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Where To Find Wi-Fi While Traveling
We all know the definition of 'Wi-Fi' these days, and that's a start. The more nonchalantly we all refer to this wireless Internet connection we all seek fervently, both while traveling and not, the more likely it is that we'll find it. Finding Wi-Fi today is easier than it has ever been before, but the search can still be tricky. In the future, every square foot of U.S. land will have lightning speed Wi-Fi access, but until then, here are some tips for finding Wi-Fi while traveling.
1. Transportation
The one thing every traveler does is physically travel, so the easiest way to find Wi-Fi while traveling is to utilize a network hosted by your transporter. Airports and even airplanes usually have access to Wi-Fi. You'll have to pay for Internet on the actual plane these days, but before you cough up money for the wireless you use in the airport, make sure to do a check for free networks. You can also find Wi-Fi now on trains, buses and boats.
2. Lodging
Your lodging while traveling is often a good resource for finding Wi-Fi. Not only do most hotels, motels, inns, lodges and resorts have Wi-Fi these days, but even more surprising accommodation choices offer Internet access. You can often find Wi-Fi now at campgrounds, truck stops, hotels, vacation rentals, airbnb rentals and RV parks.
3. Work Space
If you need Wi-Fi while working on the road (which is when most of us actually need it, right?), you shouldn't have too hard of a time tracking it down. Offices are naturally equipped with Internet access and usually Wi-Fi, but you can also find a connection in other places of work. I do most of my work while on the road in coffee shops and 75% of them seem to have Wi-Fi access. Also check for Wi-Fi at convention centers, shared workspaces and libraries.
4. Leisure Spaces
If you want to find Wi-Fi in everyday places, seek and you will find. Wi-Fi connections are available in many restaurants, bars, gyms and other fitness centers, malls and regular public businesses. I've found Wi-Fi in spas, bike shops and certainly computer/phone stores.
5. Everywhere Else
One of the easiest things you can do is what I do: pay a little extra every month to transform your phone into a hotspot. I usually do this before I travel so I can work no matter where I am, even if I'm in a car's passenger seat all day long.
High-speed godspeed.
[flickr image via raneko]
Filed under: Business, North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Transportation, Airports, Budget Travel, Internet Tools
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Virgil Postell Sep 14th 2012 9:11AM
I would like to find out more about this
Chuck Sep 14th 2012 9:13AM
I have often found Wi-Fi access near car dealerships, office buildings and of course, just about all of the fast food places
briann Sep 26th 2012 12:53AM
This article was so stupid and useless. Please tell us something we do not know!
What a waste of time reading nonsense.
Abby Sep 14th 2012 1:17PM
This article was really useless. Tell us how to actually find wi-fi. Usually it's a closed source and you have to have a pass word.
Laura Kramer Sep 14th 2012 11:01PM
Exactly! That's what I thought too. Didn't tell me anything at all!
Anne Sep 18th 2012 4:34PM
"...pay a little extra every month to transform your phone into a hotspot."
How does this connect your computer to WiFi? (Sorry if this is a stupid question!)
Lou Sep 17th 2012 11:44AM
I subscribe to Hotspot when I travel. I have Sprint. Call your carrier. They'll explain it. You don't have to LOOK for a network. You just turn on your cell and turn on hotspot. Your computer then becomes a network.
don Sep 17th 2012 3:12AM
some us states have made it a crime to steal someone elses internet so just look for a mickey d;s ,b.k, most ,staples,homedepot, etc ..open ur lap top and keep it on sig strenth screen, then when a unsecured sig pops up cruise to the strongest part. i hunt internet in cities wheres theres congestion theres intell
william popp Sep 17th 2012 11:11AM
Just turn on your device and it will tell you if there are any connections available, a real no brainer.
loumz01 Sep 17th 2012 11:44AM
William, it's a no brainer for us, but for those not in the know, it is confusing. Really, all you do is turn your cell on "Hotspot" and turn on your computer and look for a network. {{{you DO need to set it up ahead}}}} but your carrier will be very helpful.
dickn2000b Sep 17th 2012 4:56PM
This story was listed under; "Caught Out Attention" Why can't the Fluffypost even get a Header right? It's "Caught Our Attention" you pathetic amateurs.