It’s and essential but rather overlooked part of every travelers journey, you thousands of miles from home – your family and friends are wondering what your up too and where you are. In todays world of digital gadgets and flashpacking making people envious of your adventures is a mere few clicks away. And thats why this week I’m bringing you my Top 10 Ways to Keep in Touch.

1. Email

We live in a world thats getting smaller and smaller. Email is free, accessible in almost every country and instant – thats why it’s so popular! Everyone uses email – even my grandad – so it’s a great way to keep in touch, even send photos and videos.

2. Twitter

For anyone thats too impatient to send a full update or simply wants to send lots of regular snippets, Twitter is a great choice and a great way to network with like minded people too. Check my tweets out on @curiouscheese

3. Facebook

It’s the first point of contact for many travellers – young and old. No longer do you swop phone numbers, you add them on Facebook! A great way to quickly share bulletins and photos with all your friends and family – or even a full scale reply via wall posts or personal messages. Perfect

4. Postcard

Back to the old school! Postcards are one of the greatest ways to keep in contact. Short enough to be convenient, personal enough to feel connected. Plus you have so many designs to choose from – or even turn one of your own photos into one!

5. Skype

When voice or pen isn’t enough boot up the computer or sit in an internet cafe and get your Skype on. It’s free to download and free to use…what more could you want? Plus you can see who you’re talking too, which is always nice when you’re away for aggggges! Bonus points if you find a free Wifi spot or pikey the internet from McDonalds!

6. Letter

Ah the humble old letter. I think it’s majorly under rated these days. I’ve recently started receiving and writing to one of my friends at home – its always a great surprise to get one and you can include doodles and things you’ve collected. Way better than an email if you don’t mind the time delay and can set aside time to actually write one!

7. Phone

We all take it for granted now but you can phone someone via mobile or pay phone pretty much anywhere. Easy but not always cheap.

8. Text

Another taken for granted way to communicate – great if you’re not really in the setting that warrants a call or you simply don’t have the time. Beware of roaming charges and getting stung big time!

9. Blogging

I almost completely  forgot about this one! Blogging is a great way to package your trip onto an online diary which you can hook all your family, friends and the whole world too! Not as personal as many of the other options but great if you want to update alot of people at one time in a way that they can re read and check at their leisure.

10. iPhone

Ok so I kind of cheated on this one…! Lets face it…all of the above options (bar the written ones!) are neatly parcelled into one device, so why would you not buy one?! And now with the iPhone 4 you have video chat and everything…God I love Apple!