When traveling abroad, I always make sure that I bring my mobile phone with me, with call roaming activated. It makes me feel more secure, knowing that I can easily get in touch with anyone, if needed.

Roaming charges, though, could be very expensive. Hence, it is always best to check the cost to use your mobile phone abroad before you even get on that plane. You need to find out how much they charge for calling or sending SMS messages from your country of destination to wherever it is you may be calling. You also need to know how much you would have to pay if you answer a phone call from abroad. It may seem ridiculous but there are actually people who are still not aware that they have to pay for the roaming cost, even when receiving phone calls.

For those travelling within the European Union, you will be glad to know that roaming charges will substantially fall with the new pricing regime.

Now, if you will be travelling outside the EU then you have to be extra careful. As I mentioned, you need to check with your phone provider regarding detailed roaming costs. If you want to keep the cost down, keep in mind that you should send an sms or make a phone call only when it is absolutely necessary. Otherwise, you should probably just go to an internet cafe and write updates for your friends and family.

Oh yea... a travel blog is a great way to update people back home. It would save you from telling the same story over and over again.