WiFi on the Go
Traveling is difficult enough without having to juggle your communication needs as well. With a little planning, finding WiFi for your internet access or wireless voip internet phone calls doesn't have to be a hassle.
The first, and easiest, thing to do is contact the hotel or motel you're staying at to find out if internet access is available. Some places offer in-room connectivity, while others might have on-site cyber cafés or wireless hotspots. You can usually expect to pay for your access.
The next place to look for public internet service is the local library. Most have at least a few internet ready computers, and many use a wireless network to serve their patrons. A quick on-line search using your favorite search engine, like Google or Yahoo, can tell you where the library is, how to get there, what its hours of operation are, and if it is an internet resource.
Municipal WiFi is popping up in cities across the nation. This is free, government sponsored wireless internet in certain areas of a city where people are likely to congregate. CNET has a great interactive map that shows what's happening with MuniWiFi in each state. Earthlink, the popular internet access provider, is also rolling out city-wide WiFi in select areas. Subscribers get access both at home and anywhere else they might be in the city. Google, on the other hand, has created a free WiFi network in Mountain View, CA, with plans to expand into the city of San Francisco. Network users don't pay for access, but they may be asked to host Access Point nodes on their property.
Other public hotspots can be found using JiWire's comprehensive search engine. With 118,504 locations in 128 countries, it's the largest directory of WiFi hotspots on the internet. Many are free, while others require a fee for access.
If you're looking for a WiFi connection on the go, certain businesses use internet access for customers as a selling point. Common places are coffee shops like Starbuck's; book stores, like Borders and Barnes & Noble; and copy and mail centers, like Fed Ex Kinko's. T-Mobile has 7767 hotspots nationwide. Their website has a locator, so you can see if one is near you. Don't overlook the National Park system, either. Many of them have WiFi available at their entrances or inside the park, at the main lodge.
Local internet access providers may also provide temporary WiFi access to travelers, although you'll have to pay. Lastly, airports nearly always have some form of WiFi, either in special lounges or in centrally located waiting areas.
So whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, rest assured, you can almost always find a way to stay connected.