Internet Access While Traveling Outside U.S.?

awgy writes "I will be traveling to Germany and France soon, and have been looking for a way to dial-up with my laptop while overseas so as to update a journal, post pictures, etc. Is it best to find a regional ISP, or go with a big, international provider? Any catch-alls about European ISPs versus American ISPs? Who would you recommend, and what advice would you give?"