Hi, I understand the benefits of using a travel router to share connections where you might pay/connection. I understand using a VPN to get around geographic limitations.

But is there any security benefit to using a travel router WITHOUT a VPN, say in a hotel or coffee shop? This is where I get confused. Are they only helping protect me from other people (not the hotel operators or coffee shop owners, who, let's say we trust) if and only if I am also using a VPN?

So as far as security --- does a travel router with no VPN = connecting to public or hotel wifi directly?

Thanks