How Does Wireless Internet Work When Traveling?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses experiences and opinions regarding the use of wireless internet while traveling, particularly in relation to laptops and various locations such as hotels and cafes. Participants share their personal experiences with accessing WiFi in different settings and the challenges they have faced.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions planning to take a laptop on a trip to a camp where wireless internet is available, expressing uncertainty about its functionality outside of school.
  • Another participant shares that laptops can connect to any available WiFi, noting that some locations may charge for access while others offer it for free.
  • One user describes the process of connecting to a wireless network on a Windows XP machine, emphasizing the need to search for available connections.
  • Another participant discusses frequent use of WiFi in hotels, noting that many offer free connections, while some lower-end hotels may charge a fee.
  • One participant humorously describes the enjoyment of searching for WiFi networks while traveling, even at shows.
  • Another participant recounts a challenging experience in northern Wisconsin where WiFi access was very limited, highlighting the difficulties faced in certain areas.
  • One user mentions that high-end hotels, like the Hilton in Chicago, also charge for WiFi access, which can be quite expensive.
  • Another participant expresses frustration at the high cost of WiFi in hotels, suggesting that it is a way for them to profit.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the availability and cost of wireless internet in various locations, with some participants noting free access while others highlight instances of high charges.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences from different locations, indicating variability in WiFi access and pricing across hotels and public spaces.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and travelers who are interested in understanding the landscape of wireless internet access while on the go may find these shared experiences helpful.

jrstephens
jrstephens
Messages
7,085
We leave Sunday to go to NC. My husband has a laptop that has wireless internet on it with his school. Will it work anywhere that has wireless? I was thinking about taking it with us. We are chaperoning for an FCA camp, so, the rooms have NO tv and NO phone but we are told it has wireless internet on the campus. He just got it before school was out, so, we have not tried it anywhere other then the school. We do not have wireless at home.
 
Yes, it will work anywhere that has WiFi. Some places make you pay for the connection, but some places it is free. When you start the computer up you have to search for available networks (or connections). I am soooo not a techie so these are just laymens terms. I'm trying to explain something I barely understand.

I have taken my laptop with me before and it was pretty easy connecting to a WiFi network.
 
Yes -- if there is a free (or unsecured, but that's advised against doing...) wireless network in range you will be able to connect into it. Here is how I do it on my machine (which runs Windows XP)

To search for a signal, click your Start button, then there should be a "Connect To" option. Chose that and click Wireless Network Connection. That will pop up a window with a button on the bottom right that says "View Wireless Network Connections" and this will pull up a list of all the available signals in the area. FCA may require you to have an access key to log in, so ask them for that when you "check in".

Take a few DVD's as well if it has a DVD player and you can even watch some movies as well :)
 
I use it all the time when I'm not using my broadband card.Most hotels have free WiFi and if you have a WiFi card in your laptop (most laptops made after about 2005 hav WiFi built in) and they will typically auto-detect the network. If you're in a Marriott or Holiday Inn (Express) the connection is usually free. It may not even have a password unless there is another hotel within WiFi range. The front desk will give you a password. (I've been known to sit in the parking lot of Holiday Inn Express to steal some WiFi connect time.)The lower end hotels may have WiFi but charge a couple of bucks a day to use it. I've been in places that wanted 10 bucks a day to connect - so I went to a local coffee shop and used their free one.Some fast food joints (not all) also have WiFi - Ronald Clowndonald charges for his. Most coffee shops also have WiFi, locally owned ones tend to be free while Starschmucks charges for theirs in most locations.If you keep your laptop open in the car (you can get power converters to keep the battery up - I do that all the time so I can follow Streets & Trips) you'll be surprised at how often WiFi networks are found - The Home Cheapo usually has three or four WiFi nets (all secured, so you can't steal their bandwidth) as do many other businesses. Searching for WiFi can be kinda entertaining...in a geeky sort of way
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
Searching for WiFi can be kinda entertaining...in a geeky sort of way
Click to expand...


I must be a geek then! Since going wireless, I find myself searching everywhere.....even checking it out when I am at shows!:eek: I get a cheap thrill out of being able to log on while I am setting up my computer for check-out!:D (I'm easily amused!)
 
I was in nortern Wisconsin for 2 months a couple years ago and they not only had no wireless cafe's the only place I could even get on was at the library and that was limited. My laptop was useless there (my mother didn't have long distance service either so I couldn't even dial up.).

And not only the low end hotels charge for wireless. Many high end also charge. I know the Hiltons in Chicago charge!
 
The Chicago Hilton (conference hotel) charges $16 a day. But that's because they're a business hotel, and people just expense it.
 
$16 a day is rediculous!!! you know they are making money off that one!

There is a Carabou coffee arround the corner (caramel cooler here I come!!!) from the Hilton and most of them here in MN have free wireless.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is wireless internet and how does it work while traveling?

Wireless internet, often referred to as Wi-Fi, works by using radio waves to transmit data between a router and devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets. When traveling, you can access wireless internet through public Wi-Fi networks available in hotels, cafes, airports, and other locations, allowing you to connect to the internet without needing a wired connection.

How can I find Wi-Fi while traveling?

You can find Wi-Fi while traveling by looking for signs indicating free Wi-Fi in public places such as coffee shops, restaurants, and airports. Additionally, many hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi for guests. You can also use apps or websites that list Wi-Fi hotspots in your area.

Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi when traveling?

Using public Wi-Fi can pose security risks, such as data theft or hacking. To protect yourself, avoid accessing sensitive information like banking details or personal accounts on public networks. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data and enhance your security while connected to public Wi-Fi.

What should I do if I can't find a Wi-Fi connection while traveling?

If you can't find a Wi-Fi connection, you can use your mobile data plan if you have one. Alternatively, consider purchasing a portable Wi-Fi hotspot device or a local SIM card with data to ensure you have internet access during your travels.

Can I use my smartphone as a hotspot while traveling?

Yes, you can use your smartphone as a hotspot while traveling if your mobile plan allows it. This feature enables you to share your phone's mobile data connection with other devices, providing internet access even when Wi-Fi is unavailable. Be mindful of your data usage to avoid extra charges.

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