Staying Connected With Family While Living on a Boat
Living on a boat and traveling the Great Loop is an incredible adventure, but one of the challenges of this lifestyle is staying connected with family and friends. Whether it’s keeping in touch with loved ones or ensuring our kids have a sense of community while on the move, we’ve found creative ways to maintain our relationships.
Here are some of the ways we stay socially connected while cruising:
🎮 Weekly Minecraft Sessions with Cousins
One of the highlights of our kids’ week is their weekly Minecraft sessions with their cousins. They might be in different parts of the country, but thanks to the magic of the internet, our kids get to join in on adventures, build virtual worlds, and laugh together just like they would if they were at home.
The best part? No matter where we are, their cousins can pop into the game and spend quality time with them. It’s an activity they really look forward to, helping them stay close with family even as we travel.
📱 Facebook Messenger Kids
To stay in touch with friends and family, our kids use Facebook Messenger Kids. It’s a safe way for them to send messages, voice recordings, and video calls to loved ones. This tool is especially helpful when we’re traveling through remote areas or when cell service is spotty, as the kids can communicate at their own convenience. It’s also a great way for them to share their adventures with friends back home, even if they can’t be there in person.
☎️ Regular Zoom Calls and Phone Calls with Family
One of the most important ways to stay connected is through regular video calls with family. We schedule Zoom calls with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins to catch up on news and share what we’ve been up to. These video calls allow us to see the faces of our loved ones and keep the bonds strong, no matter where we are on the Loop. We also make time for regular phone calls, especially with family members who aren’t as comfortable with technology.
📫 Sending Postcards from the Water
As we cruise to new locations, sending postcards has become a fun tradition for our family. It’s a way to share a tangible piece of our journey with the people we care about. Whether it’s a scenic marina or a quirky landmark, each postcard reflects a special part of our trip. It’s a great way to surprise loved ones and create a physical reminder of the places we’ve visited.
🖼️ Uploading Photos to Digital Frames
One of our favorite ways to share photos with family is by uploading them to digital photo frames. We’ve sent frames to family members, and as we upload new pictures, they get to see the latest shots from our travels. It’s like sending a little slice of our journey directly to their living room.
We make it a point to upload photos regularly, so family members can see where we are and what we’re up to. It helps them feel like they’re part of the experience even when they’re far away.
👩🏼💻 Social Media and Blogs
For those in our extended circle, we often share photos and updates on social media, or through our blog. Whether it’s a quick update on Facebook or a longer post detailing our travels, these platforms allow us to keep our friends and family in the loop. It’s also a great way to document the journey for ourselves!
The Importance of Staying Connected
Living on a boat can sometimes feel isolating, especially as we move between locations and experience new places. But with the right tools and a little creativity, staying connected with family and friends is entirely possible.
From regular Zoom calls to sending postcards and sharing photos, there are plenty of ways to keep the relationships we value most alive, no matter where we are on the water. These social connections make the journey even richer and remind us that no matter how far we go, family and friendship are never too far away.
