The Quest for WiFi: Free and Fee

I’ve written here before about my love of
free wireless hotspots. I know I’m not the only one who gets giddy at the news of yet another business or public space
that joins the growing list of places offering a free connection to the internet, especially for travelers who need
access all over the world! As I begin this new year, my quest to identify free spots continues, but I’ve also added the
goal of identifying the best and most affordable plans and networks for when I will have no choice but to pay for a
wireless connection. I’m currently searching for free spots in certain parts of New York and New Jersey, plus, I’m
beginning to compile a list of free and fee services for some major European cities, where I will be spending a
considerable amount of time in the coming months. I’m looking for available access in cafes, libraries, businesses and
hostels, but am NOT interested in regular chain hotels. There are already lots of great guides and blogs (including
Gadling) talking about the growing trend of free WiFi in hotels — but I’m more interested in all the other places
(including any rare off the beaten track spots) where travelers can find access when on the road.

As usual,
I’m looking for Gadling readers (and WiFi users everywhere!) to guide me to some free or low-fee wireless locations
that may not yet be on the lists that are already out there. I do search JiWire,
TechNewsWorld, and WiFi Free Spot on a regular basis, and am also investigating fee services
like Boingo in the US and Trustive for
Europe. Here is a list if specifics, if you have any favorite WiFi spots in these areas, or can weigh in on a fee
service you use, please share your wireless expertise with us.

USA: While I’m still living
in the states, I’m desperate for alternative free wifi spots (besides Panera Bread, which I know
about) in these areas: Rockland County, NY (including Nanuet, Piermont, Nyack etc.) and Bergen County, NJ, (including
Paramus, Montvale, Woodcliff Lake, etc.) Anything north/north west of Manhattan!!

Europe:
What fee services do you use if you travel around Europe a lot? I know you can use internet cafes, but what
about affordable fee-based wireless networks? And what about cafes, restaurants, etc. in major cities
on the Iberian Peninsula in particular? Cities like Lisbon, Sevilla & Madrid are top locations on my current
research list. I’ll be traveling throughout continental Europe but am focusing on these areas first.

Please
fire away if you can help!