How do you stay on-line when abroad ?

I've got a Blackberry but want to get a better browsing device to email, browse for tourist info/campsites, do route planning and also some on-line banking when I'm abroad - mainly France, Spain, Germany & BENELUX.

I think I shall be buying a Netbook or something similar but need some type of "dongle" to get connectivity when wi-fi isn't available.

Apparently "3" are good for the UK but which provider is best for the continent ?  Any advice would be much appreciated.