Today's NYTimes ran an interesting article about The Price of Staying Connected.

For me, it's not an absolute deal-breaker, but it is something that I definitely look for and factor in to my pros/cons lists for places to stay. Competition seems to be making it more affordable, even free, at many places, although not always.

It's become very important to me. And, as it becomes more generally available, one finds fewer and fewer internet cafés, increasing the importance.

(And this from someone whose first European travel was done when one communicated by airletter with the folks back home.)

For us, it depends on where we are and what type of trip, for example, since David's job requires a lot of case management, when we slip off for a weekend he really appreciates having free wifi where we stay. I find the fees charged by the more expensive hotels to be particularly irksome; free wifi and decent coffee are becoming my go to points.

I think it is also going to become more important on our longer vacations, even abroad, for the reasons that Marian says above. And with lighter, smaller laptops, I see that we will probably always travel with one.

It's not a must have but it sure is a nice to have!

It's not important for me. I relish the idea that I am not "hooked up". It gives me good excuse to
not be at a computer! Of course, I am also a person who doesn't have a cell phone and during the summer, after work we go out to our cottage, where there is no phone! But I recognize that some people find it useful...just not me. I feel that checking emails when you are away kind of keeps one foot at home. I think if you have children though, I can see the need to be easily reached.

It is very important to me. I try to blog often or daily when on vacation. It is also helpful for other reasons, but I may change my mind when I get my new i-phone tomorrow!

I love having access to internet in my rentals! I travel with my laptop, so whatever rental I book must have internet access for me.

It's a great way to stay in contact with my son, my daughter, my grandchildren and friends. Like Palma, I try to blog daily while traveling. I have an i-Phone and love it, but I think you'll still need access to the internet to use your i-Phone as a PC.

I agree with the article about the irritation of charging for the use of the wireless internet in a rental. I have furnished condo rentals that I rent out to businesses and the internet is free!

"Treat your password like your toothbrush. Don't let anybody else use it, and get a new one every six months." ~ Clifford Stoll
Brenda

For us, internet access is a deal breaker. We run 2 small businesses - publishing and vacation rentals - and have no office staff to deal with things in our absence. Without internet access, we just couldn't take a holiday - when we get enquiries, we need to answer them immediately or we risk losing the booking/order. I have a Blackberry, which means I can give an instant answer but it cannot do everything, if I need to look up train times for a guest or send a booking confirmation or report.

Hi Teaberry, that was an interesting article and this is a really interesting topic too. I have never sought out or had WiFi be an important deal breaker when seeking out accommodations before, up until my last trip to Spain when 4 of my lodgings included free WiFi and I discovered it's advantages.

I feel that I can enjoy my travel pretty much with or without it, but all things being equal, if one place offered free WiFi I would choose them over the other that didn't. I have a cell phone for emergencies when I travel and to stay connected, but I really found the WiFi very convenient when blogging and I also found it very useful when looking up train schedules and other important travel information on the fly. It is a convenient time saver that I really value now. Location and service is still top priority for me, but Wi-Fi is now on my radar.

Thanks for the interesting discussion.

I would rather have free in-room wifi than an in-room phone. Which I never use.

And now that you can get skype on your iphone or tiny netbook and not lug around a laptop, I think it's going to become more of a deal-maker. That was always the big issue, I think, the weight of the laptop, for most people.

Now that so many automated things send you an e-mail update, it's nice to be able to spend 5 minutes every couple of days and know everything is OK at home.

I have used it to get weather reports in English, check museum or shop opening hours and get directions to places I didn't know existed before I left. And my family REALLY appreciates e-mail knowing I'm OK.

It definitely doesn't mean I'm "not in the moment". It's a tool to enhance my trip. It's not an activity that's keeping me from going out and doing things.

Every once in a while though, I would catch myself reading something about a museum, and I'd say -- duh, you're IN the country now. PLANNING's over. You can just GO now!

I made two trips this year with my ASUS laptop. My four hotel rooms (inexpensive) in Spain had free internet connections. In Japan the business hotels had free internet in the room and even the Koyasan temple and Miyajima ryokan had a free connection I could use - although not in the room.

The SKYPE comes in handy as well and is much cheaper than using my phone card or cell phone.

I'm the odd "man" out, I think! I rather like being disconnected and unavailable. It's so easy for me to be sucked into "quickly looking things up" (always distracted by another link), blog reading, e-mail, even slowtrav and before I know it I've lost precious time in another country or place. My husband, however, likes having it available...it's never a deal breaker either way.

Laura

What's clear from all the posts until now is that this is a question of needs and priorities.

Internet connectivity is an instrument given to us by progress, to be adopted or left aside, according to each person's preferences.

My personal opinion is that whatever you bring of your regular routine along with you to your trip, is something that takes the place of a different experience - new experiences being the most significant part of what constitutes slow travel.

Regards,
Joe

Traveling here on business in the US it's a necessity for me as my business is tied to it.

However, when we travel overseas, I have email bounceback messages, phone calls and faxes forwarded to my office and the Blackberry stays OFF.

I use my Italian TIM phone for local calls overseas and that's it. When I'm on vacation, I want to be away from ALL of it. If the family needs me, they'll call me on the TIM prepaid phone

It's vital for us, for our two-person business, but doesn't have to be in our lodging. In often-visited places we know free access opportunities, unlocked wifi in cafes or elsewhere.

Public libraries often offer Internet access at no or little cost. Depending on the destination, a Google search may provide a list of free hotspots and/or Internet Cafes.

Interesting remark about Internet cafes disappearing as wifi access increases. I haven't noticed that in France but it may be true. The number of Internet cafes here doesn't seem to be increasing. Anyway, I carry a notebook and hope for wifi access to avoid French keyboard problems.

As for in-lodging wifi it's not free though if it's charged there may be a mark-up, and that could be under pressure. If there's no charge you can be sure the cost is factored into room rates. At best, other guests are helping to pay for your time online.

Dave

quote:

As for in-lodging wifi it's not free though if it's charged there may be a mark-up, and that could be under pressure. If there's no charge you can be sure the cost is factored into room rates.

Well, we have decided not to stay anywhere that does not have wi-fi because we really like being able to stay in touch cheaply with our friends and family at home. On this trip we are only staying in hotels for three nights, but all of them are pretty cheap, and all advertise free wi-fi.

For example, our first night in France we stayed at a Kyriad (chain) hotel near the chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte. The hotel was only 62 euro a night, with free wi-fi. It wasn't charming, of course, but it was very clean and comfortable.

Both of the houses we are renting on this trip to France are owned by Americans who use them either full time (in another part of the house) or part time. They have installed wi-fi for their own use and don't seem to jack up their rates, as the cost of both places is quite comparable to similar rentals nearby without the wi-fi. It really doesn't cost them anything extra since they want the wi-fi for themselves, and it's probably (as it was for us) a good selling point for them.

- Roz

Hello Roz,

I thought that would be a debatable point. In the case of an inexpensive hotel, I'm quite sure the cost of wifi is factored into the rates. Of course, efficiencies can help to keep rates low. But in the end, as with any business, costs must enter into pricing.

I'm not sure comparing rates of free Interent and Internet for a fee or no-Internet lodging proves the point. There are too many other variables.

Your point about staying in rentals that are owners' second homes is a good one. That's one of the advantages of Slow Travel, better lodging at a lower price. But one should hope that even then the owners are counting costs. If not, a favorite place to stay may not be for rent for years to come.

Dave

This trip internet access is was a deal breaker. If the place didn't have it I didn't even bother looking.

Usually I am OK with heading out to an internet cafe but traveling alone I feel like a sitting duck in an internet cafe. Maybe it's just me.

What has been interesting is the satellite. Landlord had it, wasn't even a factor because I know how much TV watching I do. When the jet lag kept me up I the other night I flipped on the TV. Al Jazeerah all the time. Except for the porno channels. If this is satellite TV I'm sticking with rabbit ears!!!

A must-have. I use it to plan my next day's itinerary (where to eat, how to get to X place, etc). I like the freedom of planning as I go, the internet enables this practice.

Plus, how else am I going to manage my fantasy baseball team

Are you kidding??? I go on vacation to get away from it!!

We are considering buying those UMTS key drives that allow you to go online with your laptop for our properties. I think we'll have to do it soon too.

Do you travel with your laptop or do you expect to find a computer at your rental?

I wouldn't expect to find a computer in a rental; wi-fi access would certainly be sufficient.

For me... it's not just wireless, its internet period. I can live without wireless internet, but no high speed internet is a big no no. Property owners really need to cater to their renters especially if they are going to build a returning clientele base. I guess you also need to look at the competition, if everyone else is offering wireless and still charging the same rate why would anyone rent a place not offering it? For owners - always look at your competition. For vacation seekers - always explore your options.

Well in some places high speed internet might simply not be available, therefore not an option.

We really found it difficult to get free WiFi in Paris (unless you call spending money on coffee free -- and I refused to go into a Starbucks or McDonald's!).

However -- we went into a store on Rue de Rivoli that sells iPhones and asked the manager about how to find WiFi. He said it was difficult and GAVE US one of his demo userids/pw to use to connect while there. Obviously, we didn't login to our sensitive accounts at all on the borrowed userid, but it was great to be able to find the weather, maps, and other info -- and to check in on a few things back home.

Our apartment had ethernet, but we didn't want to take our laptops. We each took an iPod Touch that was amazingly helpful since I had put so many files on it with AirSharing.

Cameron

quote:

if everyone else is offering wireless and still charging the same rate why would anyone rent a place not offering it?

I can think of a dozen reasons, including communication that builds trust, location, charm, other small necessities and niceties that are furnished and Slow Travel Reviews!

Nothing against wifi. It's a great convenience. But only (roughly) 30 percent of our Paris guests use it.

Dave

It depends on how long my vacation is. If it's a short trip, I wouldn't even bother with email ... I'll just enjoy myself and make the most of the country I'm visiting. In fact, when I go away I'd normally want to get away from everything (including a computer)

If my vacation is going to last more than a month, well then maybe I will email family and friends say once a week or so.

So having no internet connection, is definitely not a deal-breaker for me.

I can't live without. I upgraded my cell phone to use as a modem. I've gotten a lot of use out of that. When you are stuck with flight delays and cancellations it's great to be able to jump on the laptop and see what your options are.

It would be close to essential for me. I need to stay in touch with work and love having ability to look up addresses, use skype to call etc.

But I understand perfectly that for some people a computer equals work and you are on holiday.

quote:

Originally posted by Marian:
I wouldn't expect to find a computer in a rental; wi-fi access would certainly be sufficient.

Either wi-fi or a cable connection so I can hook up works for me.

Sometimes wi-fi is more hassle than it is worth. My security system doesn't adapt to their security system, etc.. We have windows Vista, other people have Windows NT, XP, ABC, etc...
As an owner of a rental property I have given up and now have a tech guy on retainer so that whenever we rent the place if the tenants have problems they call our tech help expert.

Mrsh09 raises a good point: Online check ins and flight status.

These are becoming more standard.

My wife and I are recently retired and love traveling with our MacBook. The ability to research sites on line, make reservations, and stay in touch with things and people back home almost make carrying it a necessity. The advantage of WiFi in our hotel is nice, but we enjoy finding an Internet Cafe and mingling with other travelers a real bonus.

I have ablack berry, so if it is important, I'll answer from a internet cafè...
Wi FI in rentals? I stopped bringing my laptop! I just find a place that will transfer my pictures into a dvd.

When I am on vacation I get into a vacation mode and avoid as peast anything remotely remembers me of work.

As far as staying in touch with folks at home, I believe that they can survive without me.. or I can survive without them for a couple of weeks, and if it is an emergency, you can reach me on the phone.

Who's important to me has my "vacation" cellphone number"....
;-)

quote:

When I am on vacation I get into a vacation mode and avoid as peast anything remotely remembers me of work.

As far as staying in touch with folks at home, I believe that they can survive without me.. or I can survive without them for a couple of weeks,

I'm with Alessandra. Feel no need to check my mail (it will mostly by from work) Take my cellphone just to send SMS (short message service) to the beloved one's at home...No television either...rather read those books I never get to read at home....But that's me...Also with me are my two teens and they want it all! So I'll stay at an appartment this summer with WI FI and a television. (and swimming pool)
But because we travel really slow (stay on one place for three weeks) I can imagine my teens like to spend an hot afternoon on-line... :-)

Hi

For me at has become quite important. I normally make Google maps before I travel and then I check this out before I go out to find e.g. a restaurant at night. And with the iPhone it has become even more important as I can blog, update facebook, chat etc using the phone :-)

It depends on the type of trip I'm on.

If I'm blogging and writing articles, having access to the net to upload posts and check facts is very important.

If this is a real holiday holiday, relaxation being the focus, not having access to the net is important.

It's important to me, besides checking email it's helpful to lookup schedules, check in online, do some instant research on some aspect of your trip, check up on personal bank accounts etc. since everything these days is online it really helps!

I'm planning now for the rental of a large house in Tuscany next year with 12 to 14 friends. I heard that the house did not have internet connection and discussed it with the American owner just a few days ago. Her reply was this: the house has dial-up, albeit persnickety Italian dial-up, and that is all you need to check train schedules and communicate with family back in States, if you need to.

She went on to say that she finds it too tempting for people to stay on their computers if they have access to WIFI. Rather than completely immersing, adjusting, observing and soaking up a place, they tend to micro-manage details and remain bound to home and office.

I took my MacBook Air on our April-May trip to Italy for two reasons: my pre-trip work schedule prevented me from doing some planning, like train connections and, since our new assistant was a little apprehensive about being in charge of the office, I wanted to be able to communicate with her. The apartments we rented had WIFI and it was indeed extremely convenient to do a little planning and answer e-mail from our assistant.

In retrospect, my husband and I think we used the computer entirely too much. He also had his iPod Touch with music and books. Yes, it was a helpful tool, very helpful, but it also took time away from personal, face to face conversations and thoughtful reflection about our experiences. And it's the first time I have not returned with a journal full of details, notes and observations.

I think many of us will admit to a near-obsession with instant communication via internet and cell phones. If that is an issue in our daily lives, it can surely become a distraction during our travels.

I am excited about meeting friends in Tuscany next year. The owner of the villa tells me there's a timer placed next to the house computer (due to an issue with the telephone line) and I think that's a grand idea - it should remind me to hurry up, get the info I need from the computer, and then connect with the Italy I traveled so far to see.

quote:

the house has dial-up, albeit persnickety Italian dial-up,

That would not be the 'p' word I would use.

I will keep my complaints to a minimum... but these days there is really no reason not to offer internet services. Skype is the easiest way to keep in touch with family and is FREE if you have a connection.

I don't get it!

quote:

... but these days there is really no reason not to offer internet services.

For the larger towns I would agree, but many of the smaller towns have had a long wait for any reasonable internet access. Our village of Casperia is just now getting it, so while we haven't been able to offer it in the past, we hope to be able to do so shortly. I understand the Italian government is planning on making a significant investment in Italy's internet infrastructure, but until that happens, please don't blame all casa vacanze owners for not having internet until it becomes more available and it is clear its absence is the owner's choice. At least the more you go off the beaten path.

quote:

please don't blame all casa vacanze owners for not having internet

Of course I don't!
I understand that it isn't available everywhere.
However, In areas where there is high speed internet, it just seems like it could be made available to guests.

I need to write reviews of internet cafes... I think 'Bob' who does telephone sales was next to me more than once. There are some seedy places making $$$ off our obsession.

quote:

Originally posted by bugalu:

quote:

the house has dial-up, albeit persnickety Italian dial-up,

That would not be the 'p' word I would use.

I will keep my complaints to a minimum... but these days there is really no reason not to offer internet services. Skype is the easiest way to keep in touch with family and is FREE if you have a connection.

I don't get it!

Hey Sandi!
Chris is right, here where I live there is a slow version of DSL, but we are contemplating to move in another area that doesn't have anything else than dial up access, which would be hell for me.
The people there -it is aq tiny fraction of the cortona comune- has written and written to the phone companies, but they still say that the people that has asked for DSL is not enough to justify the new lines...

I guess it is the price some has to pay to get living/vacationing off the beaten path...

It is true though that sometimes people get off with it.

I saw 3 adult -so they weren't the UGA students writing an essay for school- each one with their cmputer at a cafè and each one writing furiously on it, outside a wifi spot.
Now, not knowing them I don't know what they were doing, maybe they were checking maps, or writing e-mails, or just stumbling..
the impression though was that they were missing a lot.
On the next table there were a group of people -I assume americans- chatting and laughing..

I don't know...

Agree having free WiFi isn't necessary for me. The point of vacation is to getaway from email, facebook, twitter, etc.

I'm sure business travelers heavily weigh internet accessibility/rates though.

yeah.....
i think thats not too important..
but in terms of people who are internet addict.
they are in favor for this...
@_@