I'm lucky to do a lot of extended travelling with the flexibility of my mobile job. So when I leave the country to explore another, I usually take my laptop and phone with me to work on the fly and to check-in on things back home. The problem with using your smartphone in the U.S. or overseas is that data rates can get super expensive. We're talking from $1-3/MB that you'll fly through in the span of a couple emails.
Here are a couple places where you can be a WiFi bandit while travelling:
The Hotel Lobby -- Many high-end hotels offer free WiFi in their main lobby. If you're lost or looking for directions, this is a great place to stop and reload your map. I also find that when I'm completely stuck, I can ask the concierge or front desk for directions or help.
Starbucks -- Locations throughout North America consistently offer free WiFi. It's a great excuse to grab a coffee, sit down and regroup. I like to download all my email, update my twitter feed and share pictures from my latest travels on Facebook.
Panera Bread -- If you are in the U.S., this bakery chain offers free WiFi and an affordable lunch menu. Think of it as a very fancy chain cafe.
The Local Public Library -- Usually has a free WiFi code. Just ask at the front desk, sometimes there are usage limits.
Museums & Art Galleries -- Most major museums and art galleries have installed free WiFi so visitors can stream audio tours on their phones. If you need to download your email to make sure things haven't gone haywire at work, you can try to do it here.
Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Sephora and H&M -- Pretty much a terms and conditions page comes up, click yes and you have access inside these stores.
McDonald's -- Travelling overseas with sky high data fees are the worst. Don't even think about uploading a photo online, it can cost you $3/MB and you'll cry when you finally get your cell phone bill. When I'm in Europe, I have been able to lock down some free Internet (although inconsistent) at McDonald's. In Europe, free WiFi is definitely harder to come by.
The Mac Airport Express -- I travel on work and press trips a lot and have multiple devices like my laptop, phone, my husband's laptop and phone that are all fighting for the Internet. I usually bring along my Mac Airport Express when I travel as my portable wireless router. It's no bigger than a standard adapter and you can plug the ethernet cable from the hotel connection, directly into it to enable all your devices. That way, everyone can get some work done in the morning before heading out for the day.
Where do you find free WiFi when you're travelling outside of the country?
This article first appeared on This Beautiful Day, Lisa Ng is the Editor-in-Chief.