Mom2Max

Recently went solo to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos at ripe old age of 79 years and 10 months. There is NO WAY I could possibly have made the trip without my iPhone. From having to communicate with my travel agent to using texts to take care of some business with rental property in USA and texts to/from dog sitter, just to mention a few. Itinerary information, driver pick up confirmations, and much more.

HappyTrvlr

Starrs is off on a mystery trip!

starrs

I didn't want this to be destination specific - for a couple of reasons.

It's not really about the destination. It was me just trying to figure out what was really bothering me. I appreciate the input.

CubanWaters

If I go to the U.S. and around Canada, I definitely take my cell phone. So many trips I have taken to Cuba and not once have I taken a phone. Total disconnect. My trips usually are 2 weeks long. I might check email once or twice while there but other than that, nope. I will leave a phone number or two to folks back home though.

I wonder though if I might take my phone next time to Cuba. It does have a nice camera.

suze

This is not about a phone.

From the title of your thread I though it was.

mlgb

I have travelled where there is no personal internet available but as others have mentioned, there will be a leader with a satellite and/or cell phone, if it's a group tour. At a remote lodge there is a phone number that is listed for emergency contact. Cruising I often opt not to pay for ship board internet but know that in a few days there will be a port stop. Before I take off I mail an itinerary with lodgings and contact information to my nearest friends and relatives.
If I am going to those kind of remote locations I have to go old school with paper guidebooks, maps and printed itinerary etc.

That is enough for me, but I don't have elderly relatives or pets to be concerned about. PS Now I am the "elderly relative". LOL.

sassy27

Yes this isn’t about a phone or destination but rather how you did when not having a phone at one’s disposal. So many of us have gotten used to being connected that when suddenly not, it’s like we don’t know how to exist. Of course it has more benefits than not but it’s that “feeling” which I don’t know a good word for.

I think that feeling is normal and just takes some time to adjust. For the most part, a phone or connection shouldn’t be needed but I get your hesitation starrs and it’s a good reason.

starrs

Thanks, sassy.

scrb11

No iPad or laptop either?

Will you avoid cybercafes, if they still exist, or the hotel business center which typically have a computer?


It's a quaint handicap, like The Amazing Race, where the contestants are not allowed to bring their phones on the trip. However, they are told to go to a destination and they invariably ask bystanders to look up directions in navigation apps or borrow the phones for a couple of minutes.

They also Google some things as well.

starrs

Nope.
I've been told there may not be any cell service or internet access all.
NONE.
Hence my concern / question.

Trophywife007

Why not do a trial run? Next time you go somewhere for a few days, leave your phone and computer at home and see how you feel.

starrs

Nah. I'll just go, take my phone and see what happens.
I'm WAY too connected to test it beforehand. LOL

scrb11

Where are you going which doesn’t have service?

Back to the 19th century?

Or no service in the building or neighborhood where you will stay? Or maybe some remote village?

If it some place without any kind of telecommunications access, how are you communicating with them and how did they tell you there was no service, either cell or Internet?


It wasn’t that long ago, had to arrange accommodations via international fax and wiring money as deposits to overseas bank accounts.

starrs

Interesting comments.
I'm going to a place where there may not be internet or cell service.
"Will you avoid cybercafes, if they still exist, or the hotel business center which typically have a computer?"
Not in cybercafes. Not in hotel business centers. Although we aren't staying in hotels, so that would not be an option anyway.
"It's a quaint handicap,"
That's not a word I thought of for this situation.

mlgb

IF starrs is going on an African Safari, there is frequently spotty or nonexistent service. In Kruger, the largest public camp was supposed to have internet that one could buy, but it wasn't working.

scrb11

Have very little interest in going to a place without modern infrastructure. There are so many places to see, no reason to go to places where malaria or some other tropical diseases are present. Don't want to sleep in some mosquito tent.

My earliest memory of traveling was to this remote island which didn't have electricity. It was pitch black by 8 PM. OK I was young but I didn't go to bed that early. There was a sign that they planned to build some infrastructure. Even during the day, I don't remember that there was much to see that was memorable.

starrs

Everyone has different preferences. That's perfectly okay.
Happy travels to all!

SPHA

In 2019, my husband and I went on an adventure that took us to Ireland, England, Scotland, Spain, Andorra, Gibraltar, and Portugal.
we both took our phones and hubby took his IPad. We purchased SIM cards for each country with the exception of Andorra and Gibraltar. We used our phones to keep in touch with our B&Bs, hotels and family in all of our destinations. We used them for maps, GPS, and to find restaurants etc.
I used the camera in my phone to take photos instead of lugging around my heavy Nikon camera which takes up a lot of space. My husband used his IPad to take photos and send emails.
I also used my phone to record our Adventure on Facebook and upload the photos for safety.
We did not spend ours in the phone, we used them sparingly so as not to use up our purchased allowances. It worked perfectly.
I also had all our flights, information, hotel bookings and photos of our documents; as well as all phone numbers of our contacts abroad.
For us, our cell phones were a fabulous way of letting our loved ones know where we were and we were safe.

starrs

That's fascinating.
But in this case, cell service - and probably internet - will not be available.
Not available. Not an option. That was what I was trying to process.
My decision = go with the understanding that cell service / internet will not be avaiable.

Mods, will you PLEASE close this thread? It was your decision to move it but it makes zero sense to keep it active. TIA