How I Stay in Touch with Loved Ones While Traveling Abroad
How you stay in touch with loved ones while traveling is a personal choice. If you’re only away for a week or so, it might not be a big deal. However, for those who are traveling for a longer time, it can become more important. Over time, I’ve found a few ways to keep in touch while I’m on those longer trips.
Now, I am assuming you are traveling somewhere where internet or cell phone service exists. If not, you’ll have to look for more specialized options. However, if so, you have a few options to choose from.
This is the easiest way to keep in touch. If you have a smartphone, all you need to do is make sure you have an email application downloaded. Whenever you pop in somewhere with Wi-Fi, you can check in. It’s simple and no fuss.
Skype
Skype is the other classic method of keeping touch. It allows you to video call and message. Plus, you can use it on either a computer or phone. If you can get Wi-Fi, it’s pretty simple to use.
Social Media
You can send messages via social media such as Facebook Messenger. This is good for people that you aren’t particularly close with (who don’t have your email). Having a messenger app will allow you to receive updates without having to check into Facebook.
I think Skype and email are the easiest options if you are traveling for only a little while. They don’t require any additional devices and very little setup. You can check in as needed and video chat when you want.
For extended trips, I use a bit different setup. The main reason is that I occasionally have found it helpful to be able to make phone calls to the US.
Google Voice
Currently, I use Google Voice. You can get a Voice number for free with a Google account. Mine even has the local area code of my home base. The nice thing about this is I can make phone calls to the US as if I were in the US. I have called my bank, doctor, and others without any hassle. I’m even able to call relatives who only have landlines. Plus, anyone can text me as well (included group texts). Verification texts can even go through (more on this later.)
Google Voice works over the internet. So, it’s free to use while I have Wi-Fi. While traveling, I usually purchase a SIM card with some data. That way I can have a local number to make reservations, text new friends, etc. But, it also allows me to use Voice while I’m away from Wi-Fi too. If someone would need to contact me in an emergency, they can.
This is considered a VOIP service. That means that it works while you have internet service. But, it can affect what verification texts you can receive. One of my credit card companies sends me texts as usual. However, another one cannot use VOIP numbers. This ability varies from company to company. I recommend you know which work before you actually travel and rely on this.
Local SIM
As I mentioned, I generally get a local SIM if I’m traveling for an extended period of time. This allows me to make calls and text while traveling. Plus, data can be helpful – using Google Maps, Uber, etc. Many countries offer a discount service that is still pretty good. (I paid $10 for a month in Austria with 8 GB of data.) You might have to look around a little bit to find what works best.
Note: The EU also has a roam like you’re home agreement. With some restrictions, you can buy a SIM card in one country and continue to use the service in another. Be sure to check the fine print if you do go this route.
My cell service in the US is through Ting, so I essentially pay $6 per month for them to hold my number while I’m abroad. When I arrive back in the States, I insert the Ting SIM and have pay-as-you-go service again.
This is the set up that I use currently. Over time, it has evolved as I find better options. Overall, I am able to have cheap service and keep in touch with loved ones. Do you have any tips for staying in touch while traveling? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo by Mesut Kaya on Unsplash
