Traveling out of country with iPhone 4?

I'm going on vacation out of the US For a week. I want to use my phone to take pictures, post pictures to Instagram, text friends(with iPhones), etc. How can I do that without getting a high bill? Should I make them text my iMessage email or my regular cell number. Aside from turning off cellular data and data roaming, what else should I do?

You can use Wi-Fi and not get charged for data.

Check with your Wireless Carrier first. Since you'll only be gone 1 week, they may simply offer an International Calling & Data Plan available for a short period of time; like 1 month. And it might not be expensive.

(I believe AT&T calls these "Temporary International Calling / Temporary International Texting")

If you do add features to your Phone Plan make sure to find out if they can be easily added and dropped ~ I noticed some online forums where people got advice in a retail store that was different from the truth that they got from calling AT&T reps after their trip. So to change any "features": call the actual Carrier first, verify International feature adding and changing, and only do this with the help (over the phone) with the Carrier Rep (not online from your computer, and not from/at a retail store).

Using Wi-Fi, Skype, Texting, Emailing:
If adding any calling or texting is not an option: find out if there are ways to use Wi-Fi for free calling and texting while you are on vacation. Skype might enable you to make calls for free when you are in a Wi-Fi area, plus using Wi-Fi I would assume email is always free, and texting may be too. But be sure to ask the Carrier's Telephone Representative (not the retail store). [ie ask: "When I'm in Spain at a Wi-Fi coffee shop and using Wi-Fi, will all my emails, texts, and Skype calls be free?"]

Does the hotel offer free Wi-Fi?:
Make a phone call to your hotel or place you plan to stay, and check into the Wi-Fi available; and see if they can email you a quick list of Wi-Fi hotspots around their hotel. Is hotel Wi-Fi free, or does it cost there?

Apps for Wi-Fi locations, Skype App and Accounts, Laptop Wi-Fi sharing:
Check for Apps that help you locate Wi-Fi areas, these might also be helpful. If you need more info on Skype, do a little research first online. If you are taking a laptop/notebook PC that has a Wi-Fi card/adapter - if you are using the hotel ethernet connection (because they don't have Wi-Fi, only an ethernet/wired connection) you can turn on your laptop to become your Wi-Fi hotspot; some people don't know that this is possible. (I think I discovered the last tidbit of info on the site LifeHacker )

Have a good trip, take plenty of pictures~ B