With the increasing availability of W-LAN hotspots, I just use my normal ISP and whichever hotspot is within range of where I happen to be.
If there's no hotspot, I use a Vodafone Mobile Connect GPRS PC card to check/send my e-mails (or, rarely, to access anything crucial from the Internet). But that can be expensive!
I don't go to places so primitive that they have neither W-LAN nor GPRS coverage.
I use Virgin Net through a domestic W-LAN router/modem; pretty reliable, good anti-spam features, no outsourced call-centres and it has its own back-up webmail if I have to use a public computer to send/review e-mails rather than my own.
I wouldn't touch AoL with a barge pole. Good luck trying to get rid of it from your system.........