I've had my ham license for over 10 years now.

1) you need a license. You have to pass a test. You have to study for that test. Not super hard, but you need a license to operate.

2) Most popular "band" for the use you have in mind is 2-meters (144 mhz or so). This system uses repeaters to extend your coverage area. Someone needs to be listening to said repeater (another ham operator) for this to be any use to anyone. In my area we are fortunate to have many well used repeaters. That is not true across the US.

A 2-meter handheld (walkie-talkie) will set you back $150 minimum for something of quality. Yes, there are cheap rigs out there and they are exactly that: cheap.

I think you may be better served with a pre-pay phone or a SAT phone as mentioned above. Not to discourage you, but unless you want to pursue amateur radio as a hobby, you're not gonna replace a solid phone.