Tips on maintaining email contact while traveling

You're going to be on the road for a while, but you still want to keep in touch with your family or friends even when you're on the other side of the country -- or the other side of the world! So what to do?

Finding Web Access

Unless you're an experienced traveller used to lugging around a notebook PC and modem, you're going to have to find some way to get onto the Web at your destination. Be on the lookout for cybercafes, web terminals (many international airports have pay-per-minute terminals you can use to access the web), libraries, friends with internet connections etc. Basically, if you spot a Web connection, grab it - you don't know how long it will be until you find another one!

Other places where you may be able to sneak a few minutes of web access include computer/internet company showrooms (if you ask a salesperson politely, you may be allowed a few minutes use of a display system), high-tech trade shows (again, approach the exhibitor and explain exactly what you want to do) or even universities or colleges. Don't automatically assume you'll be allowed to use a system, but explain your needs carefully (if you're on a trip around the world, that alone makes for a good story!) and thank them even if they can't help you (at which point it doesn't hurt to ask if they can recommend somewhere you CAN get web access).

Use Your Existing Email Mailbox

As long as you have a Priority Mail account, you can easily access your email mailbox from just about any web browser using a Web-based interface such as our own. 

You will need to know your username and your mailbox password. It's worth writing these down before you set off, and testing the retrieval system from the comfort of your own home as it's much easier to troubleshoot problems before you set out!