A brief guide on how to use social networks to stay in touch while vagabonding

Do any of you have well meaning but ever-so-slightly annoying parents or relatives who beg you to call, text or email as soon as you arrive at your exotic new destination? Or even want you to let them know whenever you’ve arrived at each connection?

There’s really no excuse not to keep in touch these days with the proliferation of wireless networks, cell phones and internet access but if you’d rather be off gallavanting through unspoiled rainforests and swimming in sink holes, then here’s a brief guide to some of the social networking sites that can help make keeping in touch a breeze…

Blogs – personal blogs are fantastic for keeping an online journal for your own purposes or to keep friends and family updated of all your exciting adventures. They’re easy to set up, simple to post to (also via your cell phone) and can even earn you money if you’re so inclined to put a bit more effort into them.

Twitter – there are 2 great uses for Twitter that I’ve found. One is to post status updates of our journey on the move via cell phone which our families can then follow (far more efficient than sending out multiple text messages); the other is to send myself reminders of names/places or anything else that I want to remember whilst out and about and on the move.

Flickr – a fantastic service for storing and sharing your photos with everyone. If anyone’s interested, I’ve shared my pics from most of the places we’ve traveled to and lived in this year here >>>

Facebook – an easy way to stay in touch with friends worldwide. Share what you’re up to, upload your pics and organise meet-ups or events with those you meet on your travels.

Utterz – a bit like voice-Twitter, you can send voice updates to yourself or your network via your cell phone.