At home it's free (since I already pay for broadband).

In airports, standing outside an airline club lounge is a good place to grab email.

Many less expensive hotels have free WiFi, and even if it's not, sometimes it's worth it to me. Also, I don't protect my travel router, so if your room's next to mine you might be able to sneak the signal. (Some hotels that charge for broadband have logins though.)