Whether you’re a jet setter who gets away whenever their schedule allows, planning your first overseas trip in your life, or a digital nomad without a permanent physical address, it’s essential to stay in touch with those we care about while traveling. From milestones like marriages, births, graduations, and promotions to just a quick hello we want to send to a friend across the pond, it takes some creativity to stay in touch while traveling. Let’s look at some ways to ensure you let your loved ones know you’re thinking about them when you’re far away.

Postcards & Letters

Postcards and letters for a long time were the only ways we had to stay in touch with people we were far from. Nowadays, with so many options at our fingertips, handwriting letters and notes have become somewhat of a lost art form. The same way we love getting packages delivered to our doorstep, there’s a sincere joy we feel when we get “snail mail,” too. Make sure you update your friends and family’s mailing address on your phone so you can send them the treat of a handwritten postcard or letter.

Digital Hellos

While email is nothing new and personal correspondence through email is typically much more enjoyable than work emails, they’re a great way to stay in touch when you’re out of town for extended periods of time. Additionally, using things like birthday ecards from JibJab or other sites like them are fun and creative ways to celebrate when you can’t be together. You can customize your greetings with photos, music; it’s almost unlimited as far as options. Digital hellos like ecards, e-mail, and online chat are essential when trying to stay in touch with people you’re physically far from.

Texting Apps

When you’re in another country, your regular text messaging might not be possible, so it’s important to download apps that help you stay connected quickly. Whatsapp is an excellent addition to your app library when you’re traveling across continents. Additionally, you can utilize the messaging features on your favorite social media apps like Instagram and Facebook.

Social Media

Piggybacking on the social media apps mentioned above not only is it a straightforward way to stay in touch with friends and family while abroad, but they’re also a great way to share your adventures with them. Who doesn’t love seeing a selfie in front of a waterfall or a skiing adventure? Social media may have some negative aspects to it, but in general and especially while you’re traveling, they’re an important way to stay in contact.

Video Chatting

Facetiming is fun even when you’re in the same household with someone, but when you’re miles and miles apart, it’s an integral part of interacting with those you care about. We’ve all witnessed the explosion of Zoom’s popularity, but it’s not the only platform you can utilize to stay in touch with the people that matter most. You can use Skype FaceTime on your iPhone as well as other platforms. Find the one that is the most user-friendly to you and go from there.

Fun Gadgets

There are plenty of electronics on the market that let you send a gentle reminder of how much you care about the people you’re away from. Whether it’s a lamp that lights up in unique colors when you tell it to (in the home of your loved one) or products like the Love Box that let you send virtual messages or light up when you want to say hello. Just the simple act of the appliance lighting up lets your friends or family know you’re thinking of them at that moment even though you may be oceans apart.

Digital Photo Frames

Lastly, virtual photo frames are no longer something we buy for our grandparents as Christmas gifts. If you’re going to join the ranks of digital nomads, studying abroad, or just gone for extended amounts of time – giving your closest loved ones a digital frame as a parting present is a fantastic idea. You can upload photos and messages to them to keep them in the loop of your travels. They’re fun and have become very affordable in the last few years – an excellent way to stay in touch!

While traveling is something that many of us feel is vital to our way of life, nourishes our souls, and more, it doesn’t mean we don’t miss those that we leave behind when we go. So, make sure to utilize the ways mentioned above to stay in touch with the people that matter most to you on your journey. Happy trails!