While the continual advancements in technology do make communicating with others easier than ever before (hello Snapchat!), there is something to be said for mixing it up from time to time. Here are some great ways (above and beyond texting and messaging via Facebook) to communicate with friends and loved ones while you’re out on the road.
Send Postcards: Postcards date back to the 1800’s. Austria was the first country to publish a postcard. While postcards have been around a long time, they are still fun to get. Every truck stop has them and with little space to write a message, it takes no time at all to jot a note and send it home!
Write a Blog: Journaling is nothing new either. However, journaling online is very cool. Many people don’t realize how much they have to say. Pick a topic you are passionate about- healthy truckers where you share your tips and secrets of staying healthy on the road, or any amount of parenting topics or simply your findings as your travel the states.
Photo Journal: This has been made a lot more simple with apps on your phone. Let’s face it, you see more in a day than many people get to see all week. Snap a picture and add it to your photo journal. Photo journals can be there to show beautiful scenery and show of photo taking talent or simply to document the everyday weird!
Stay Connected via Apps: Some families use apps such as Life360. If you aren’t a private person your family can see where you are throughout the day if you give them permissions. It could be a fun way to feel connected as they see the states you travel through.
Pick a book to read together: While your family at home may choose to read the book you can join in with audio books. Life can get routine and a quick call can become routine when all you do is talk about where you are on the route. Connect in a deeper way and discuss a book that teaches something new or challenges you in a particular way.
Join the Xbox game: So maybe your child enjoys their time on Xbox. If that is where he or she enjoys spending time- meet them there! Build a character and join in the fun.
Have your kids make you a playlist: While not all the songs are maybe your favorite, it is a good way to connect to what they like. Listen to the songs, learn the lyrics and next time you are together you can impress them by joining in the singing. Don’t be surprised if they still roll their eyes but they will secretly love it.