My bad.
If you want to use Travelmate:
firstboot -y && reboot
That will clean your config.
Attach to a wifi AP. Get it working. reboot.
Ensure your internet is connected to the portal/internet through wifi.
install Travelmate.
Reboot
Now, the only AP Travelmate needs to deal with is the one you have already working, except the hiccups.
Follow the instructions to use that AP with Travelmate.
reboot.
report back.
It may be your adapter.
I find this the most important:
You must use the Travelmate Interface Wizard one time to configure the uplink, firewall and other network settings. The default values work well. Just accept them unless you have a reason to modify them.