Calling Card or Cell Phone?

My wife and I decided long ago that we would deal with any issues that came up during our yearly month trip to Europe when we got home. We both had elderly mothers at that time (one now gone) but decided that we probably would not jump on a plane to come home but would rather instruct others to hold tight until we returned at the end of our vacation. Sounds cold? Not in our opinion, just practical. I have a friend who has not left town in 9 years because he is afraid that his mother, who is in a nursing home, might need him. His choice to make and yours also. Happy Travels

Laura K.,

Given the circumstances (friends that won't respect your "do not call me on vacation" requests) and the short time until departure, you might consider picking up an inexpensive European Cell phone when you arrive. Which countries will you be traveling in?

When you have the phone, send a text message to only a FEW close family members, to let them know the number where you can be contacted. Use voice calls very sparingly to keep costs down. It's usually quite inexpensive to keep in touch with one message daily using text, but be sure to consider the texting limits when you choose the PAYG plan.

Note that if you operate the phone outside the country where it was purchased, you'll pay higher roaming charges. Also, make sure you're clear on how to top-up your plan.

I always travel with a Cell phone (easier since I'm with a GSM carrier) and find it somewhat comforting to be able to keep in touch with family (important to me since I travel solo). It's nice to be able to confirm Hotel reservations or whatever, or for "emergencies".

The Euro PAYG plan will probably expire if it's not used for six months or so, but at least it will get you through this trip. When you get home, you can get the phone unlocked and keep it for future trips.

One final note - probably best to choose a "basic" phone (not 3G). A quad-band with EDGE is all you'll need. A phone with 3G and data plans will cost a lot more.

Good luck and happy travels!

Ask yourself how much you plan on talking; if its just a few calls (total 20 minutes or less) then the calling card is cheaper, although you'll probably have to find pay phones to use it (many hotels charge dearly to connect you to the toll-free number). Pay phones aren't that convenient; with a cell phone you can call from a nice park bench, your hotel room, etc.

Choice (2), if you see yourself making a few trips abroad over the next 5-10 years and you're willing to spend a bit more for the convenience of a cell, my advice would be to get a cheap cellphone that will work on GSM networks. Go on ebay and buy an unlocked quad-band cellphone; I see listings for around $40. When you arrive in Europe if there is a country you're going to spend more time in than others, get a SIM card there. In Europe SIM cards have free incoming calls in the issuing country, better than Verizon rates when in other countries, and better than Verizon rates when calling from either the issuing or another country. Since your new phone number will be the one on the SIM, only the people you give that number to can call/text you. And with a US-based int'l calling plan the people you want calling you can chat all they like for just cents a minute to them.

If I was in your shoes I'd do choice (2) so that you know that if something happened back home you could be quickly reached, while at the same time you've avoided the costs of friends calling/texting you.

I think I am going to order the Verizon Global Motorola Cell Phone. I plan on leaving it in the room when we are out sightseeing and check it around dinner. Thanks for the advice!

We are going to France, Germany, and Italy.

I brought my cell phone (it works over there) but left it off most of the time. We told close friends/family to text in case of an emergency (so we didn't have to call voicemail) and we checked it once a day. Texts can still add up, but much cheaper than actual calls and worth the expense for peace of mind in my view.

Why don't you keep your cell phone off and turn on when you want to make a call.Also on my T-mobile Wing cell phone I can block incoming calls amd SMS if I want to.