internet (6)

Stuck for internet access? The number of free wifi spots are popping up all around London - particularly in the business areas of Canary Wharf.These have been helpfully mapped on http://londonist.com/2007/05/free_wifi_in_lo.phpfor your convenience

When travelling on business always take your own Ethernet cable and USB sticks with you. Even when hotels have broadband connections, there is often a shortage of connection cables for some reason. USB sticks come in handy if you can't connect your laptop to a projection system when making a presentation.

Going on business to Sheffield? Why not take the train to Doncaster and then another train from there instead of going direct. Trains to Doncaster take only half the time and the train provides wireless internet free. You'll arrive there in a shorter amount of time, have more trains to choose from and utilise your time on the journey.

You should culitvate friends in locations where you are planning to visit. Make contacts on internet bulletin boards and seek advice from like-minded locals on any activities/hotels/restaurants etc.

This is always the best way to minimise your risk when visiting a new city (or even one that you have been to many times!). Also, be prepared to help others with advice on your own city also :-)

It seems that anyone who’s anyone doing business in Dubai takes a room in the Jumeirah Emirates Towers on the Sheikh Zayed Road. It's a huge building in the middle of the central business district and has a business centre with full secretarial services, as well as workstations in all the rooms and free Wi-Fi. For female guests who want it, there’s even a ladies floor where all the staff are women. The advantage of this is that they put a yoga mat in your room and there’s a nice array of luxury cosmetics. Also, if you’re a woman doing business in Dubai it’s best to pack trouser suits rather than skirts; despite the large amount of foreign business here it's still a conservative place.

At Dubai Airport, it’s a real hike from arrivals to baggage reclaim, so if you can it’s best to take a wheeled case that is small enough to be taken on as hand luggage.

If you also like to be able to connect with your laptop while also on the move, Vodafone and other mobile operators have invented an ingenious device: the 3G Data Card. This small memory-stick-like device attaches to your computer and delivers a cybernetic connection almost as speedy as broadband at home. Remarkable little thing – you’ll never again need to search in vain for a wireless connection to send a hefty attachment. They are available at most London mobile phone shops (e.g. Carphone Warehouse).