VPN for dummies

NordVPN is recommended here from many people.

https://nordvpn.com/

From their website:

"...with our 30-day money-back guarantee and affordable monthly, annual, and biennial plans, it’s easy to try it out"

I'd say your biggest danger would be the Internet/Wifi at the BNBs but that's not much of a danger. Most people don't worry about such but a "monthly" plan might make you feel better. Then the other main use of a VPN is to make it appear you come from a country you are not in. But a lot of places are getting better at spotting that.

From what you describe, I don't think you need a VPN.

A VPN increases privacy but doesn't necessarily increase security. Stick to what you're doing, and you will be OK.

Highly recommend Last Pass as a password manager

You are already careful!
I have Tunnel Bear, it's free for a limited amount of usage and in 5 or 6 years of traveling I still have plenty left. I turn it on if I want to use bill pay (but only from a password protected connection, as you already do), then disconnect right away.

https://www.tunnelbear.com/
Hmmm- it's showing as a subscription. I had the option of limited use after download- I hope they still offer that. Apologies if not!
Safe travels!

You have a password manager in DuckDuckGo - is it not enough?

You could upgrade to DDGo Privacy Pro for $10/mo to give you VPN while traveling, the cancel once you return home.

You most likely don't need a VPN, as the habits and precautions as well as your language indicate
you are more aware of things than most people on this forum.

However, I would ask if you use any of your devices for secure transactions when you're at home.

Even if you don't access banking apps, etc, while traveling, if the app is on your device and you
are still logged in to it, someone could conceivably access your data through a public wi-fi
connection. It all depends on what types of security software you have, the type of connection,
dumb luck, etc.

When you get on to a wi-fi network at your Airbnb, have a look at how many other networks you
could connect to other than the one you want to connect to. If there are a few, then your risk is
still non-trivial, as someone could be on one of those networks sniffing for access.

If there is nothing of value on your device, then no worries. But just about everyone has apps
and passwords for those apps and other data on their phones/devices which could be at risk.

Thank you all for taking time to share your expertise!

We do not use our phones or the tablet for financial transitions. We have very few apps, mostly travel related. I do check that there is one WiFi network option at our AirB&Bs. We have 24/7 security monitoring on our home PCs.

DH had his identity stolen many years ago. It was a very traumatic experience for both of us. To say we are a bit paranoid about downloading apps, using links, really clicking on anything is an understatement.

Think I will subscribe to DDG Pro for the month that we are traveling. Thank you for that suggestion.

What's that saying " you're not being paranoid if someone is really out to get you"? That's how we feel about the internet in general.

Thank you again!

If there is nothing of value on your device, then no worries. But just about everyone has apps
and passwords for those apps and other data on their phones/devices which could be at risk.

I'd like to see that statement rectified with the fact that newer phones - IOS and Android - are encrypted - both files and traffic.