Avoid costly overseas phone costs with global Wi-Fi device

My husband and I read “Hot Spots to Access Internet Affordably” [More for Your Money by Myscha Theriault, June 8]. While we have heeded the huge cost problems of using our U.S. iPhones overseas even to the extent of removing the SIM cards “just in case” and have limited our Googling to Starbucks locations, we have found a good alternative.

Travelers can easily rent a sleek little device for $12.95 or less per day that will work with phones, tablets, laptops, etc. The charges are only for the days used once it’s in use. You just go online, order it, and you’ll get it delivered to your home in a couple of days (so you have to plan ahead). And of course, once you’ve returned to the U.S., you mail it back. The way it works is that you take said neat little device, turn it on and set it next to your phone/laptop/tablet and onto the Internet you’ll go.

There are several companies that provide this service, but we think the best one is Telecom Square, a Japanese company that has a U.S. base. Here’s a comparison link, which gives intel on the phone companies’ farcical international plans compared with Telecom Square’s device: bit.ly/1kHngd7. Its phone number is (855) 412-4500. A competitor offers similar services for $14.95 a day at www.xcomglobal.com.

Bonnie MacAdam

Valley Glen

Jay Jones’ article on getting high in Sin City was a lofty look at a towering subject [“Good Bets for Getting to the Top,” June 15]. He not only pointed out the five high spots in and around Vegas with exceptional views, but also provided a brief but interesting background on each venue. The just completed 550-foot High Roller Ferris wheel on the Strip stands out as one heck of an interesting way to view Vegas as the giant wheel makes its 30-minute rotation.

I’ve personally experienced the view at the top of the Stratosphere at 1,149 feet and can only relate it to a feeling of being in a stationary airplane that affords views of the entire valley and surrounding mountains. If one should ever tire of the 24-hour incessant gambling scene, these elevated view venues will provide a brief interlude and temporary peace of mind.

Bill Spitalnick

Newport Beach

Hiking works too

Although an off-road motorbike may be a good way to see much of Death Valley, I believe Charles Fleming missed the mark on Titus Canyon [“Rev Up Off Beaten Path,” June 1].

Nowhere in the article does it mention the approximately two-mile hike starting on the western side about 2.6 miles off Scotty’s Castle Road. Walk the canyon for two miles and then retrace your steps.

This section is a slot canyon that is best enjoyed by hiking it, taking your time and stopping occasionally to view the rock canyons towering above.

I saw two chuckwallas along the way. Do this early in the day, though, at least by 9 a.m., so that you can get back to the entrance before someone on an annoying motorbike comes zooming through.

Susan Hightower

Los Osos, Calif.