If you are interested in locating Free internet when traveling in your
Vanagon (or other vehicle), you can look them up ahead of time at
<http://www.wififreespot.com>

In addition (as I discovered) some states have free wi-fi hot spots (I
found one such at a rest stop on an Interstate in Iowa.)

In order to use most of these free spots, you normally have to pull up
a web page first (before you do anything else). Follow the instructions
on the intercept web page, then you'll be able to get mail, or
whatever.

I've used this in a Panera Bread store in Harrisonburg. Works fine. I
try to patronize the place too by purchasing something (even if is just
a drink).

Panera maintains it's own list of its stores (and which ones have wi-fi
hot spots.)