In all of the trials and tribulations of becoming a travel writer, it didn't take me long to realize that if I didn't start using international cell phones, I wasn't only going to be a starving artist, but my parents would disown me for not keeping them abreast of my activities abroad. Trying to make it on my own--as a writer, no less--I could spare no expense on things like international roaming fees and other such nonsense. As I began traveling more and more, it become apparent that a good international cell phone rental service would be critical to my keeping in touch with loved ones and other important people. Not to mention, as my destinations became more remote and even dangerous at times, a phone was an indispensable asset. After several years of getting my feet wet as a travel writer, I finally started making a little money and securing some pretty hefty assignments. My first major trip was to Antarctica. Nervous and thrilled all at the same time, my wife and I wrung our hands over every little detail in preparation for the journey. Of course, her biggest concern was how I would stay in contact with her and the kids. I reassured her that the magazine would be funding a satellite phone rental for me, and as long as I had plain view of the sky--which is not usually a problem in the arctic--I would have freedom to call anyone in the world. This made her feel a lot better. The trip was smooth and without incident, and I was able to communicate with my family on a daily basis--not to mention have a mode of contact in case of emergency when I was out in the field. I travel a great deal in Europe and the Middle East, and for the most part, an international cell phone rental suits my needs during those trips. It's only when I go "off the grid" to places like Tanzania, Easter Island, Machu Picchu, and Tibet that I need a satellite phone rental. To be honest, these phones have probably saved my life, on more than a few occasions. Once I was stupid enough to venture out into the desert of Namibia, which happens to be the second most sparsely populated country in the world after Mongolia, for your information. After a short time I became hopelessly lost, and I had to swallow my pride and call in for a rescue...turns out I was only a kilometer or so away from camp. And to think that I had bragged about my excellent sense of direction after being warned not to venture into the desert without a guide. I have since learned to always heed the advice of the natives, wherever I am. I guess the point of all of my ramblings is this: if you're traveling somewhere internationally for more than a week or two at a time, look into international cell phones. If you're going somewhere remote and desolate like the Namibian desert--which, although beautiful, is not a friendly place to be left alone without contact--get yourself a satellite phone rental. Heaven forbid you have any major emergencies during your travels, but you never can be too cautious. Phones are important, people! If you're traveling to get away from it all and want to relinquish all contact with the outside world, by all means, turn your phone off, but keep it nearby at all times.
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