Howto: Find Free Wi-Fi on the Go

Finding free wi-fi while on the go is one of the most annoying things that plagues us geeks today. No one wants to sign up for one of those damn T-Mobile Wireless Hotspot accounts or (my personal "favorite") Boingo hotspots found at airports, so here's a quick guide on where to find free Wi-Fi while on family vacation, traveling cross-country, etc.

Rule #1: Avoid McDonalds if Possible.
Unfortunately, in my experience, McDonalds usually has a subscription service to use their Wi-Fi, so this is a no-free interwebs zone.

Rule #2: Avoid Starbucks!
99% of the time, Starbucks has a T-Mobile wireless service that prevents you from using Wi-Fi for free. That means no free Wi-Fi.

Rule #3: Find a Local Coffee Shop
The easiest way to find a mecca of free Wi-Fi is to pull up to a local coffee shop (don't go to starbucks, dunkin donuts, etc.). Pull out your laptop, scan for Wi-Fi, and make sure their network is free. If so, stop in and get a bagel or coffee and make good use of their wireless services.

Rule #4: Airports Almost Never Have Free Wi-Fi
Usually they have either a T-Mobile hotspot, a Boingo hotspot, or some equivalent service. Lame.

Rule #5: Hotels are Always a Gamble
It is really hard to guess whether a hotel has a free Wi-Fi service, but there are a few tricks to ensuring you can check your email in your room. 1. Always scan for a wireless network before entering buying a room at a hotel (I usually avoid making a reservation). 2. Avoiding more expensive hotels pays off. Staying at a Marriot or other expensive hotels increases your chances of finding a service that costs money (hotels will usually bill your room). However, hotels from the $95-75 price range will almost always have a complementary wireless service.

But remember, Wi-Fi is never totally free. Local coffee shops offer their Wi-Fi for free in the hopes that you will come in and buy a coffee or a bagel. So please, support the people who let you access your email on the go and pay the $2.50 for the damn coffee.