British travellers these days expect more than just good weather and a comfortable hotel bed when they head abroad—they want access to all their usual entertainment too. Whether it’s catching up on EastEnders, betting on a Saturday accumulator, or streaming the latest Premier League match, home comforts matter. With over two-thirds of international visitors influenced by British TV and film locations, it’s clear that UK media carries real global pull.
Thanks to modern tech and better access to VPNs, it’s now easier than ever to watch your favourite shows and visit familiar betting platforms from hotel rooms in Europe or Wi-Fi cafés in Asia. But challenges like geo-blocking and strict regional laws still crop up—and that’s where smart tools and savvy habits come in. It’s also why more UK travellers are taking time to find UK betting sites not on Gamstop, offering added flexibility and control while on the move. With fewer limits and more freebies, the entire concept of entertainment on the go becomes even more interesting.
Even as borders remain on maps, British travellers are shaping a world where entertainment and betting stay within reach, wherever they roam.
How UK Travellers Keep Home Entertainment in Their Pocket
The moment you land somewhere new, it becomes clear: the digital comforts of home aren’t always available. Streaming BBC iPlayer, checking odds, or firing up your Sky Go app often gets blocked by location restrictions. It’s frustrating — but not a dealbreaker.
By 2025, nearly half of all UK adults had used a VPN, with over 40% saying they mainly use it to access British entertainment while abroad. Daily VPN use is now common among frequent travellers. VPNs remain the go-to for keeping your shows, betting apps, and sports streams just a few clicks away, no matter where your passport has taken you.
VPNs: The Key to Unlocking the World
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) aren’t just for IT pros anymore. They mask your real location and encrypt your data, letting you appear online as if you’re still in the UK. Adoption is booming, hitting nearly 47% of British internet users in 2025.
Of course, not all VPNs are created equal. Security threats are up, too — attempted cyberattacks on VPN users have risen sharply. The trick is picking a provider that actually protects you, not just promises it: strong encryption, regular audits, no-log policies, and built-in safety features like kill switches should be non-negotiables.
While free VPNs are tempting, they’re risky: slow speeds, data leaks, and shaky privacy policies are all too common. Paid options offer faster streams, better security, and better odds of staying one step ahead of geo-blocking. Researching before you travel avoids a lot of headaches later, especially since some countries block VPN use outright.
Smart Streaming Habits for a Smooth Ride
If you want smooth streaming while abroad, a few simple habits help. Clear your cookies before logging in, use official apps rather than browser tabs, and keep your account details (especially payment info) up to date. Licensing restrictions change often, so some hiccups are inevitable, but being prepared makes a big difference.
Public Wi-Fi networks pose another risk. Always run your VPN when connected to hotel or airport networks, and keep your antivirus software fresh. Wherever possible, use private Wi-Fi and avoid burning through mobile data unless you’ve planned ahead.
With the right approach, you can stream BBC dramas, Sky Sports matches, or All4 comedies just like you would back home — only now, you might be doing it from a balcony overlooking the Mediterranean.
Top Streaming Platforms Brits Rely On Abroad
For most British travellers and digital nomads, staying connected to UK media is a must—not just for news or sport, but for that crucial feeling of familiarity while away.
UK Favourites: BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All4, Sky Go
These platforms remain at the heart of UK entertainment overseas. BBC iPlayer alone draws over 9 million monthly users domestically, and is the first port of call for drama, news, and documentaries abroad too.
Geo-blocking is still the enemy, but good VPNs can beat it—at least most of the time. Just be ready for the occasional login request or location verification check. Having a UK billing address or a card linked to your account remains essential.
Global Giants: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+
Netflix sits in nearly 60% of British homes and counts around 17.1 million UK subscribers, and its broad international reach makes it perfect for travellers. Regional content libraries swap around, but a VPN can restore your UK library — or open up new ones.
Amazon Prime and Disney+ also travel well. Families love that kids’ content stays accessible, while hybrid bundles (like Amazon’s shopping perks) make subscriptions feel like a better value.
For smart travellers, carrying access to both UK-specific and global streaming platforms offers flexibility and a backup if one service hits a licensing snag.
Betting Without Borders: How UK Punters Keep Playing Abroad
It’s not just about catching the match: many Brits still want to have a flutter while they’re away. With gambling regulations varying wildly from country to country, savvy punters are being more selective about how and where they place their bets.
Sticking with Licensed UK Betting Sites
A UK Gambling Commission licence is the gold standard for safe online betting. Sites must meet strict rules around fair play, money protection, and responsible gambling. Even abroad, sticking with licensed platforms gives travellers an extra layer of safety.
Two-factor authentication, encrypted transactions, and robust self-exclusion tools are now must-haves, not bonuses. Betting through sketchy sites without visible licensing isn’t worth the risk, especially when safer, reputable options exist.
Using VPNs and Smart Payment Methods
VPNs also play a role in betting abroad. The best services disguise both location and VPN usage itself, meaning you stay one step ahead of any restrictions. Speeds are fast enough now (over 50 Mbps on leading services) to handle live betting without any lag.
Payments can be tricky, though. Some banks block gambling transactions based on country codes. Using e-wallets like PayPal, Neteller, or Skrill sidesteps most of these issues and keeps things quick and secure.
Bigger Picture: How British Travellers Consume Media in 2025
The appetite for rich, mobile entertainment is only growing. British travellers now expect ultra-HD streaming on multiple devices, everywhere they go. Over 70% demand 4K quality as standard, and streaming habits shift effortlessly from phone to tablet to hotel TV.
International shows are pulling British viewers in too: nearly 38% now say they watch non-British programmes regularly while abroad. Spanish football, Korean dramas, and anime are all finding new audiences among UK travellers.
The line between home and abroad, familiar and foreign, is fading fast, and entertainment habits are evolving to match.
