Internet and Phone

I always bring either a tablet or laptop to take advantage of free internet in hotels and airports.  At the major airports I have visited, you may need to provide a valid email address and perhaps your name in order to register online to access unlimited or limited (60 to 90 minutes) wireless internet.  At Geneva airport, per Swiss law, you need to positively identify yourself in one of several ways (scan boarding pass at designated kiosk, visit attendant at kiosk) in order to obtain an access code for free internet.

I have survived up to 1.5 week trips without mobile phone access.  I paid to use the hotel room phone in the rare instance I needed to make a local or collect call.  You can have your mobile carrier unlock your phone to allow use overseas if you have a plan that allows international roaming (often at additional cost).  You may need to buy a SIM card at your destination country.