Staying in Touch with Loved Ones and Associates

The longer you plan to travel, the longer you will be somewhat out of touch with family, close friends, and important business associates.  With computers, though, you needn’t be that far out of touch at all. 

 

Many travelers keep a handwritten journal or diary of their RTW experience.  If you plan to do that, and if you have purchased some sort of paper diary in which you plan to make your entries, why not have family and close friends sign it before you leave?  That will be their chance to wish you farewell, and it will be something you have with you every step of the way.  It can be pleasant to relax here and there, looking back on what they have written to you.  It can also help to put your travels in perspective if need be and it is sure to bring a smile to your face.

 

As far as staying in touch, consider some of the following options:

 

-        You may want to add an “auto-responder” to one or more of your email accounts alerting others that you may not be able to reply to their correspondence right away.

-        If you plan to blog about your trip, you can refer people to that either via an auto-responder or through your own personal invitations. 

-        If you have a digital camera or mobile camera phone which connects via USB to a computer, consider periodically uploading photos of some highlights from your trip to an online photo service.  If you do this every week or two, your family and friends will look forward to seeing what you’ve been up to.  They will often respond to new photo postings, which greatly facilitates staying in touch.   

-        If a special moment or place brings to mind someone back home, take a photograph and send it directly to him or her.  A particular family member or friend will respond to correspondence directed solely at them much more often than to correspondence directed at a group of people.  What’s more, you will have memories of that special moment or place that you can both have a laugh over when you return home.

-        Register for a VOIP (Voice-Over-Internet Protocol) phone account if you don’t already have one.  Many internet cafes will offer phones or microphones with a headset which will allow you to make inexpensive VOIP calls when you like.   One of the most popular VOIP providers is Skype.     

-        Send a postcard to younger nieces, nephews, cousins, or siblings from each of your destinations.  This will provide them with a good learning experience, will make them feel some special attention from their long-lost uncle, aunt, brother, or sister, and will provide an enjoyable past-time for their whole family.

Dune Surfing in Namibia

 

© Stephen Braun

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Table of Contents / Site Map

 

Introduction to Round-The-World (“RTW”) Travel

 

Planning Your RTW Journey

 

Preparing for Your RTW Journey

 

Packing Your Bags

 

During Your RTW Journey

 

Culture Shock

Second-Guessing One’s Own Decision To Take an RTW Trip

Accommodation

Eating and Drinking

Booking Local Flights, Trains, Buses, Boats, and Automobiles

Staying in Touch with Loved Ones and Associates

Sending Parcels  Home While Traveling

Visas on The Go and Visa Extensions

Modifying Your Travel Itinerary

Your Country’s Embassy, Chancery, or Diplomatic Mission

Embassies, Chanceries, and Diplomatic Missions of Other Countries

Emergencies

Golden Rules of Travel

 

Returning Home

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