It seems most travelers today simply refuse to get away from it all. Blackberries, Bluetooths and laptops are packed along with sunscreen as vacationers look to log on upon reaching their destination and more and more NORTH LAKE TAHOE businesses are making that possible.

Cell phones and digital cameras top the list of electronic essentials (according to a survey by the Travel Industry Association of America) and nearly one-quarter of the travelers surveyed (24 percent) bring their laptops, beating out CD and portable DVD players (21 and 15 percent) and iPod/MP3s (11 percent).

It’s not just business that’s keeping people connected. Nearly 20 percent of computer-packing vacationers keep in touch with friends and family while on vacation.

“People used to stay in touch for purely professional reasons, but it’s becoming more of a personal and lifestyle necessity,” Andy Chapman, tourism director for the North Lake Tahoe Visitors Bureaus, said. “Our local businesses see the Internet as a necessary amenity rather than a perk.”

Visitors can now instantly share pictures and stories from the West Shore’s Sugar Pine Point State Park, which began offering Wi-Fi services from its campground and picnic areas in 2005. Gar Woods Grill and Pier in Carnelian Bay offers free Wi-Fi access with coverage reaching to the end of the pier, allowing boaters to connect from the waters of Lake Tahoe. In Tahoe City travelers grabbing quick bites and iced lattes can access their email at Syd’s Bagelry, Aspen Grove Foods and Tahoe House Bakery and Cafe. All three locations offer unique atmospheres, great food and complimentary wireless access. The latest hot spot is Tahoe City’s new Gear and Grind Café, located within the Back Country, a popular biking and outdoor shop. CB’s Pizza, also in Carnelian Bay, offers complimentary wireless service.

The Village at Squaw, in Olympic Valley and the new Village at Northstar in Truckee also have Wi-Fi hot spots at various locations and businesses.

While 16 percent of those surveyed use the Internet on vacation to find things to see and do, 15 percent choose lodging based on the availability of high-speed connection. The majority of North Lake Tahoe properties now offer high-speed wireless Internet either in rooms and/or public areas at no charge.

In Tahoe City there’s the Cottage Inn; Tamarack Lodge Motel; Lake of the Sky; America’s Value Inn; Sunnyside Resort; Tahoe Marina Lodge; and Granlibakken Resort. In Truckee, visitors can check into the new Cedar House Sport Hotel; Hampton Inn and Suites Tahoe-Truckee; Best Western Tahoe-Truckee Inn; Holiday Inn Express; River Street Inn; and the Inn at Truckee for complimentary Internet access. PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn and the Resort at Squaw Creek in Olympic Valley also let guests get connected at no charge. The Tahoe Inn; Brockway Springs; and Ferrari’s Crown Resort in Kings Beach have complimentary wireless services, as does Cedar Glen Lodge; Firelite Lodge; Shore House; and Holiday House in Tahoe Vista. The Chaney House and Rockwood Lodge in Homewood and the Cal-Neva Resort in Crystal Bay are also connected.

The Squaw Valley Lodge and Olympic Village Inn in Olympic Valley, Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort in Tahoe Vista and the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe in Incline Village offer wireless services for approximately $10 per 24 hours. The Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge, also in Tahoe Vista, provides wireless service for $8 per day.

Copy Edge Digital Printing in Kings Beach and Vicky’s Cyber Café in Tahoe City have wireless Internet service, as well as computers for customer use. Copy Edge charges $2.50 per 15 minutes. Vicky’s allows users to buy time from their local provider at $2.50 per hour.

North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from the Reno Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from San Francisco International Airport.