Aside from schlepping a laptop between available phone connections, there are a number of options for travelers to access the Web and their e-mail. CybercafésThe Internet café has been around since the days of bulletin boards, but has undergone a revival in recent yearsat least outside the U.S. Typically offering high-speed Web access, games and spreadsheets, along with side orders ranging from latté to liqueur, these surfing establishments have sprouted in major cities around the world, including such exotic locales as Bali and Bangladesh. In 1999, in a bid to create the worlds largest Internet café, Europes discount airline Easy-Jet opened a 420-unit facility called EasyEverything across from Londons Victoria Station. Dubbed the MacDonalds of cybercafés, EasyEverything, has spread to eight other cities in Europe, and is planning to expand to New York in the near future. Like trendy eateries, cyber establishments come and go. You can look for one where youre going to be, or even bid for your own franchise, by visiting one of the following search engines on the Web:
Business resource centersSome of the leading small business support chains have started offering walk-in Internet service, featuring high-speed Web access and business applications.
Internet KiosksFor travelers who want to skip the Smirnoff and small talk, a number of vendors have set up on-line access terminals at airports and other transportation hubs. Like ATMs, these are often marketed to franchisee entrepreneurs.
Read.meSeveral guides to public Internet facilities are available, mostly from the operators of on-line search engines.
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Allan Ostergren is president of DACS and a closet computer novice. He makes up for it by asking questions, learning from mistakes, and looking things up. |