If you are staying in a hotel, internet access is very easy since most modern hotels provide free internet access (at least in the US). The general trend for the last few years has been a standard high speed broadband connection that accompanies most laptops. If there is a charge, its usually between $5 - $10 and can add up over an extended stay so use it with caution.

Most hotels also provide wireless connections with a hotel specific password to prevent non-customer access. If your laptop has a functioning wireless card (external or internal), you should be surfing in no time.

Dial up access is often available as well. The room telephone generally has a traditional data port on the telephone's base unit. In most cases, its a free service but depending upon the telephone number dialed to access your Internet Service Provider (ISP) results will vary.

My recommendation: any laptop made in the last 5 years will have a broadband and wireless package installed or added by a wireless card. Keep a data cord or phone cord with you in case the hotel does not have one to borrow.

Depending upon your mode of transport, several different methods of internet access are available.

If driving, any wireless device will do the job. If you have an Iphone, Blackberry (aka Crackberry), or other wireless device, they all possess levels of internet capabilities. Other cell phones have additional software available to plug into your laptop to transmit data and gain internet access. The newest technology available that is user friendly are the wireless cards offered by Sprint PCS, Verizon, etc that plug into your laptop and provide constant wireless access. My wireless card works while driving in most urban areas even at 70mph. Another trick is to find a wireless hot spot at a coffee shop, hotel lobby, or even a college campus that offers a free signal.

If flying, you obviously can't use your wireless device according to the FAA (unless you are sneaky). However, some airlines offer internet access and power adapters for your convenience. These perks are often class dependent (1st and business class only), but I've found that this varies significantly over airlines.

When at the airport, you can find wireless hot spots throughout the airport gates or especially in frequent flier club rooms (i.e. Delta Crown Rooms). Wireless cards work as well, but occasionally have low signal strength or difficulty connecting. The club rooms offer dial up access capability and some have high speed access, but can vary from airline to airline. There are also several businesses that offer a small cubicle and charge for internet access by the hour.

Your best solution is to stay with a wireless card if you travel for business or constantly on the road. These expenses are reimbursed by your employer if for business traveler or if you are self employed (like me), your work expenses are tax deductible. The perks are that you are always connected where ever you go, but the bad news is that YOU'RE ALWAYS CONNECTED EVERYWHERE YOU GO. Thus, use your better judgment based upon your tolerance levels.

If you are traveling for leisure or 2 to 3 times a year, just rely on your mobile phone to stay connected and use the internet provided by the hotel for your internet needs for the most cost effective solution. Check the hotel's website for internet access availability before you travel to get the hardware requirements and costs if connectivity is a major issue.