Ah, the trusty cell phone—the modern traveler’s Swiss Army knife. Phones have become our de facto clocks, cameras, telecommunication devices, emergency point of contact, mobile credit card and filing cabinet. Your phone is indispensable. Let’s dive into how to keep it working and affordable during your adventures.

Chargers and Adapters: First, chargers. You can never have too many. Invest in a good portable charger and keep it juiced up. Universal adapters are also a must, as outlets vary worldwide; it’s your passport to global power outlets. Reliable options are available on Amazon and at local electronics stores.

Phone Plans and Roaming Fees: Phone plans are where things get tricky. Before you go, check if your carrier offers international plans. They’re usually more cost-effective than pay-as-you-go roaming. T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T have decent global plans. For a budget-friendly option, consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival. It’s often cheaper and gives you a local number—perfect for those spontaneous pizza deliveries. Look into eSIM cards; there’s no swapping out of cards, and your phone number typically remains unchanged. Websites like Airalo offer eSIM options for various countries.

VPNs for Security: VPNs (Virtual Private Network) are another tool in your digital arsenal. They keep your data secure on public Wi-Fi. Apps like ExpressVPN and NordVPN are top choices for travelers. A secure VPN ensures that your personal information stays protected, even on unfamiliar networks.

Navigation and Communication Apps: For navigating, apps like Google Maps and Citymapper are invaluable. Download maps for offline use to save on data. For staying in touch without racking up charges, apps like WhatsApp and Viber are great. These apps allow you to message and call over Wi-Fi, saving you from costly international charges.

Backup and Data Management: Ensure that all your important information, such as copies of travel documents, is backed up on cloud services like Google Drive, or Dropbox. Use an encrypted cloud digital vault like Keeper for critical passwords, credit card info, photos of your passport and other ID.   For security reasons, you may need to have verification codes sent to your phone.  But wait, you lost it…now what.  Be sure to have a backup email address on all accounts that require this extra layer of security.  This way, if your phone gets lost or stolen, you still have access to vital information.

Cell Phone Theft:  Our mobile devices are not inexpensive.  In some parts of the world, they may represent a year’s worth of wages to local residents.  Don’t flash them around or leave them unattended.  Wrist straps are a marvelous safety accessory. Keep your phone safe and close at hand.  The ‘ULTI’™ Travel Bag by CONMIGO® has a dedicated and secured phone compartment on the padded shoulder strap.  Now you can easily grab your phone to snap memories or to make those important calls.

Conclusion: Keep your phone charged, your plan savvy, and your data secure. With these tips, your phone will be your best travel buddy, guiding you through every twist and turn of your adventure. Happy travels, and may your signal bars always be full!