Often, the access speed to the web in a college library is faster than in a public library. In addition, if you have problems surfing the Web, you may find a friendly college student who can give you a few tips and pointers. Cyber-cafes in many forms have appeared. More are coming. Credit card payment is required for kiosk access.
Many hotels now accommodate modem connections.
However, if your are at a campsite in the wilderness with only a public pay phone, a special gizmo is needed. It allows you to use the headset from the public phone to 'jack in' your laptop. This is included with the gadget. Make sure the batteries in your computer are fully charged or you have an AC adapter that plugs into the car's cigarette lighter. Whether away from home for a day or a month, you will want to get on the Net.