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| So Far Away: Staying in Touch With Long-Distance Loved Ones |
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| In the busy whirl of our daily lives, it's easy to lose track of faraway friends and family members. But geographical distance doesn't have to keep you from staying close to the people you care about. Discover some savvy solutions to help you maintain long-distance relationships with friends and family. |
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The Old-Fashioned Way
Remember the good old days, when people wrote each other letters? E-mail is nice, but your loved one would appreciate the extra time it takes you to compose a thoughtful message, seal it up and pop it in the mailbox. Imagine Grandma's delight in seeing your handwriting on an envelope and discovering a few recent snapshots of the kids tucked inside with a note. Stock up on blank cards, fun stationery, stamps and pens so you're ready to go whenever the letter-writing mood strikes you.
Newfangled Notions
Handwritten letters and cards aren't the only ways you can keep in touch, of course. In this age of technology, take full advantage of the latest gadgets and gizmos to connect you across the miles. If you have a digital camera (or have your photos put on CD when they're developed), you can share your favorite moments with friends and family using online photo albums. Many Web sites offer free photo-sharing tools.
For groups such as your college sorority sisters or Mom's side of the family, a group Web site can provide the perfect virtual meeting spot. Some Web sites make it quick, easy and free to set up an online "community," where invited members can post messages, display photos and announce events.
Pick Up the Phone
Calling your long-distance friends and family seems like an obvious way to stay in touch, but how many times have you called someone — only to get the answering machine? Make a phone "date" with your friend in advance, so you know she'll be there when you call and that it's a good time to talk. Are you worried about the cost of those long (and long-overdue) catch-up calls? Many wireless plans offer free evening and weekend minutes, free calls to subscribers within the network and unlimited long-distance calls. Also, your current long-distance plan at home may offer a flat rate for unlimited long-distance calls.
Face to Face
Planning a special trip to get together in person may not fit into your budget or schedule, so try working in a visit during business trips, family vacations or airport layovers. Also, keep an eye out for last-minute travel deals, which can be a very inexpensive way to take a weekend jaunt to see your friends or family members. Some travel Web sites feature these types of deals.
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