I just want to plug the use of HAM radio gear in travel situations. Most developed places in the world will have 2M radio repeaters often open to the public. This is a great way to keep in touch with your party, repeaters usualy cover a 10-20 mile circle. In less developed places you can use HF radio gear to contact home keep in touch and if using the right software or hardware send and recive e-mail at 1980's modem speeds (up to 2400 baud). This also gives you a community with something in common to tie into. Most HAM's know a little english. Check arrl.org to see if your US HAM license is acceptable in the place you are visiting.  ¶ 10:41 PM