Hold The Phone!

It HAS been a few years since I flew out there.  Here's hoping no one holds this against me but I don't own or ever used a cell phone.  I just didn't grow up in that era and make do with a landline.  

     My sister has warned me it would be impossible for me to travel now without one.  But I'd like to think that's not true.  She has one, I don't.  But I always travel alone.  When I'd make my air/hotel reservations I'd do it here at the library on their computer.  Is it an absolute requirement now?

               Tim

I wouldn't call it an absolute requirement, but it's a massive inconvenience to not have one. And everyone is going to assume that you do have a phone. From eating at restaurants where you can only see the menu by scanning the QR code, to staying at hotels that want you to confirm email bookings, to the simple need to communicate, you really will face massive problems if you travel without a phone.

I was resistant to the idea, too, until I found out how helpful it was to have not only phone communication but also interent access, navigational aids, and the ability to send texts. And as far as being a Vegas tourist is concerned...there are dozens of ways a phone will make it easier as well as more fun.

You could buy one of those, what are they called, "drop phones" and travel to Vegas with it, without making any kind of financial commitment.

Hardly "impossible to travel now without one."  But they are handy...and don't leave home without the charger! LOL.  And try not to leave it anywhere.  While mine always ended up in casino security, it is another thing to keep up with.   

I'm a step ahead of you, have a cell phone but have never installed an app.  Texting is nice.  GPS is nice.  I don't use mine for email, afraid it will take over my life.

The discounts you might get at pizza places, stores, etc., are probably usually exceeded by your monthly cell phone bill. 

If you've lived and vacationed to your specifications and enjoyment without a cell phone, that's enough.  

But, if you get one, get an inexpensive small flip phone.  Those have all features you need.  I turned in my Trac Fone flip phone for a new android because my husband' friend said it was his preference over the iphone.  I've regretted it ever since.  Mine is so big, doesn't fit in all pockets, have to struggle to get it out of my purse when somebody calls.

But now all the companies have flip phones, which I will get if I ever switch.

  Tim - I was reluctant to get one myself, but these "phones" do more that act as a phone. They are mini computers and provide great resources such as ; the weather, a calendar, a calculator, camera, e-mail, a contacts list - the list goes on and on. You may want to reassess your opinion, I did and I am glad I did.

The fact that you don't have a cell phone is really cool.  I didn't have one until my son was born.  Wanted to have it in case something happened to him or his mom when he was younger,  but have grown used to it.  

It's handy to be able to take pics of jackpots in Vegas,  or catch that celeb that might be walking in the casino.   Have pics with Louie Anderson and Leon Spinks.  My wife actually got a selfie with Frankie Avalon. 

Either way,  it's rather convenient in this day and age, but always do what is best and most prudent for yourself. 

What is this "cell phone" of which you speak?

Thank you all for the information and suggestions.  My main issue would not so much be the expense but my blurred vision.  Am not sure I'd be able to read the small screen, particularly while wearing the contact lens in my left eye. That's for distance and mainly to see easier inside a casino.  The right one has the retinal issue & is like trying to see thru wax paper.  

           Tim

It's very easy to enlarge the screen display. You may have to do some scrolling to see an entire page. You can also change the display settings so that everything is easier to read.

I recommend TMobile as your carrier--low cost and a lot of perks.

I am just a curious person. So I got one early on.Took lot of Apple Workshops free. Now I don't even use a full size computer. I have tablet.Having said that as a senior citizen.Still a lot I don't know or not smart enough to figure out. Now there is my husband.He only a year ago got a smart fun. Because he won't to take photo,s.Look up stuff and so on.He is still very basic.He started with a basic flip

phone.For a person who isn't going to use much.You can get one though consumer cellular.To your original question do you need one NO.Problem is for us older folks there is less and less we can do without one.Human is becoming less possible.Often with extra fee,and long waits.fortunately I think we're stuck.

so May as well get a basic one.

Kevin Good advice. Like I said not smart about all my phone can do. My husband struggles with similar issues. Especially texting because he thinks fingers too big. I enlarged font.

The screen is bright. I rarely have problems seeing .