Top 5 Ways to Communicate while Traveling

A picture is worth a thousand words, but your family and friends at home may still want a good old fashion conversation. Although it is easy to get caught up in the facebook posts and twitter updates while traveling, there are alternative options of communication. Here are the five best methods of communication while traveling.

5. Facebook Message App

You can now download the Facebook Message app that allows you to talk to people on Facebook more efficiently than the actual Facebook app. The messaging app is quicker for responding and also allows easy group messaging. It is also good because nearly everyone you know has facebook and not everyone needs to have the app in order for you to use it. The con is that the phone tool is not very good quality and messaging is the apps only other capability.

4. Skype

Skype is a popular tool for communication abroad. It is useful because you can either video or audio chat people for free. For a small fee, you can also use Skype to call a landline or mobile phone anywhere around the world. For another fee, you can also buy a Skype phone number that people can call that will connect them directly to your skype account. All you need to be is online. The problem with Skype is that you really need a good internet connection and to chat for free, both parties need a Skype account.

3. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is getting surprisingly more popular in the U.S. It is a free messaging application that can be used anywhere with an internet connection. It can run efficiently with a slow connection and works very well with group messaging. The con is that both parties need the application to message and there is no audio or video options, but the set up is very well done for messaging.

2. Apple iMessage/Facetime

Apple products are very useful devices to have while traveling, specifically because they have the iMessage and Facetime apps. iMessage allows all Apple users, worldwide, who have access to the internet to message back and forth for free. But, even better, Apple products have Facetime. This is a free video tool where users can video chat each other with better quality than Skype and with less hassle. Facetime also offers an audio option that is clear and convenient for making phone calls between users. The con is that your friends and family have to own an Apple product in order to use both applications.

1. Postcards

It does say postcards. There are times when traveling where the last thing you want to do is to turn on your smartphone. Because you know as soon as you turn it on, the emails start coming and the facebook tags start popping up. Why not eliminate technology and send home an old fashion post card? Yes, the postage may cost a euro or dollar or two, but imagine the faces of your friends or family when they get a picture of the English countryside in their mailbox with a personally written note from you. It is priceless.