Random tip for travelers (in the U.S., can't speak for other countries)

[sholio]

This may be so obvious that everyone knows it and I am the last person in the world to figure it out, but if you're looking for comfy places to check your email or have some quiet downtime while traveling ... libraries and universities!

I've been taking more advantage of them for that purpose, especially libraries. This may not be quite so true in larger urban areas and/or really small towns, but every library I've tried has had free wireless, as well as quiet places where you can plug in your laptop and do your thing without being bothered. (I am typing this at the Loussac right now.) Universities, too ... just about all of them have quiet study areas, and a lot of universities (i.e., as with libraries, all the ones where I've tried it) seem to allow anybody to connect to their wireless network without needing a university-affiliated login.

And sometimes when you're traveling you need a place to just sit, without having to pay for a drink or a meal or admission to a museum. Parks are also quite nice for this (some of my most pleasant memories of traveling are of stopping to rest and read for awhile in a park) but there is something to be said for someplace indoors, with chairs and Internet access.

Obviously the problem is that you have to find them, and if you don't have a car or map, that might be kind of difficult. But if you happen to stumble across one, or if you're already a little bit familiar with the town, they're handy. :)

Comments

[astridv]

Oh yeah. I've visited quite a few university campuses and libraries across the US. *g*

[amalthia]

I love the Anchorage University library, it has these huge windows and last fall I spent quite a few hours over there doing homework. It's also much quieter than the public library.

[mackiedockie]

Google Mapped our little town library in the Potato state without us even asking...they know a power node when they see one.