If you don't need a hardware based VPN solution (VPN Router), you can setup a software based VPN, enabling it only when you need it.

Mac OS X:  L2TP  |  PPTP

iPhone: L2TP  |  PPTP

What is a VPN account?

A VPN account allows you to protect your privacy while online.  When you have a VPN account all the traffic (web browsing, viewing Netflix or other media content etc) is routed through a server and then sends it on to its final destination.  This ensures that the website or content provider doesn't see your original location, only where the VPN server is located.

Normally:

You --------> Website

With a VPN account:

You --------> VPN SERVER ---------> Website

Why use a VPN account: 

The main people use a VPN is to get around blocked content.  Some examples where a VPN is useful:

• People outside of the United States wanting to view Netflix, ABC, NBC, ESPN, NFL, Hulu, etc.
• People outside of the UK wanting to view BBC content.
• To bypass government internet restrictions.
• Blocked VOIP/Torrent Traffic.
• Better privacy and security on internet.