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Here are my top ideas for keeping in touch with family and friends while traveling or away from home.

A little background if you please: I moved to a foreign country a few years ago and it's like a continuing vacation! I and my siblings are real close. Being the eldest makes living far from them even more difficult since I naturally am protective of my family. I also don't want to miss out on whatever is happening so my solution: Technology.

1. Cell phones and 3G.

Thanks to the proliferation of cell phones that have the capability to do video conferencing, image and voice messages. I don't have to go home to see them; they're just a call away. This is my top choice for quick and convenient talk time. Hearing they're voices plus seeing them via my 3G enabled phone, a Sony Ericsson W660i. It is the next best thing to seeing and talking to them face to face. Everyone can do it.

2. We also get to have quality family time via the internet.

If you haven't discovered Yahoo!'s Window Live Messenger yet, well, it's time to crawl out of your rock and start doing some serious finger calisthenics through chatting. Try using Skype, too. You do realize that you can do pc-to-pc, pc-to-phone and pc-to-cell phone calls, right? Charges apply so just check out the rates with your local internet and telecommunications operator.

3. Homemade movies, anyone?

If you have the time, the inclination and the equipment, sending love ones homemade movies and short video clips of scenic spots you've been to are a welcome change. You can start flexing your acting muscles as well as your filming talent. It takes practice but the quality improves over time. Who knows, you might discover a hidden film maker in you.

4. Send them postcards (zzzzz)

Well not everyone has unlimited leisure time right? If you don't have the time to make a homemade movie of your trip to Timbuktu, you can just send out postcards. To be slightly more creative, consult the first three items up the list.

5. Send them news through the good, old-fashioned snail mail.

I have a friend who prefers mail-sent letters to email. She shares that there is nothing more exciting than getting mail from a friend who lives far away. I agree with her, too. It takes time and real effort to sit by a table, collect your thoughts and then transcribe these unto paper. Beats instant emails anytime.

There you have it ladies and gents, my own ideas on how to keep in touch with family and friends when you are out of the country having fun. Hope you find it helpful.

Learn more about this author, Maria Sheila Chou.
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