You've Got Mail!

Connect from Abroad Without Carrying Your Own Computer

By Kent St. John

Communicating with home while abroad used to be an expensive and often frustrating experience. Time zones alone can make it difficult. But with a little predeparture research you can greatly reduce the expense and headaches both for you and for those you leave behind.

The first step is to sign up for a free email address at one of several sites before you leave (see sidebar). You will be given a user name and password. Keep these and the web address of your carrier with you; without this information it is impossible to receive your messages. With it, you can receive messages any place with Internet access. Even if you have an email address on major services such as AOL, CompuServe, or Prodigy, it’s a good idea to get a second web-based address for backup.

There are some benefits if you can log on to your regular server. It is easier to use because you are familiar with your server’s outlay; also, that’s the address that most people have for you. And downloading your mail may be more secure. (Be sure to give your backup address to those you must keep in touch with. If you are using a web-based server, be sure to erase all your mail after viewing.) Whether you’re using a server or a web-based site, it’s a good idea is to email yourself all the addresses and travel info web sites you may need for your trip. If any important information gets lost, you can retrieve it by picking up your mail.

Finding and Using Cyber Sites

There are several ways to find places where you can email: If you are headed to Europe, the web site [http://eyesite.simple.com/ eurocybercafes/] will give you names and locations of cybercafes throughout Europe. I always take a copy of Cybercafes: A Worldwide Guide for Travelers. Most cafes have an expert on hand to assist you in connecting to your email address. Other travelers will also be very helpful to first-time users. After your first visit you will realize that you don’t have to be a computer whiz to access your mail.

Payment in cybercafes is usually based on the time you are actually on the computer. Some places charge a minimum, so it may be wise to plan to send all your messages at the same time.

While every cafe has its own style and services, all are geared to travelers. This makes them a comfortable place to relax and meet others on the road. Sharing a local beer or coffee can lead to new friendships and lots of travel information as well as bulletin boards for housing, job opportunities, and local events.

Cybercafes are not the only places to access your mail.

Department store Internet kiosks are also opening in Europe, and in the bigger cities in Asia they are common. Some are free. Airports and train stations are now installing kiosk-style machines that require a credit card and tend to be expensive.

Email in Your Pocket

If you want to send and receive email without using a cybercafe, a service called “Pocketmail” is available for $9.90 a month. But first you must buy a small organizer device from Sharp ($99) or JVC Electronics ($129). An adapter for Palm Pilots is also available. These checkbook-size devices have a small keyboard and screen and an area to place over a phone mouthpiece. To use, you simply type in the emails you want to send and then dial up a number connecting you to Pocketmail. With a push of a button all your mail is then sent out by the company. To receive, push another button and your email is downloaded into your device.

Pocketmail claims that virtually any phone worldwide can access their system. The big benefit is that in one short call many messages are exchanged. For longer trips on which you must make numerous overseas phone calls this is a great option.

By using email, such problems as busy signals and missed calls are eliminated, and by accessing various web sites on the road, an enormous amount of travel information is available without carrying a load of guidebooks.

KENT ST. JOHN is senior travel editor for www.GoNomad.com.