Trucker's Top Tips to Finding Free WiFi When on the Road

Finding The Free Connection

In today's world Internet access is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity. This is particularly true when you're spending most of your time on the road. Staying connected keeps you in touch with family and friends along with necessities like bank accounts.

Fortunately, the virtual world is so integrated with the real world that it's getting easier all the time to find WiFi access no matter where you go. These tips will help you locate a variety of free sources throughout your travels.

Free WiFi is on the menu of countless restaurants and other food service operations. Not only will you find it at major chains like Starbucks and McDonalds, but many small independents are also offering it as a perk to draw customers.

Electronics stores, office supply stores and other businesses that sell computers and devices have WiFi available to demonstrate the products. They're not usually convenient for extended browsing periods, but they can be good spots for a quick, specific search.

Local governments promote connectivity in their communities. Libraries, courthouses, city halls and even many public parks have available WiFi service.

Harness the power of social media. Other users are happy to share information about the best free WiFi spots. For example, if you search "free WiFi" on Foursquare it will generate a list of hotspots within your immediate area.

Some websites incorporate sophisticated databases that list hotspots found around the world. WeFi maintains a list of more than 200 million locations. Simply type in an address to get a map highlighting all locations in the area. They also have iOS and Android apps for greater convenience.

If you subscribe to cable internet at home, check with your provider. Companies like Comcast and Time Warner are offering hotspot access to their customers, often partnering with each other to increase the available areas.

With a wealth of available options, you'll never have to worry about being out of touch. Happy browsing!