User Activity

I can never access my @Bell.net or @sympatoico.ca emails from MacMail or Outlook when I am oversea.And I dont want to use Webmail.How can I access my emails? would a VPN help? what VPN would you recommend?
I am using a VAP3400 that is hard-wired directly into my Bell 3GIG modem.Can i had a gigE switch in between, ie. hard-wire the gigE switch into the modem and then hard-wire the VAP3400 into the gigE switch?using proper cat6E cabling of course!thx