Friends & Family Back Home: How to Stay Connected
Embarking on your Great Loop adventure brings a thrilling sense of freedom and exploration. Still, it can raise concerns about maintaining relationships with those you leave behind. Whether you’re worried about staying in touch or your friends and family are anxious about staying connected, there are plenty of ways to bridge the distance and keep everyone in the loop (ha!).
Remember, many Loopers take this journey for just one year. Once these Looeprs complete their adventure, they may return home to rekindle the relationships they left behind.
Social Media
You likely already use social media to stay connected with friends and family. Keep sharing updates about your adventure! Some Loopers even create dedicated accounts for their journey, turning their social media into a shared journal that friends and family can follow.
Texting & Calls
You’ll find phone service is available almost everywhere along the Loop. This means you can continue sending texts and making calls as usual. Establish a new routine to stay connected, like weekly calls with grandparents.
Video Calls
Video calls offer a more personal touch than regular calls. Many free apps provide 40-minute video calls at no cost. This is a great way for family back home to see you’re happy and healthy and for you to share glimpses of your life and surroundings.
Kids Apps
Messenger apps with parental controls are fantastic for kids. They can stay in touch with friends, cousins, and grandparents safely. These apps often include video call features, allowing kids to initiate calls with family whenever they like.
Snail Mail
Though it may seem old-fashioned, sending postcards and letters can be a delightful surprise for loved ones. Pick up a postcard from a local shop at your next stop, jot down a note, and send it off. Receiving physical mail can be a heartwarming reminder that you’re thinking of them.
In-Person Visits
Sometimes, your journey will bring you close to friends and family, or you’ll stay in one place long enough to arrange visits. You might also return home for routine appointments, like the dentist, providing a perfect opportunity for in-person catch-ups.
Digital Picture Frames
Digital picture frames are another wonderful way to share your adventure. Set up frames with Wi-Fi for grandparents and regularly upload new photos. They’ll enjoy a continuous slideshow of your journey, keeping them connected to your experiences.
These methods ensure you maintain strong connections with friends and family while enjoying your Great Loop adventure. Staying in touch is not just possible; it can also be a fun and enriching part of your journey.
