Keeping In Touch Overseas

Whether you have an iPhone or an Android phone there are numerous ways that you can make free international calls. Free calls from Android and iPhone means that you can avoid racking up expensive international calling fees. Using your phone overseas on roaming can be ridiculously expensive, so Apps that allow you to save a substantial amount of money are a lifesaver, especially during the holiday season.

Email:
Email is super cheap (most often free), instant and a very inexpensive way to communicate with friends and family overseas. Email does, however, lack the personal touch that a phone call can offer, but is great for long ranty updates especially when you’re both operating in different time zones. Another great thing about email is that you can easy attach photos or videos to show your friends and family what you’re up to. Many of us rely on Facebook to keep our friends and family up-to-date but email is a lovely way to show someone you’re thinking of them for little-to-no cost.

Snail Mail:
This is the slowest way to keep in touch, but often the most thoughtful. When I was traveling I would occasionally send postcards or gifts home for holidays or special occasions like birthdays. This can be relatively expensive, but is very personal and thoughtful. If you’re in Belgium enjoying the divine chocolates, why not send a bunch home for your parents to enjoy? Likewise, a beautiful painting from Cambodia would be relatively inexpensive and very thoughtful.

There’s no right or wrong way to keep in touch, but these are my personal favouites. I tend to alternative between a few of these ways depending on who I want to keep in touch with and the time of year. Bare in mind if you want to send packages home for Christmas, it is best to get these sent off as easy as possible. One of the hardest things about travel is missing people, but with these tips for keeping in touch you can minimise that as much as possible.