Using Your Cell Phone to Extend Your Summer Vacation

LetsTalk.com offers tips on how to prolong your vacation by using your cell phone to stay on top of your work from anywhere.

(PRWEB) July 25, 2006 -- During the summer months, many Americans leave their jobs behind for a week or two to take a vacation. But many of us can't leave our work behind for too long without causing major headaches at the office, so we end up cutting our vacations short.

Fortunately, cell phones are making it easier than ever to get work done on the road. New office-centric features and falling prices enable wireless workers to manage important tasks from just about anywhere, whether by checking e-mail, joining conference calls, or even getting wireless internet in remote areas.

Americans now have the ability to take their office with them in the palm of their hand when they leave for their vacation

"Americans now have the ability to take their office with them in the palm of their hand when they leave for their vacation," says Delly Tamer, founder and CEO of LetsTalk.com.

"The ability to deal with urgent matters remotely and perform a variety of functions from the beach or the campsite really expands vacation options," adds Tamer, "but people should still be careful not to bring too much of their work with them and risk ruining their trip."

Tamer offers these five tips for anyone looking to get work done while on vacation:

• Sign up for "anywhere" wireless internet - Most major cell phone carriers, including Verizon, Sprint, Cingular, and T-Mobile, offer mobile broadband plans, where you can use their cellular networks to get a high-speed internet connection just about anywhere you can get cell phone reception. You may need a special data card for your laptop, but in some cases you can connect using your existing cell phone as a modem. The plans are affordable and come in a variety of options -- your employer might even foot the bill!

• Update your plan before you go -- You may find that conducting business on the road without a landline really eats into your monthly wireless minutes. Avoid overages with a service plan that's big enough for your expected usage and that will let you talk at your destination without roaming charges. If your current cell phone plan is not enough, talk to your carrier -- you may be able to temporarily upgrade your plan without signing a new contract.

• Stay within reach - Afraid to miss an important call or look like a slacker? Just set up your office phone to forward calls to your cell phone. If you use instant messaging (IM) for business, many cell phones have IM clients that will let you stay online while you relax by the pool.


• Crossing the border? No problem -- Even if you plan on traveling abroad, you can still stay connected to your work in the States using a cell phone. Different carriers provide different options: T-Mobile and Cingular use GSM networks, which are accessible in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Sprint and Verizon use CDMA networks, found throughout most of North and South America. In some cases you can use your existing cell phone in your destination country, or else your carrier may be able to rent you a compatible cell phone with your same phone number -- just watch out for high per-minute rates.

• Get smart -- "Smartphones" like the Treo, the BlackBerry, and the Nokia 9300 aren't just for big-shots anymore. It's more affordable than ever to get a multifunction cell phone with wireless internet capabilities and the ability to view office documents such as Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations. Your existing cell phone may also be able to receive e-mail -- check with your carrier about setting it up.

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