8 Ways to Keep In Touch With Family Overseas

If you are moving away or currently live abroad, it can be challenging for your family members to see you go. It’s never nice knowing you won’t be able to see each other regularly; however, you will adapt and get used to the change of scenario.

That said, it is important you regularly stay in touch and communicate with each other on a regular occurrence, just as if you lived near each other. The good thing is that there are many ways you can get in touch, from video calls to letters and Facebook messages. With the power of the internet, you can always celebrate birthdays and special occasions with your loved ones. Below are seven ways to keep in touch with family who lives overseas. 

Facebook messenger or WhatsApp

Once you have moved abroad, dealing with the buying of furniture, the hdb resale transaction, and other elements involved with moving, you will want to get hold of your family to let them know how it is going. With time zones sometimes being a little tricky depending on how far away your family members are, a simple message on Facebook or Whatsapp can be a great way to keep in touch. Ensure you are regularly messaging and sending photos to show each other what you have been up to. You could even create a group chat so your other family members can stay in touch and see what you are all up to. Both Facebook and Whatsapp use the web, so it won’t cost you anything to continually message each other weekly or daily. 

Zoom Calls 

Messaging each other will do the trick while you are both busy and living your separate lives; however, make sure you regularly schedule zoom calls. A zoom call is a video call that allows you and as many family members to connect and video calls each other simultaneously. Seeing each other is a great way to feel as if you are there with them and see how well they are doing. Video calls are also more personal and great fun as you can plan to have a drink together, celebrate a birthday or special occasion or play some games and have some quality family time. 

Letters 

Sending each other letters is a great way to surprise them and let them know you are thinking of them. This is something that isn’t done as much, but it is a really lovely surprise when you receive this instead of a bill in the post. Why not purchase a postcard of something to do with the local area which they can keep and put on display in their property? You can then keep theirs as well when they return one back. 

Social Media Channels 

Having a social media channel is a great way to stay connected with your loved ones. Channels like Instagram allow you to post photos and stories of what you are up to, updating your family member, as well as your friends. You can both comment and like each other’s photos so that they know you are thinking of them. Facebook, you can leave a message on each other’s profile and again share photos with each other so that you are always connected and don’t lose touch. 

Email

Another way to communicate that isn’t mentioned as much is to email each other. An email is a great way to write a letter to your loved ones, it is sent instantly, and they can read it as soon as they see it. It’s easy to attach photos of your week and can easily be accessed on any device. If your loved ones aren’t on social media, this is a great way to stay in touch. 

Game Consoles 

This isn’t for everyone, but if you enjoy your game consoles as a family, this could be a great way to stay in touch. Arrange a time each week where you both log into your Xbox or Playstation and play a game together. If you have a headset, you can talk while playing and have excellent catchups while getting competitive against each other. No matter your interests, there is a game for anyone, from Fifa for sportspeople. to Call of Duty if you enjoy shooting games. If, as a family, you enjoy a more relaxing scenario, you could opt for some quiz games or interactive ones. 

Start a travel blog 

A blog is a great way to update not only your family but also your friends as well. Each week put some time aside to write a blog about your week and what you have been up to. Attach some photos or videos to the post, and when your family members are online, they can go to your site and read about your travels. If you are good at storytelling, you may find other people are interested in your journeys and start following you, regularly reading what you post. In the long run, this could lead to you earning some money from your blog. Being abroad should make it easy to work from home and earn a side income too.

As you can see from the above, there are many ways you can keep in touch with your loved ones, if you or they live abroad. Make sure you are setting up calendar invites and regularly video calling to stay in touch. Sending them a message every now and then will put a smile on their face but also yours once you get a reply. You can always send them presents in the post for their birthdays and Christmas and just as a surprise when you want to treat them and send them your love. (after all, it’s usually easier for the one moving away). 

How do you stay in touch with your loved ones? Have I missed something that you do regularly to keep in touch? Let me know in the comment box below; I would love to hear from you.