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 much communication and how'll you communicate, but parents please remember, no news really is good news.

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 Daily Photos Online

Let your friends and family follow your travels by posting Post pictures from the road using your social media sites like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Let everyone know where to look before you go!

If you're posting, tag your photos with #acis and then visit TripStream, a travel community exclusively for ACIS travelers, to see all the latest snapshots from around the world. We also recommend creating a unique hashtag for your group, so everyone can share photos and posts.

Text or Video Chat from Your Phone

Texting or video chatting over Wi-Fi is a great way to stay connected to home. 

• 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 (for iPhone) 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.
• 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 WiFi. 

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 contact eKit.

eKit international cellular phones make staying in touch easy while abroad on your ACIS tour*, while saving up to 70% on international roaming rates. eKit offers a number of convenient plans which include features such as a toll-free number to give family and friends back home and a pay as you go option. You can always add money to your phone account 24 hours a day. Find out more about eKit's mobile phone plans** and their 100% money back guarantee.

* Please check eKit's website to see if your trip destination is covered by eKit and to check for updated Access Numbers.
** Please visit eKit's mobile phone page to determine if service is available where you are traveling.