While there are others who are up-to-date with the latest in the technology, I know enough to tell you that if you are still talking about quad band, you will lose out on the newer technologies. Even if you were interested only in voice, a quad phone (only) won't cover you every where in the world. Quad-band GSM will give you EDGE data rates only. You should consider 3G or 4G phone. The type will depend on where you want to travel, and whether you want it to function with your carrier in the U.S. also.