Checking in with family or friends - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**Elizabeth** · 04-26-2010, 07:18 PM

When you're out on the road how often do you guys check in with home? Since my departure is about a week away me and my mom had the routine "check in with me or my side will start hurting and I don't sleep at night" talk.

She expects me to check in everyday which in Europe is not a huge problem. Internet access is everywhere. I didn't go away to college so this is the only freedom I've got. I don't want to be quizzed everyday on what I'm up to.

Just wondering whats "normal" for everyone else.

**mooloo** · 04-26-2010, 08:52 PM

I make sure I say that I don't know how often i'll get on the net because it can be hard to get to and costs a lot so i will e-mail whenever I can, then don't really give them a specific time, eg 1 e-mail per day 1 per week because otherwise if I don't reply in that amount of time they will worry! If that doesn't satisfy them I say I will make sure you hear from me at least once a week - then if for some reason I think I won't be able to get hold of them next week, in this weeks e-mail say that you won't be able to e-mail next week.

Is your mum on facebook? If shes see's you doing a status update or loading pics she will know your alive as well - maybe mention that to her as well

**Elizabeth** · 04-26-2010, 09:05 PM

Oh yes my mom has facebook. She joined last year while I was on my study abroad so she could keep up with me. A message on FB isn't even the problem. The problem is that I have made a pattern where she expects an almost daily skype call. Since I was studying abroad I had a reliable source of skype and its not too much to pop into the net cafe for a few mins since your sched is not jam packed with sightseeing. I know I need to "retrain" her expectations though.

Another part of the problem is that outside of work she has very little social life. So its kind of sad for her when I'm gone. Is anyone else's parent like that?

**expatben** · 04-27-2010, 02:08 AM

To be honest, as long as I email home once every couple of weeks my folks really dont care that much-that being said it depends where I go. I like Mooloo's suggestion just tell them they will hear from you once a week.

**marc873** · 04-27-2010, 08:53 AM

Yeah, I just told my family flat out that I wouldnt be calling that often, and the best way for them to keep up with my life was with FB.... I think I only called home 3 times in the 7 months I was in Nicaragua... Sorry family, but life on the road is way to fucking unpredictable to try and plan daily or weekly conversations... FB is the best your getting!

**travelpunk** · 04-28-2010, 06:39 PM

For the past year I've checked in via skype every week or every other week.

I think a weekly check with mom is a good commitment to her because she knows that you'll be busy when you get to your destination. Things could be chaotic for a while before you find your groove and have more free time to check in with her.

I'm sure she'll understand.

If you're going to have your laptop plugged in throughout the day, you can both just be on skype all day long while going about your business and instead of talking you can just send/answer chat messages when time permits.

I think as long as she sees your little green symbol lit up on skype, she'll know her little honey bunny is safe and sound

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