Getting Ready to Travel
Keeping in Touch
Sharing your adventures with your family and friends back home is fun, but being in the moment and experiencing the new and exciting world around you should be your top priority. Before you go, it is wise to come up with a plan for how and how often you’ll communicate. But parents, please remember: no news really is good news.
Text or Video Chat
Texting or video chatting over Wi-Fi is a great way to stay connected to home.
- Download the ACIS Travel App and easily share flights, hotels and itineraries with your family via text or email. You can also use the app to access maps and explore upcoming destinations without the use of Wi-Fi.
- Consider using a free texting app like TextMe, Viber or WhatsApp. Download these apps before you go and test them out with friends and family while still in the States.
- Video chat with Skype or FaceTime is also a great way to stay connected.
- Make sure you are using Wi-Fi for these services, not data roaming to avoid unexpected bills. One way to ensure you won’t be hit with any unexpected charges is to keep your phone on airplane mode for the entirety of your trip. You can still use Wi-Fi, and this way you won’t have to worry about data charges.
Wi-Fi Access
Wi-Fi is the least expensive way to communicate when traveling internationally. Some hotels provide it for free, some for a fee, and some don’t have it at all. Research your hotel ahead of time, so you’ll know what to expect.
Post Photos Online
Let your friends and family follow your travels by posting pictures from the road using your social media sites like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Let everyone know where to look before you go!
If you’re posting, tag your photos with #ACIS and they may appear on our social sites too. We also recommend creating a unique hashtag for your group, so everyone can share photos and posts.
Calling Home
If you want to call home, investigate an international plan with your phone company. Many times you can get a short term plan. Be sure you know the rates before you go, as it can get expensive. If you do not have a phone that allows international plans, you can also look into purchasing a low-cost, prepaid phone when you arrive overseas.
