How to browse safely on free WiFi

I am by no means an IT expert and would greatly appreciate any tips or pointers from any Aweb members who are more technically savvy than me!

I have read about how unsafe free WiFi in airports, hotels etc is and I now find myself in a poistion where I will need to access my emails whilst I'm away. I will be using an iPad 2.

My research so far seems to indicate that it is not possible to "protect" my emails on my iPad (I can't seem to change the settings so that I am asked to enter a password, for example - but I'm not convinced that would solve the problem anyway), and that using a Virtual Personal Network (VPN) whilst out of the office would be the answer.

I don't really want to sign up for a paid service as I will only be using the VPN maybe for 3 or 4 weeks during the year, in a hotel or airport situation, mostly for email access and some browsing. I will not be using my iPad for internet banking or making online purchases. I just don't want anyone else to be able to have access to my emails.

I have read that PureVPN might be suitable. Does anyone have any recommendations please?

Thanks in advance.

PS My only other requirement is that it would have to be easy for me to set up!