to your needs:
- Monthly plan : $9.95 per month.
- Yearly plan : $3.33 per month, billed annually.
- 3-year plan : $2.03 per month, billed every three years.
- Satisfied or refunded
These plans offer great value for money service and allow for great payment flexibility, including PayPal, Bitcoin, Visa, Zcash, and Litecoin.
Private Internet Access offers a quality VPN solution with a wide range of features. It is an option worth considering for those who take their business seriously.
12. TunnelBear VPN
Perfect for novices with a fun and simple interface
TunnelBear VPN, founded in 2011 and acquired by McAfee in 2018, is a renowned player in the VPN market. Based in Toronto, Canada, it stands out as one of the “best VPNs”, especially for its business-oriented offer. It also offers a free option for individuals, allowing you to test its services with a limit of 500 MB per month.
Features
TunnelBear VPN offers a range of features for a secure browsing experience:
- Offers one of the best quality-price ratios on the market
- Conducting annual and independent audits
- Possibility to connect up to 5 devices simultaneously
- Strong 256-bit AES-encryption
- Available for all operating systems
- Ability to bypass local censorship
- Access to global content
- Prevention of IP-based tracking
- Multi-device and browser compatibility
- No user logs (Canada has no data retention laws)
- Vigilant mode and GhostBear function for added security
- Trusted networks whitelist option
Pricing
TunnelBear VPN offers a free initial experience of 500MB per month, which can be boosted up to 1GB by tweeting about the service.
For paid plans, two options are available:
- Unlimited plan : $3.33 per month.
- Team plan : $5.75 per month.
- Satisfied or refunded
With its competitive pricing and range of features, TunnelBear VPN is a solid choice for anyone looking to use a simple, reliable, and affordable VPN.
13. VyprVPN
Great for bypassing geographic restrictions with its proprietary technology
VyprVPN, created in 2009-2010 by Golden Frog, is a VPN service provider based in Switzerland. It is recognized as one of the “best VPNs” on the market, especially thanks to its excellent customer support, numerous servers, and proprietary software.
One of the benefits of VyprVPN is that it manages its software, hardware, and networks by itself.
Features
VyprVPN offers a series of features dedicated to a secure connection and browsing experience:
- Integrated proprietary DNS servers
- Blocking malware, phishing attempts, and ads
- Strong 256-bit AES-encryption
- Cyphr personal email service without registering user data
- Possibility of 5 simultaneous connections
- Public WiFi
- High-performance servers
- Chaméléon tool to overcome local censorship and access banned sites
- VPN kill switch and audited VPN service without registration
- High-End Encryption and NAT Firewall
Pricing
VyprVPN offers four pricing plans, two monthly and two annual:
- Normal monthly plan : $9.95 per month, with up to 3 simultaneous connections.
- Premium monthly plan : $12.95 per month, with added features like the cloud and Chameleon.
- Yearly plan : $8.33 per month.
- Premium monthly plan : $15 per month.
- Satisfied or refunded
All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee when required. Payments can be made by PayPal or credit card.
VyprVPN is a solid choice for self-managed and comprehensive. Its wide range of features and competitive prices make it a reliable choice for safe browsing.
14. HideMyAss (HMA VPN)
Best choice for extended geographic coverage
HideMyAss (HMA VPN), established in 2005 in the United Kingdom, has established itself as one of the “best VPNs” available today. Becoming a subsidiary of the Czech cybersecurity giant Avast in 2016, HMA VPN has a large network to ensure the confidentiality of your connections.
Features
HMA VPN offers a range of features focused on security and accessibility:
- Servers running at 20Gbps
- 100% hidden IP address
- Possibility to connect up to 5 devices simultaneously
- Smart switch and split tunneling
- P2P optimized servers
- Available for all OS (Windows, Mac, Android TV, Linux)
- Military-grade encryption
- Automatic login rules
- Unblocking geo-restricted content
- DDoS attacks
- AES-256 bit encryption
Pricing
HMA VPN offers three pricing plans tailored to different requirements:
- Monthly plan : $11.99 per month.
- Yearly plan : $6.99 per month, billed in a single payment of $83.88 per year, saving up to 42%.
- 36-month plan : $4.29 per month, billed in a single payment of $154.44 for 36 months, saving up to 64%.
- Satisfied or refunded
Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal.
HideMyAss (HMA VPN) is a complete and global VPN service, offering a wide range of functionalities and possible uses to navigate the web in complete peace of mind.
15. Windscribe VPN
Perfect for anyone looking for a VPN with a generous free plan and advanced features
Launched in 2016, Windscribe is a VPN service provider based in Toronto, Canada. Despite its relative novelty on the market, it quickly established itself as one of the “best VPNs” thanks to its focus on innovation and data and user privacy policies.
Features
The software offers a host of innovative features:
- A vast network covering 60 countries and 110 cities
- R.O.B.E.R.T. function that allows you to block ads according to your preferences
- Strict newspaper no-keep policy
- AES-256 encryption with SHA512 authority and a 4096-bit RSA key
- Available for all operating systems (Windows, Mac, Android tv, etc.)
- Timewarp to change your time zones
- Cookie Monster to monitor and delete cookies
- Port forwarding, split tunneling, and firewall
- Secure hotspot and proxy gateway
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Autopilot to choose the best location for you
- Double Hop for a proxy connection through two servers of your choice
Pricing
Windscribe VPN offers three pricing plans:
- Monthly plan : $9 per month
- Yearly plan : $4.08 per month, with $49 to be paid every 12 months (savings up to 55%)
- Customizable plan : you can build it according to your needs, at the rate of $1 per location per month
Payment options include PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and Bitcoin.
Windscribe VPN stands out for its commitment to innovation and the privacy of Internet users, offering a first-class VPN experience.
Key features to look for in a VPN
1. Security and Encryption
Encryption AES-256 is the highest security standard, used by top VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. This technology, which is also used by governments and the military, guarantees unparalleled protection of your data.
Modern VPN protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard offer a great balance between security and speed. WireGuard, in particular, is growing in popularity thanks to its simplicity and superior performance.
- DNS and IP leak protection
- Automatic kill switch for maximum security
2. Privacy and Anonymity
One no log retention policy is crucial to ensure your online anonymity. VPNs like ExpressVPN and Mullvad commit to not storing your activities, with some even based in data protection-friendly jurisdictions.
The cryptocurrency payment option further enhances privacy, allowing users to remain completely anonymous when buying their VPN subscription.
RAM-only servers, adopted by services like NordVPN, ensure that no data is kept on hard drives, erasing all information with each reboot.
3. Performance and speed
An extensive server network is essential for fast and reliable connections. The best VPNs have thousands of servers spread across numerous countries, allowing users to connect to a nearby server for optimal speed.
- Optimizing bandwidth for consistent performance
- Dedicated P2P servers for torrent lovers
4. Compatibility and Accessibility
Cross-platform compatibility is indispensable in our connected world. Quality VPNs offer apps for Windows, macOS,, Linux, iOS, Android, as well as extensions for popular browsers.
Many services now allow multiple devices to be connected simultaneously with a single subscription, with Surfshark going so far as to offer unlimited connections.
An intuitive user interface is crucial to making the VPN accessible to everyone, even beginners.
5. Advanced Features
Split tunneling allows you to choose which applications use the VPN, optimizing speed for tasks that don't require additional protection.
- Double VPN for stronger encryption
- Obfuscation of servers to circumvent censorship in restrictive countries
6. Customer Support and Assistance
24/7 customer support via live chat or email is essential for resolving potential issues quickly. The best VPNs also offer detailed knowledge bases to help users set up and use their service.
7. Artificial Intelligence Integration
The integration of AI into VPN services represents a major advance for online security. These innovative technologies allow for more proactive and personalized protection.
Automatic threat detection, offered by VPNs like Bitdefender, uses AI to identify and block malicious sites in real time. This feature adds an extra layer of security to your browsing.
- Dynamic server optimization thanks to AI
- Personalized recommendations based on your browsing habits
AI also contributes to improving the user experience by offering optimized connections and functionalities adapted to each user.
8. Streaming features
Streaming fans are looking for VPNs that can effectively unblock geo-restricted content. Services like NordVPN and ExpressVPN are great at this: these VPNs allow you to access platforms like Netflix, Apple TV, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world, while maintaining high connection speeds for smooth viewing.
- Dedicated streaming server catalogs for optimal performance
- Ability to bypass geographic restrictions on major platforms
9. Protection against malware
Some VPNs now incorporate malware protection features, thus strengthening the overall security of your internet connection.
This extra protection can block websites malicious, phishing attempts, and even some types of intrusive ads. VPNs like NordVPN offer advanced features like CyberSec, which offers comprehensive protection against a variety of online threats.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is becoming more and more critical as the days go by, and the effects of breaches are palpable across all sectors. It has therefore become essential to ensure the greatest possible security for activities on the Internet. After all, you can never be too sure.
The best VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help secure your connection and your web hosting against hackers, unwanted listeners, and, of course, the government in France and elsewhere.
A VPN service provider (virtual private networks) can provide you with a safe haven from unwarranted espionage and attention. It can also be a great way to protect your internet activity, stream more content, and not worry while browsing the web.
FAQ
Do VPNs guarantee online anonymity?
VPNs offer a increased privacy protection by masking your IP address and encrypting your data, but they don't guarantee not complete anonymity. This depends on the provider chosen and their no-log policy. Check the jurisdiction of the company and its privacy practices before subscribing, as some countries may have restrictions. A good VPN is an asset for your security, but it's no substitute for personal vigilance.
How do I choose the best VPN?
To choose the right VPN, Assess your needs : anonymous browsing, streaming, P2P, etc. Then compare the tariffs, protocols and features like the no-logs policy and the number of simultaneous connections. After registering, download the VPN app and follow the installation instructions. Long-term subscriptions are often more economical but require a higher initial payment.
Are VPNs legal all over the world?
La legality of VPNs varies. They are allowed in most western countries, but restrictions exist in countries like China and Russia, where only government-approved VPNs are legal. Some countries, like the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, have strict rules, while VPNs are Totally forbidden in North Korea or Iraq. It's crucial to learn about local laws before using a VPN while traveling.
