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10 Ways to Get Free Wi-Fi Wherever You Go

10 Ways to Get Free Wi-Fi Wherever You Go

Back in 2011 the U.N. declared Internet access a human right, yet whenever you leave the house or office, it’s hit or miss if you will have access to Wi-Fi.

If you move a lot, you really can’t work without Wi-Fi. You need to learn a few ways over the years how to get access to Wi-Fi wherever you go. Here are 10 ways to get Wi-Fi any time, anywhere in the world.

1. Just ask

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One of the easiest ways to snag some free Wi-Fi is just to simply ask someone.

If a business doesn’t have Wi-Fi, or refuses to give you the password, ask a stranger. Yes, that actually works sometimes. Believe it or not, people aren’t always that stingy with their Wi-Fi.

If all else fails, you can do a little planning and ask people online. For example, you can identify the airports that offer free Wi-Fi by visiting this Foursquare page or login into your Facebook account to access free Wi-Fi.

2. Become hot spot savvy

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Becoming more hot spot savvy means knowing the places that provide truly free and reliable Wi-Fi. These include bus and train stations, museums and community spaces like libraries, city plazas and parks. We’ve even noticed public areas around hospitals and court houses also have free Wi-Fi.

As you know, your phone will scan for open or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Check that when you’re out and about. You may learn that places like your gym or favorite bookstore offer free Wi-Fi.

3. Know which businesses offer free WiFi

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Knowing which businesses which offer free Wi-Fi will save you a lot of time whenever you’re out and about. Best of all? There are a lot of national chains that offer free Wi-Fi. These include:

  • Starbucks
  • McDonald’s
  • Panera Bread
  • Barnes & Noble
  • Target
  • Dunkin Donuts
  • Buffalo Wild Wings
  • Apple Store
  • Marriott Hotels
  • Staples and Office Depot
  • Best Buy
  • Whole Foods

You can also download the free Wi-Fi Pro app for either Android or iOS. It includes a database of 200 million Wi-Fi hotspots.

4. Use your cable company

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This may not be technically free, but if you’re already paying for a cable or Internet subscription from companies like Xfinity, you’re plan may include access to Wi-Fi hotspots. Just login at your cable/Internet provider account and you’ll be connected to Wi-Fi.

Believe it not, cable companies are teaming up so that you can access Wi-Fi from a competitor! Sometimes you’ll notice this new inclination to help you immediately access an opposing competitor’s Wi-Fi right away.

5. Do a little MAC spoofing

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The main drawback with free Wi-Fi is that you’re only allowed to use it for a certain amount of time. You can change that by spoofing the MAC address of your mobile device. This may be used mainly by those who aren’t afraid of getting a little technical.

This process will vary depending on your operating system, but here’s a guide for iOS and another for Android.

6. Join a community

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Instabridge is an online community where crowd-sourced Wi-Fi connections and passwords have been compiled into one convenient location. Besides free locations, users also include passwords for secured locations. The free app can be downloaded at Google Play or the App Store.

7. Find hidden networks

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Apps including Instabridge and Wefi find networks that are aren’t commonly known. Wefi even has a free app for your phone. However, there are a couple of other common places that have secretive networks. For example, most electronic stores provide Wi-Fi because they need to display products. If you’re at the airport, venture closer to premium lounges.

8. Join loyalty programs

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Joining a loyalty program comes with a number of perks, often including free Wi-Fi. Many hotels, including Hilton, Marriott and Kimpton, include free Wi-Fi in their loyalty programs. Because travelers are expecting free Wi-Fi, it’s likely more businesses will reward their frequent customers with free Wi-Fi.

9. Coupons and promotions

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If you’re not a frequent traveler, you can still take advantage of free Wi-Fi offers from hotels by visiting sites like RetailMeNot to find businesses like Gogo and Hyundai that are running a promotion or issuing a coupon for free Wi-Fi.

10. Make your phone a hot spot

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When all else fails, you can turn your phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot through the common technique called tethering. You use your smartphone’s 3G or 4G as a Wi-Fi signal for your laptop or tablet. Here are instructions for Android and iOS.

You can also download tethering apps including PdaNet+ or FoxFi. Here’s to never going without Wi-Fi ever again in our lives!

How Much Food Do You Need For You Event? Part 2

How Much Food Do You Need For You Event? Part 2

Last week we talked about how food and beverage often takes up the largest portion of your event budget and how it’s important to ask yourself few questions before deciding everything.

Now that you have a precise idea of your event catering and guests needs, here’s an infographic that will help you to measure how much food you need for yHOW MUCH FOOD DO YOU NEED FOR YOUR EVENT-our event:

 

4 Ways to Prevent Jet Lag From Sabotaging Your Business Trip

4 Ways to Prevent Jet Lag From Sabotaging Your Business Trip

When you travel for business, you’re expected to be fresh and alert and give your clients your all.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, “Studies show that the condition of jet lag actually results from an imbalance in our body’s natural biological clock.

They describe that our bodies work on a 24-hour cycle called circadian rhythms that are measured by the risk and fall of body temperature, plasma levels of certain hormones and other biological conditions, and our exposure to sunlight.

“When traveling to a new time zone, our circadian rhythms are slow to adjust and remain on their original biological schedule for several days.”

Over the years, we’ve developed the following tricks and techniques for overcoming jet lag.

1. Choose your flight schedule carefully

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If possible, book a flight that will allow you get as much rest before you arrive your destination. Try to arrive in the evening so you can go straight to your hotel, eat a light meal, shower, go to bed and get a good night’s sleep.

Eat a good meal at the airport before you board. You never know what kind of food you’ll be served on the plane, so pack healthy snacks for the flight.

If you take a sleep aid, don’t take it until the flight takes off, just in case the flight gets cancelled and you have to navigate your way through the rescheduling process.

When traveling internationally, pack a neck pillow, earplugs, comfy socks and a light-blocking eye mask to ensure a more peaceful rest.

 

2. Stay hydrated

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Often, dehydration is the cause of fatigue. The air in planes can be especially dry.

Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and during the trip. Pack eye drops and saline nasal spray so your eyes and nose don’t get too dry.

Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake, as these tend to act as diuretics, draining your body of fluid. Besides, you don’t want to have to make too many trips to the lavatory, especially if you choose a window seat.

3. Live in the new time zone

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Try to arrive at least a day, preferably two, before you have to conduct business. This will allow your body to adjust to the new time zone before anything important transpires.

When you board the plane, set your watch for the new time zone, and begin thinking in that time.

 

4. Reset once you arrive

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Once you reach your destination, get some fresh air. If you arrive during the day, take a walk and soak up some sunlight. This will help your body reset its circadian rhythm.

Avoid excessive computer work and heavy exercise close to bedtime; these can disrupt your sleep. If you arrive early in the day, try to stay awake until you normally go to bed.

If you take a nap, try not to sleep more than 30 minutes. Napping any longer might disturb your sleep n the evening. The sooner you can get into your normal rhythm of sleeping and rising, the better.

 

Travel is one of life’s pleasures, and with a little planning, you can avoid the groggy, foggy feeling of jet lag and enjoy your trip to the fullest.