Keeping in Contact With Friends and Family While Traveling

In an age where it’s easier to communicate than ever before, maintaining meaningful contact with friends and family can become a challenge. If you feel the only knowledge of what’s happening back home is through reading Facebook statuses, it’s time to try our tips.

Schedule regular Skype sessions. While it might feel strange arranging a time in advance when you’re used to picking up the phone and calling at any time, talking and seeing loved ones will help you stay connected.

Send postcards or letters. Receiving snail mail is sure to bring a smile to someone’s face. Share a fun experience you had, send a small souvenir, or just write a short and sweet “I miss you!”

Write emails. Writing about your experiences and keeping people up-to-date on the adventures you’re having — and “listening” to them in return — will keep your bonds strong.

Create a photo album. They say a picture’s worth a thousand words, so why not share a few at once? Make a photo album for friends on photo-sharing sites like Flickr and share the link with your back-home crew so they can see what’ve you been up to.

Arrange vacations together. Coordinate work and travel schedules with friends and family to visit each other’s respective locations — or spice things up and meet halfway, somewhere new to you both