Ipad use??

Those that use an Ipad how do you get information when traveling down the road and no Wi-Fi? Some have cellular sims in them but what plan do you use? If you want to "suspend" use for a couple of months, like till the next trip, do you have to pay the intervening months charge even though no use? I want to use my cellular capable Ipad2 but have been told I will be charged for months not used unless I deactivate it. Than I have to get a new sim card to activate again, etc. Help.