Trish,
I have an air card from Verizon. I found that using Verizon gets me better coverage in remote areas. All I do is plug it in and connect. I also take advantage of free Wifi in areas that offer it since I am charged per MB on the card. I have never gotten close to my limit but I will use free first every time. There are also internet companies that allow connections via satellite for a fee but they are similar to using dial-up and I found them slow and unreliable.
I have seen as technology has changed that many of the parks and camp grounds we go to now offer some kind of connection package as well as coffee shops and restaurants.
JiWire is a great Wifi locator. You can search by state and city and it will let you know who provides free and who charges.