Wi-fi Travel

5/4/2009 11:26:26 AM

A vacation is a break from the office, but not always a break from work. With wi-fi hotspots, you can stay in touch during your getaway.

A vacation is a break from the office, but not always a break from work. With wi-fi hotspots, you can stay in touch during your getaway.

Today, a wireless network in your hotel is almost as common as the little bars of soap and the hair dryer. But not all wireless is created equal. First, find out whether the hotel offers wireless access in all rooms or only in a central location such as the lobby or conference room. This will make a big difference when you want to check e-mail at midnight in your pajamas.

Next, check to see if the wireless access requires a separate fee from your room rate. Hotels that charge a separate fee may start each daily fee cycle at midnight. So the fee you paid for access at 9 p.m. doesn’t cover 6:00 the next morning.

Since your vacation is about more than staying in the hotel room, you’ll need to look for wireless hotspots at local businesses. Coffee locations such as Starbucks typically have wireless connection. Instead of searching all over town, take a few minutes to research your destination’s tourism website. Most are now making the search for wireless easier with icons denoting the service.

And don’t forget to have some fun on your vacation. That wireless access can also be used to search for a great restaurant for dinner or information on local nightlife.

Vacation Planning Staff

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