PHONE TRAVEL PLANS
I check the major plans and decided Google Fi is best for us. Verizon and ATT seem fine but when I checked, I thought the Google Fi Unlimited Plus plan was the best. For a flat fee, I get Unlimited data and texts
I travel to visit family in England so I need a good international travel plan. My Google Fi plan worked seamlessly from the time I turned it on when arriving at Heathrow for the 4 weeks in many English towns and villages and on return to Chicago and home in 2021.
Before leaving, I switched from the low cost Flexible plan to the Unlimited Plus plan. On my return, I switched back to the Flexible Plan.
In England, I called or texted my cousins or message them over unlimited WIFI. I was able to buy rail tickets, museum tickets, and uber rides easily.
On previous trips, Google Fi service popped up on cruises when we were near an Island in the Caribbean.
I had no problem uploading photos to the Google Photo site. Uploading videos takes more space so if you shoot a lot of 4K videos you may need to add inexpensive storage.
PHONES
My current phone is a Pixel 6.
I decided against the Pro version because of the cost. And no phone can get the zoom length of a camera.
Note, lower cost options are available for reconditioned phones.
Of course, you can use other phones like the impressive iPhone 13 and Samsung models. One of my English cousins has a Samsung note, which is interesting-- my wife and I both owned Samsung notes in the past and were happy with them. The new Galaxy 22 series is worth a look.
WHY I STILL USE A CAMERA
I admit that the three phones mentioned above take awesome photos but the long optical zooms on cameras and easy pop in spare batteries allow me to get better photos and videos without running down my phone battery.
I use a moderately priced point-and-shoot camera and carry a spare memory card and batteries.
I have been happy with a Panasonic Lumix Camera with 4K video. Mine is a little old but still works fine.
Newer versions like the LUMIX FZ2500 offer a 20x optical zoom.
Memory cards are inexpensive compared to buying more memory on a phone.
It's a matter of choice of course. Phones can do a lot and reduce what you have to carry.
Note. Just because I have had a good experience I cannot guarantee anyone else will.
Phone Accessory Gift Ideas for Travelers
Memory: Buy the largest phone memory you can afford unless you are using a separate camera with inexpensive memory cards.
Zoom: Consider. Better phone models are larger and have better cameras. They cost more and may not be as good as a camera.
Battery: Consider battery life. Location with directions apps and taking videos consume phone battery life. You can buy small phone recharger units called power banks --some attach to phones.
Storage: Consider extra cloud storage for large video and photo files
Protection: People drop phones so a case and screen protector are important
Drop Prevention: I use a 24 inch tether (example) to my phone case, which has a wrist strap
Adaptor: Consider a cord adaptor depending on your phone charging cord for example C to USB for charging options in some locations. Examples of USB to C.
Portable Charger: This can be vital when traveling all day. A variety of inexpensive chargers are available. Examples on AMAZON
Waterproof: Depending on where you go, protection from rain and other water can be critical. I carry a waterproof case. Examples on AMAZON
Electric Adaptor and Converter Set. I bought a small power bar adaptor and converter set. Some hotels and homes have only one outlet. There are various brands. Example.
Photo of the London skyline close to Tower Bridge taken with Pixel 4
Google Fi Phone Plan
Google One and Storage
Lumix cameras
Google Pixel Phones on AMAZON
Apple iPhone 13 Price on AMAZON
Samsung Galaxy 22 Price on AMAZON
Phone cases with loops example straps and lanyards
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If you are traveling to the UK, you might find Mind the Gap 2 an interesting, fun, and informative read.
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