Why travel with a cell phone?

[spidennis]

Why travel with a cell phone?

Presently, and for a couple of years now, I no longer use a cell phone. Many say "it's a must" to travel with, but back in the day we didn't have them, and I somehow lived thru it. Besides, I never really used it much when I had it ....

I was holding out for the first iphone, now the next version with gps is about to happen. Do I really need it? I'm also considering a "prepaid" or "pay as you go" service. I'm having trouble even trying to justify that.

Now for you that have cell phones attached to your heads and actually require cell phone service do you really need it ? I mean, did you actually use it as a tool to fix your bike and get on with your trip? calling back to the woman you left at home doesn't count. ..... and "just in case" is something I'm just not seeing. Besides, everyone else on the planet has a cell phone, I could just ask ... or use a payphone ......

I have a garmin 2610 and maps so finding gas and other services won't be a problem.

Who of you see my point? and travels without a cell phone?

[Boon Booni]

I believe there was a fellow at BYOB 2008 by the name of Deerstucker, who would've been stuck a very long time had he not had his cellie..

[trturnerfamily]

Maybe you could do without the cell phone and let those of us who see the value in this technology use it without implying that we all have it "attached to your heads". I usually have a cell in my tank bag and find it a handy resource.

Ya Luddite.

[spidennis]

Originally Posted by Gramps

I believe there was a fellow at BYOB 2008 by the name of Deerstucker, who would've been stuck a very long time had he not had his cellie..

you mean he was stuck in the porta can without some buttwipes? and no one was around? ......

[spidennis]

Originally Posted by trturnerfamily

Maybe you could do without the cell phone and let those of us who see the value in this technology use it without implying that we all have it "attached to your heads". I usually have a cell in my tank bag and find it a handy resource.

Ya Luddite.

I guess I didn't mean that everyone has the device stuck to their heads, but you know that many do ..... but a "handy resource" still isn't a "must have"?

With little space on my little WR250F, one less thing to carry and charge would be nice. As it is, my camera will not be using rechargeable batteries but lithium AAs as I need them along the way .....

[mazdarati]

I think a Ham Radio is much more valuable on the trail than a cell phone. I always carry both... yes, "just in case."

Originally Posted by spidennis

I guess I didn't mean that everyone has the device stuck to their heads, but you know that many do ..... but a "handy resource" still isn't a "must have"?

With little space on my little WR250F, one less thing to carry and charge would be nice. As it is, my camera will not be using rechargeable batteries but lithium AAs as I need them along the way .....

[Boon Booni]

Originally Posted by spidennis

you mean he was stuck in the porta can without some buttwipes? and no one was around? ......

or sumthing...

[GaM]

I never had a cell phone until a few months ago. I do a lot of solo backpacking, and other things alone, but never really wanted one. I took a three week trip out west on the bike alone and so I needed to stay in touch somewhat with the office and others so I got an I phone. In texas I found my rear sprocket to be extremely hooked. Through emails and phone calls I arranged for a sprocket to be overnighted to the suzuki dealer in Albuquerque, this would have been a mess, if I had to use pay phones. There are some lonely places out there that don't have pay phones but still have cell coverage.

[* SHAG *]

I haven't had a landline in over 10 years

I can't imagine traveling without a cell. They don't work everywhere, but in the last several years mine came in real handy when I got separated from a riding buddy a few times. Just happened 3 weeks ago in the Smokies on dirt road during a severe thunderstorm. It was dark as night & I heard my phone ringing in my pocket. Couldn't believe there was service out there. Anyway we found each other & all ended well.

[rocker59]

There aren't many payphones around anymore.

Stop by Wal*Mart or Walgreens. They have Net10 phones for $30 that include 300-minutes.

Minutes are 10-cents. Texts are 5-cents. When it's time to reload.

I got one for a girlfriend who has trouble controlling spending.

It's worked out quite well.

[wunlung]

There are almost no pay phones left. I'd get the pre-paid and get rid of it after your trip. You don't want to use your collision insurance either but if you need it you'll be glad you have it.

[BlaSTr]

I carry a phone for one reason - emergencies. It's off when riding and I turn it on once a day, and if I have a signal, can do a quick check of anything important. If I were to do any extended riding I'd get a satphone (either buy or rent), buy prepaid minutes, and probably use it about the same. The satphones have world wide coverage for about $1/minute.

[Serp.]

When I travel my wife makes me take her cell phone with me (I don't have one) but the places I ride don't have service so it's a moot point.

[brad21]

I've got a phone and a SPOT. I value my family too much to not take some simple precautions. AND it's the only phone I have. So there ya go.

[Benjava]

I live in an RV park where the phone co took out the only pay phone over a year ago. An RV park with no pay phone, if that doesn't convince you get two cans and some string....