In the modern world, we are used to being able to connect with anyone at anytime. Whether it be a phone call to a cell phone or a quick DM that they’ll pick up later, you no longer need to hold onto a thought until later. But technology still has its limitations meaning when you’re out and about, it can still be challenging to stay connected to family. Thankfully there are several clever ways to minimize this inconvenience and ensure you’re never out of contact for too long.
Safety in Remote Areas with a Satellite Phone
If you’re the adventurous type who loves spending time in remote areas getting away from the pressures of urban life, then you would be wise to invest in a satellite phone.There are plenty of stories about people stuck on the side of a mountain managing to find a cell phone signal.However, you cannot rely on cell phone reception when you are in remote areas both on land and water.
Due to the nature of remote places and the activities that are typically undertaken in them,a need for help is urgent.As such, it’s vital to have a reliable ability to contact authorities. A satellite phone will give you that connectivity that is so essential for survival.
Portable Power Supply When You’re Away from Mains Power
There are times when you and your family choose to go off-grid but would still like to have some electricity to keep a few devices ticking over.In these circumstances, there are a few options available to you. Small rechargeable power banks for cell phones have been around for some time and are still a valid option.
However,there is now a greater variety of portable power supply devices on the market in various sizes. Some are still mains chargeable, but with greater size capacity, so one will supply several devices. And now, there are also a decent number of solar-powered devices for true power on the go.
Generators For a Larger Scale Power Supply When Off Mains
A small power bank isn’t enough if you’re taking the family on an extended camping or road trip. In these instances, a portable generator is your friend.By giving enough electricity, you’ll have charged phones and kitchen appliances.
Most generators a still the traditional gas-powered models, usually taking diesel or propane. Modern models run a lot quieter than older ones which are essential for cutting down noise pollution in busy campgrounds.
If you prefer your mobile electricity comes from a green source, there are an increasing number of solar-powered models. Solar power is also handy if you’re in a situation that makes carrying the required gas inconvenient. Either way, the whole family can keep their devices powered up on even the most extended trip away.
Social Media
It’s hard to deny the advent of social media has made keeping in touch with family and friends easier and sharing information about our lives quick and efficient. Just twenty years ago, if you went off traveling for several months, maintaining contact was difficult.You’d send a couple of emails from expensive internet cafes, attach a couple of grainy photos if you had a digital camera, and perhaps send a few postcards. Only once you returned home could you share stories and spend hours showing off your photos (usually to a bored audience)
The portability of smartphones means that you can take and upload good-quality photos as you go. Those that you choose to share images and information can log into your preferred platform at their leisure. As there is no information overload, family and friends will stay engaged with your stories.
Be Kind and Share Your Data
If you’ve run out of data and are away from Wi-Fi, it won’t matter that your devices are fully charged. Thankfully smartphones have a function that allows them to work as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Therefore, if you have a family member with plenty of data allocation on their phone contract and they are within network range, several people can tether to their data and be online in moments. The ability helps when a group of people is all with different network providers with varying network coverage levels.
Similarly, some cellular contracts allow you to gift some unused data to others in a defined group. These contracts are helpful for families as children can have a cell phone, but the contract is part of a family bundle controlled by their parents. Rather than racking up high charges going over their data allowance, children are given additional data from others in the group that would otherwise go unused.
Looking out for the Kids
As your children become independent, both parties may feel nervous. An appropriate method of communication for your child to carry will put both your and their minds at rest. There are several cell phones and similar devices that fit the bill perfectly for this. Some are very simple, allowing the child to call a couple of pre-programmed numbers (such as Home, Mommy, and Daddy), while others include features like GPS and a few simple games. The range of styles means you’ll find a phone that matches your comfort level so that you can feel appropriately connected to your child.
Good Old-fashioned Snail Mail
Writing and sending a letter on paper may seem quaint, but let’s be honest, who doesn’t love receiving personal post? Sometimes it’s pleasant to unplug and take a slower approach to life, but it doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected and in contact with others. The old-fashioned methods of communication are still there. From a quick postcard to a pages-long letter about anything and everything, letter writing is low tech yet versatile for keeping in touch with family and friends. And letters can be posted from anywhere, even Antarctica.
Whether you’re trying to maintain relationships or stay safe while away from home, there are various options for keeping your family connected. It could be ensuring there’s an electricity supply or allowing your child to be independent yet safe.
