International cell phone

Number one on my list of things which get packed is an international cell phone. I have one from Mobal Communications, Inc. (171 Madison Ave., Ste. 300, New York, NY 10016; phone 212/785-5800, fax 212/681-7431 or visit www.mobal.com).

You can order the $49 or $99 phone based on where you are traveling; the website will tell you which one you need.

Along with the phone (a Nokia 1100), you get chargers, user guide, handset, batteries and travel adapter. The phone is yours to keep, and you pay only for the phone calls made or received. You keep the same number, so people you want to be in contact with know your number even if they do not know your whereabouts.

ANDREW McCONNELL
Medfield, MA