So you’re going abroad this spring or summer, and you want to stay in contact with stateside family and friends while you’re gone.  Just pop your cell phone in your purse or luggage and you’re all set, right?  Wrong.  Dealing with telephone communications when you’re on a different side of the ocean is not quite that simple.  Issues from compatibility and accessibility to price will affect the ways in which you can best communicate.  While I’m looking at this issue from a U.S. perspective, the same issues can apply regardless of location.  The fact is, when you move from one zone to another, your phone may not be prepared to make the move with you.

The Quandary of International Calling

If you normally have a U.S. phone and calling plan, there are a variety of problems that may face you when traveling abroad:

1. Your phone may not be compatible.  Different phones use different cellular technology, and depending on the available networks in the country you’re visiting, you may not be able to use your phone without adjustments.  Most phones use GSM or CDMA technology.  While GSM is the standards of most Latin American, African, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries, CDMA is used in many European countries. U.S. carriers Verizon and Sprint PCS use CDMA technology, while AT&T and T-Mobile operate on GSM. Your phone must also be able technologically to make international calls; some phones can only be used domestically.
2. Your costs may be prohibitive.  Depending upon the calling plan you currently have, you may be hit with astronomical international roaming charges when you are abroad. And even with an international plan, calling rates for individual countries can run up to several dollars per minute.

What Are Your Communication Needs when Traveling?

When considering what phone arrangements you need to make before heading overseas, start by considering three variables:

1. How long will you be gone? Taking a 3-4 day long weekend tour won’t require the same communication arrangements as an entire summer abroad.  And if you’re a constant globetrotter dealing with international calling on a constant basis, you need a permanent solution.
2. Where are you going? Going back to the issue of cellular technology compatibility, check to see the available networks in the country you’re visiting, as well as calling rates
3. What will be your primary type of phone usage? Your phone needs will vary, depending upon whether you’ll be using your phone to make calls to friends and family, recieving business calls, or calling mostly within the country.

Next Steps

Before you toss your phone out the window in frustration, check with your cell phone carrier.  Find out about any compatibility issues for your phone, and check about its available international rates.  Some carriers have global phone loaner programs and other options for travelers, so gather all the facts before you make a decision on the best solution for you.  Find your provider’s online international services link as a place to start.

Possible Solutions

There are several ways to handle phone communications when you’re going abroad, including the following:

1. Using your own cell phone with an international calling plan;
2. Purchasing or borrowing a global phone from your U.S. carrier;
3. Purchasing or renting a cell phone in your destination country;
4. Using a VoIP service such as Skype;
5. Using an international SIM card with your own cell phone.

The viability of a particular option is going to be based on what you’ve found out about your phone, and how you’ve determined you’ll be using it abroad.  For example, an international SIM card will only work if you have an unlocked GSM phone, so Verizon phones, for example, are excluded from this option.  Or if you’re making a low volume of calls primarily to the U.S., renting a cell phone in another country won’t be very cost-effective.  Check online and familiarize yourself more with each of these options before you make a decision.

Final Tips

Once you’ve decided on the best phone option while you’re gone, make sure you also do the following:

1. Check the voltage requirements for the country you’re visiting and bring a compatible power converter for your phone charger.
2. Save frequently used phone numbers, emergency contacts, transportation and hotel numbers in your phone’s address book.  Make sure you enter the numbers using the international dialing format; e.g., “+011.”
3. If you use a smart phone, turn off the “Automatic” function for checking emails and set it to “Manual.” You’ll reduce data roaming charges, and you can wait to check messages when connected to free WiFi in a hotel lobby or café.

By doing your homework and following a few simple tips, you can make your overseas phone experience much easier and more affordable.

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Who would have thought the best kosher Scottish Single Malt would come not from Israel (sorry), but from a town of less than 4,000 people in the Scottish Highlands.

That’s right, I’m choosing Glenmorangie as the best.  Glenmorangie isn’t kosher, is it? Yup, it sure is–certified by the Orthodox Union (OU).  This certification allows a whole new single malt Scotch drinking base to bring back to its Scottish headquarters.

What makes Glenmorangie’s single malt whisky so special (other than its kosher certification) is its process.  The best single malts are made using only high quality ingredients, then letting them “do their thing” in white oak casks.

As the Glenmorangie Distillery has been operating since 1843, they’ve had plenty of time to get the whole single malt Scotch thing right.  In 2010 they were awarded the Distillery of the Year title.  Sounds great, tastes even better–delicious!

SO  many have told me that they’re such fans of the stuff that I can’t wait to visit its distillery, in Tain.  Glenmorangie is made in the tallest still in all of Scotland, a fact for which they’re very proud.  What’s the best part of the tour, you ask?  That would be sampling more of the best kosher Scottish Single Malt.  Tell me you didn’t see that coming?

In all fairness, I have to admit I love Tain, a charming Celtic village with a local museum and close to a medieval abbey.

Tain is also conveniently located near five castles Carbisdale Castle is a youth hostel, Skibo Castle (once owned by Andrew Carnegie) that’s now a luxury hotel, Dunrobin Castle, Balnagown Castle, and Ballone Castle.

It’s easy to imagine yourself drinking the very best Scottish Single Malt in the shadow of these magnificent edifices.  Better yet, have a drink of KOSHER Glenmorangie single malt Scotch in a Scottish castle.   Now, that’s living.

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Have a week to spend in Finland and trying to decide on the best to spend your time?  Seeing everything that Finland has to offer in one week can be a difficult task but with proper planning, it can be done. The majestic beauty of Finland makes it one of the most beautiful countries in all of Europe.

For most people, spending a week anywhere away from work and home would be wonderful, but spending a week in Finland is almost heavenly.  From the night sky and the beauty of the famous Northern Lights to an assortment of historic castles and museums, Finland is filled with an abundance of cultural building and other related activities. For the most part, many of theses buildings and activities can be visited within a week.

Start out your visit to Finland with a visit to the capital city of Finland, Helsinki.  The architecture in this city is evident in the array of beautifully designed buildings and the scenic view is totally breathtaking.  Helsinki is home to the famous Helsinki Cathedral, as well as an abundance of museums and galleries.

This city is known for its historic architecture, but is also very family friendly making it the perfect destination for people who come here with families.  Therefore, if you are traveling with children or are young at heart, then plan to spend a few days taking part in activities at the city zoo, museums and finishing out your stay with a visit to the heated indoor water park.

Finland’s countryside is the perfect place to take in the awesomeness of Finland and to enjoy Finland’s natural beauty.  From the elegant castles to nostalgic lighthouses, the combination of the beauty of the sea mixed with the backdrop of the countryside demonstrates the true elegance and beauty of Finland.

While traveling through the countryside, one can experience mountains and forests, along with other items of natural beauty. More often than not, walking tours and other types of tours are available for guests to experience the exquisiteness that the countryside has to offer.

Lapland, which is in the Northern region, is home to the famous Snow Castle.  It is a hotel that is created from ice and also has a restaurant with delicious food that will definitely get your attention.

From Santa Claus’s village and all its glamour to visiting the Ice Park at the Railway Station, the variety of activities and historical relevance are unmeasured. For the most part, anywhere you travel in Finland will be treasured and will be a place of beauty.  Whether you are walking, snowboarding, skiing, bicycling, fishing or swimming, your week will pass by very quickly as you take in the natural wonders of this grand country.

More often than not, the beauty of these natural wonders will only add to the lustrous elegance of Finland and all that it has to offer.  Therefore, as a result of your planning, your trip to historical Finland would be very interesting and ultimately very successful.

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Where in the world is Sandanski-Melnik & furthermore, why would I visit?

Where in the world is Sandanski-Melnik & furthermore, why would I visit?  That’s a simple enough question, with no simple answer.

Sandanski and Melnik are two cities in the Blagoevgrad Province of Bulgaria.  The former, a city of just less than 40,000 residents is quite a bit bigger than Melnik; and is well-known for its mineral water springs.  Oh, lovely–who doesn’t enjoy one of those?

Melnik, on the other hand, is a history lover’s dream city.  Yes, Melnik is still a city even though it has less than 400 residents (all for historical reasons I’m told).

It appears the question to be, not whether to visit Sandansi-Melnik, but which one to visit first?

I’ll go with this, because Sandanski has relaxing mineral springs, I’ll save them for after I’ve worn myself out with all the sightseeing in Melnik.

Melnik’s landmark is the Ancient Roman Bridge, so named because it’s a real Roman bridge.  Other architectural gems in town are the Byzantine House (12/13^th century), the 19^th century Pashov House that’s the Local History Museum, St. Nicholas Church (13^th century), Church of Sts. Peter & Paul, and the Kordoulov House with its exceptionally large wine cellar.

Oh, c’mon, try some great Bulgarian wines.  They’ve been making it here from the mid-14^th century, so practice makes perfect.  It’s been said that Winston Churchill was a fan; maybe you’ll be one too.

Melnik’s countryside is really spectacular, and most noted for its sand pyramids.  They stretch around the city for about 12 miles in all directions–so pick a direction & go.

But, you might want to head towards Sandanski, which sits at the bottom of the Pirin Mountain along the Sandanska Bistritsa River.  The weather’s great here in this part of Bulgaria, adding to the spa-like feel of the city.

After spending a few days hiking and sightseeing around Melnik, you’ve definitely earned a day soaking in its healing waters.  Now I ask you, why wouldn’t you want to visit Sandanski-Melnik?

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