So, right now I use a prepaid phone with Virgin Mobile, and they don't have any roaming available, not even for an extra charge, and they especially don't have any international roaming available. Even if they did, most countries don't support non-GSM networks as consistently. Therefore, I'm looking at getting a cheap unlocked world phone with a SIM card meant for people traveling internationally often. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Telestial seems like the best option so far, but even that has some gotchas and reviews on Amazon that make me think twice. I don't plan on using this too much, just something to keep my family updated back home as my trip goes on (just a quick "made it on a flight from XYZ" for example) or emergencies. Something with a US number is required. Monthly fees is a big no-no, but having to top up every 6 months or whatever isn't so bad.

Any suggestions? I also know about Skype and them, but that can be kind of clumsy, especially in a busy airport (which may or may not have free wifi!)