With the holidays upon us, many of us are making travel plans to visit friends and family. On top of all the planning that goes into a trip like this, the last thing I want to worry about is my cell phone bill. I’ve heard so many horror stories from friends and colleagues who have been charged with outrageous phone bills while traveling. Here are a few tips to avoid the same fate:<\/p>\n
#1 Provide Additional Contact Information to Family and Friends<\/strong> #2 Check Roaming Fees<\/strong> #3 Avoid Using Hotel Phones<\/strong> #4 Limit Phone Usage to Brief, Essential Calls<\/strong> #5 Utilize Features on Your Phone besides Calling<\/strong>
\nWhen I travel, I give my family the phone number for where I’m heading and ask them to try me at that number first. Of course, I’m available by cell in case of an emergency, but this method helps me avoid needless charges. Also, most of the friends and family I’m visiting have cell phones, as well, so borrowing their phone is great for making local calls.<\/p>\n
\nIf you are in a situation where you will be traveling and must rely on your cell phone, check with your phone carrier about roaming fees before your trip. This information will help you manage your minutes and avoid unexpected charges.<\/p>\n
\nWhen traveling, I find that it’s often the little things we don’t normally think about that make our expenses add up; an extra latte, a souvenir at a gift shop, tipping the bell hop or taxi driver. One way to minimize these unnecessary expenditures is to avoid using phones at hotels. These charges are often expensive (especially if dialing long distance) and can add up quickly, so if you need to make a quick call, use your cell phone.<\/p>\n
\nNow is not the time to be needlessly checking email, texting or chatting with friends. Roaming charges can be extremely high while traveling so try limiting your phone usage to short, essential calls. For example, I usually make a quick call to family or a friend when I arrive to let them know I’ve landed and am on (or behind) schedule. If you need the Internet, take advantage of the free Wi-Fi in your hotel or a local coffee shop.<\/p>\n
\nSimple features on your phone can be very useful to have when traveling. Worried about making that morning appointment? Your phone has an alarm clock. Not sure how much to tip at dinner? Your phone has a calculator. Bored while riding in the car or waiting at the airport? Your phone has built-in games. Many cell phones features often go unused and can be an enormous asset when traveling.<\/p>\n