Abstract: A tool and associated functionality are described for efficiently obtaining information regarding local goods and services as well as making associated arrangements. The tool includes a system (100) for accessing and using a Wi-Fi hotspot (102). The hotspot (102) allows a user device (104) to access portals (116) of a network (114), such as the Internet, via a gateway (106) of the hotspot (102). The tool then monitors (204) the operation of the user device (104) to identify a condition that indicates a captive portal issue. In response, the tool transmits (208) a trip message to the gateway (106). The user device (104) then receives a challenge from the gateway. Once the challenge has been satisfied, the tool establishes a connection to a network portal (116). The tool may access the portal (116) to download local information such as search results, mapping information, or the like.