Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
so read the fine print. Make sure the policy at least covers hospital stays and an emergency
flight home.
Paying for your airline ticket or rental car with a credit card may provide limited travel ac-
cident insurance. If you already have private US health insurance or a homeowners or
renters policy, find out what those policies cover and only get supplemental insurance. If
you have prepaid a large portion of your vacation, trip cancellation insurance may be a
worthwhile expense.
Worldwide travel insurance is available at
www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-insurance.
You
can buy, extend and claim online anytime - even if you're already on the road. See (
Click
here
) for health insurance and (
Click here
) for vehicle rental insurance.
Internet Access
Cybercafes typically charge $6 to $12 per hour for online access.
With branches in most cities and towns,
FedEx Office
( 800-463-3339;
www.fedex.com/
us/office
)
offers internet access at self-service computer workstations (30¢ to 40¢ per
minute) and sometimes free wi-fi, plus digital-photo printing and CD-burning stations.
Accommodations, cafes, restaurants, bars etc that provide guest computer terminals for
going online are identified by the internet icon; the wi-fi icon indicates that wireless ac-
cess is available. There may be a charge for either service.
Free or fee-based wi-fi hot spots can be found at major airports; many hotels, motels and
coffee shops (eg Starbucks); and some tourist information centers, campgrounds (eg
KOA), stores (eg Apple), bars and restaurants (including fast-food chains such as
McDonald's).
Free public wi-fi is proliferating (for a list, visit
http://ca.gov/WiFi/
) and even some state
parks are now wi-fi-enabled (get details at
www.parks.ca.gov
)
.
Public libraries have internet terminals (online time may be limited, advance sign-up re-
quired and a nominal fee charged for out-of-network visitors) and, increasingly, free wi-fi.
Legal Matters
Drugs & Alcohol
Possession of less than 1oz of marijuana is a misdemeanor in California. Possession of
any other drug or an ounce or more of weed is a felony punishable by lengthy jail time.
For foreigners, conviction of any drug offense is grounds for deportation.
