And the thing is, it isn’t about keeping in touch with home at all. I use the methods you described for that. It’s about logistics on the road. With a local phone, I have a way to reach local friends at my destination or to get in touch with people I meet along the way. I can phone ahead for hostels, train tickets or information at my destination. They’re for calling the airline when your flight gets cancelled and you need to rebook, or calling your couchsurfing host for directions back to their place. I used to rely on pay phones for all of the above, but they’re increasingly rare and hard to find. They’re also useful for having a local number to local friends at your destination, so you’re not all paying ridiculous long-distance charges.

So now I take the phone with me. And I use it a little. I’ve also graduated to taking my netbook to use WiFi and log on most anywhere and everywhere. It’s just less time-consuming and less expensive than seeking out internet cafes. If that makes me a flashpacker, so be it.

Oh, and word to the wise: Texting at 3am in a dorm while people are trying to sleep is NOT cool.