non cell phone owner

I never take my cell phone with me on a holiday out of the country, and I don't miss it. You should be fine with just your netbook.

lynn,

Given the fact that you stated "we feel like we might need a phone also", I'd consider going with a Cell phone rather than Skype. There are several options you could consider.

You could rent a Phone from firms such as Call In Europe, Roam Simple, Cellular Abroad, Telestial or Mobal. That will provide a phone along with a "travel SIM" that will have consistent rates in most of the countries you'll be visiting (the rates for Greece & Turkey may be a bit higher). Be sure to review their rate structures and terms carefully.

You could purchase an inexpensive quad-band, unlocked GSM phone off E-Bay (Caveat Emptor, of course), and then use with either a "travel SIM" from one of the above firms, or buy a PAYG SIM when you arrive in Europe (note that the rates will INCREASE if this is used outside the country where it was purchased, as you'll then be "roaming").

While Skype is certainly one option, if your need for a phone is "time sensitive", it may not be the best solution as you would need Wi-Fi access to use this. Although Wi-Fi is becoming more common across Europe, you may find some locations don't provide this at all.

I've been travelling with a Cell phone for several years, and will continue with this even if I decide to use Skype. It's with me all the time and using text is a very inexpensive way to keep in touch with family back home (and no worries about the time zone differences, as they get the messages when it's convenient for them). Cell towers are ubiquitous in Europe, so there's never been a time when I didn't have access to a Tower.

Happy travels!

Since you have the netbook and seem uncertain that you need a phone (given the number of question marks you use :) ), why worry about it. I don't use my cell when traveling. If there's an emergency and you have to use the phone you can always use one at the hotel.

A PIN card purchased from a newstand will give you great rates for calling from a pay phone. I've been using them for years. I pack a cell phone now, but rarely, if ever, use it because the PIN card is so much cheaper.

Kudos to you for not having a cell phone -- proof positive that you are smarter than the rest of us.

All the advice about Skype, payphones, etc... is good stuff.

Though I have a cell phone I didn't start taking it with me until I traveled with my kids.

You don't "need" it.

I carry one to call my wife every couple of days if I'm traveling alone.

When we travel together we also carry it and keep it turned on in case there's some kind of emergency at home. (We have no itinerary and wander, thus no list of hotels to leave with the kids.) It's never rung. We still tote it.