Where to find fast internet when traveling
I often find myself needing to download and upload large files when traveling. The hotel I'm staying at or the airport I'm traveling through usually has lousy internet — except SFO. Seriously. Run a speed test next time you're in Terminal 1.
So I'm building a database of internet speeds at hotels, airports, airlines, and coffee shops so I can do a quick search before deciding where to stay or work in instances where fast, reliable internet is a must. My goal is to make it publicly available. I'll update this post when I do. Until then — go to the Apple Store.
There are 540 stores across 27 countries, most in the US. I've consistently pulled 100 Mbps symmetric over WiFi. If you ask nicely, the employees will usually let you sit at the Genius Bar1 and plug into ethernet2 — I've pulled 1 Gbps symmetric hardwired in a few instances.
It's also a solid place to work for a few hours: natural lighting, air conditioning, bathrooms, and usually a restaurant or shop nearby if you need a break.
The usual caveats apply — store hours, proximity, and how friendly the staff is that day. Showing up with a Mac doesn't hurt.