You’re strong, independent, and living the dream; you’re traveling the world, and experiencing adventures in a way you’d never thought possible. However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t want to keep in contact with your family back at home. It doesn’t matter how far we travel, sometimes a little reassurance from a parent or close friend can go a long way – particularly if you’ve experienced something incredible, or have been feeling a little homesick.
Keeping in touch with your friends and relatives back home serves two purposes; not only will your loved ones want to hear about the adventures and experiences that you’re enjoying, but they’ll also need to know you’re safe – no matter where in the world you’ve headed. Providing your nearest and dearest with a detailed itinerary and endeavoring to keep in contact will ensure that someone knows where you are should an emergency occur. Besides, don’t you want your closest family and friends to share your epic adventure?
As well as ensuring that a close friend or family member has a copy of your itinerary and expected destinations, now’s the time to discuss the matter of communication with those you intend on staying in touch with. So, what are some of the best ways to keep in contact with those back home?
Update your social media
Social media has quickly become a preferred platform of communication for travelers from all walks of life; sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram enable travelers to post videos, images, and status updates to multiple followers at any one time, ensuring that nobody ever feels left out. In-app messenger services are great for text communication, video calls and audio messages, and for sending pictures, documents, videos, and links. Don’t forget to check your data plan before you leave home, ensuring that your use of apps and websites won’t cost you the earth while you’re away.
Don’t forget to check your emails
There are few pleasures as simple as finding a local Internet café and settling down with a coffee or smoothie in order to check your emails: Internet cafés usually offer a cheaper alternative to keeping your smart phone’s data switched on. While we’re often content with communicating via social media and apps, there can be little doubt that emails still hold a special place in our hearts – especially if you’d like to send a longer update. Checking your email inbox is also a great way to stay in contact with your favorite products and services from back home. Do you play the lottery? Don’t forget to check your email address for lotto alerts while you’re away. You never know; you may win enough to extend your travels even further.
Start a blog
If you’re going to be away for any particular length of time consider establishing a blog before you go. Updated with videos, stories, and images from your travels, a blog is an ideal way to keep in contact with friends and family members, as well as sharing key moments and exciting adventures. You’ll be thankful for your blog once you’ve returned home, with a bump. What’s more, a travel blog is a great way to earn a little money while you’re away – particularly if you’re happy to host sponsored posts and appraise products, services, and accommodation. As a seasoned traveler you’re no doubt aware of just how expensive your hobby can be!
Send a postcard, or write
We’re so used to occupying the digital age that many of us have forgotten the simplest of pleasures that are derived from writing a letter, or sending a seaside postcard; your friends and family members will no doubt take great joy in receiving post from you at regular intervals. Postcards, letters, souvenirs, and mementos will involve your nearest and dearest in every stage of your adventure. Such items can be placed into a scrapbook, or memory box for you to review upon your return. Just in case you begin to get technology withdrawal, there are plenty of postcard apps available for download before you set off!
Arrange a call, or video chat
Writing a blog or updating social media can feel a little lonely until you begin to receive comments, likes, and notifications. Similarly, sending a letter or postcard will allow you to inform your friends and family members of your adventures, but not keep in touch with their news. Calling and video chats via a service such as Skype, Google Voice, or Facetime allow travelers to enjoy face-to-face chats with their loved ones, while sharing all of the gossip and news that’s occurring back home. Hosted telephone systems are especially popular with businesses if you happen to be traveling for work, while apps such as Whatsapp and Magic Jack can make communication easier than ever. Don’t forget to check your data plan and roaming charges, though!
It’s never been quicker, easier, or cheaper to keep in touch with home while traveling, regardless of where in the world you’ve ventured. Gone are the days when travelers would have to make do with snatched conversations in phone booths until their loose change ran out; these days we’re able to see and speak to our loves ones while we’re away, as well as sending images, videos, and exciting tidbits that we might have discovered along the way. The digital age can make it feel as though the world is shrinking, and yet there is still so much for us to discover. Where will your next journey take you, and how will you keep in contact with home while you’re away?
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