Few things are as exciting as travelling. You get to eat new food, experience different cultures, and take in some of the most amazing sights the world has to offer. There is truly nothing better! Unfortunately, there is one definite drawback to being an avid traveller: spending time away from your loved ones.
You probably already know how difficult it can be to stay in touch while you’re off making memories. Maybe you’re staying in a remote area that doesn’t have decent Wi-Fi or your cell phone refuses to work properly. It happens all the time. Don’t worry – it’s still possible to make contact. Here are 4 ways for it to happen:
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Plan, Plan, Plan
Never underestimate the importance of proper planning. Before you travel anywhere, there are certain things you need to take care of, like booking your airline tickets, finding a decent hotel, and planning out your itinerary. Something else to think of? How you’re going to stay in touch with your loved ones. Think about things like, whether or not your hotel offers free Wi-Fi. Are there cafes or restaurants nearby that do? Will your cell phone work in your travel destination? Should you bring along your laptop or tablet? Spend a little time planning what you need to stay in touch. It will make you (and your family members!) much happier.
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Use Your Laptop For Phone Calls
Hate calling home because of those outrageous long distance fees? You’re not alone. Thankfully, free online calling makes it easier than ever to hear about your brother’s hockey tournament…even while you’re sunning in the South of France. More and more travellers these days are making phone calls from their laptops. Why? It is a great way to save money and still keep in touch with everyone you know. As long as you have a stable Internet connection, you’ll be able to talk the night away.
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Make The Most of Social Media
You may be sick and tired of spending time on Twitter and Facebook, but while you’re travelling, social media can be extremely helpful. Don’t have the time to write out a heartfelt message to your mom and dad? Send them a Tweet! Want to let them know you’re doing alright? Upload a photo to Facebook. Social media is great because it allows travellers to speak to loved ones quickly and directly. Wherever you are, you can find time to update your status or just say hello.
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Always Bring Your Smart Phone
Want to stay in touch with your loved ones? Don’t go phone free. It can be tempting to leave your smart phone behind, thanks to the fear of a sky-high data bill. This is never a good idea, though because some companies offer affordable international calls. Your phone is a great connection to the people that matter most. To save money, simply speak to your phone company before you travel or get a calling card. They will likely have a package that gives you a set amount of data and phone minutes for your stay. That data can be used to send email updates whenever possible. Or, you can download apps that give you information about free Wi-Fi spots, Internet cafes, phone booths, and so on.
Just because you’re off seeing the world doesn’t mean you can’t communicate with your loved ones. All you need to do is get creative and plan ahead!
