travelling with cell phones

I resisted getting a cell phone for a long time. I believed if I was away from work or home, messages could always wait. It wasn't until I started guiding more that I decided it was a good idea for me to have one. The office could get a hold of me if need be, participants, and even my family (and vice versa). I also realized that it was a great resource for making local calls to outfitters, hotels, or even 911.

I find that now, when I travel, I always take my phone with me, especially internationally. This creates a host of complications as you need a phone that is GSM compatible and unlocked, have a converter to recharge the phone battery (or use a solar charger), and a local sim card or a cell phone plan that doesn't charge you an arm and a leg to use the phone on roaming. (see here for more information: http://www.ehow.com/how_2111795_use-cell-phone-internationally.html)

Many people opt to leave their cell phones at home when they go on a trip, particularly an international one. I say: don't! We have had 2 trips just in the past 2 months that had folks with major travel delays. One woman left her cell phone at home and while she was able to find a pay phones to get in touch with me, it cost her a fair amount of money, plus she had to wait to find a pay phone. The others were stranded due to the volcanic ash situation and had to get in touch with us several times for updates both to their travels and how they would meet the group when they arrived. Fortunately, both times the guides had cell phones that could be reached as well.

I definitely still prefer trips where I am away from electronics and truly "out of touch". But I also bring my cell along. You can always turn it off and stick it in your suitcase! It is good to have, just in case. - Deb