Family is all about connections—sharing stories, special occasions, and unforgettable memories. You and your loved ones may be separated by states or time zones—but staying close to your long-distance family is easier when you keep in touch. Today’s technology makes staying connected easier than ever. A quick voice or video call can go a long way toward helping you make memories with your family, even when you’re far apart.
Other ways to keep your family close include:
- Keeping communication open with daily, weekly, or monthly check-ins
- Scheduling creative virtual bonding activities
- Sending thoughtful gifts that make connecting even easier
- Planning in-person visits to make travel more affordable for everyone
The goal is to make long-distance relationships more engaging and memorable—no matter where everyone calls home.
The importance of communication in long-distance relationships
For any family separated by distance, regular communication is key. Busy schedules can get in the way, so plan check-ins and make them a priority. Consider creating a shared family calendar through your smartphone apps. Add check-in reminders, school schedules, and times each person will be unavailable. This makes important calls easier—and gives everyone more insight into one another’s lives.
Creative ways to bond
Building long-distance family connections is even better when you create shared spaces. On social media, you can go beyond just following one another. Make it interactive. Post for Throwback Thursday, Recipe Swap Sunday, or Fitness Friday. There are other great ways to connect, too.
Plan virtual game nights with activities everyone can join, including trivia, puzzles, or online board games. You’ll find plenty of options on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Rotate hosts each week, create a running scoreboard, and try theme nights to keep the experience fresh and fun for all ages.
Book clubs can connect your family in meaningful ways when you set chapter milestones and hop on a video chat to discuss plot twists and favorite characters. For movie and TV watch parties, choose a time, press play together, and chat live for real-time reactions.
Thoughtful gifts and gestures to show you care
Tech-forward gifts can help bridge the miles, too. Smartphones and tablets also double as awesome connection tools. If you do gift a device, don’t forget phone accessories and charging cables so your family members have everything they need.
A note in your own handwriting feels especially warm. Pair handwritten letters with printouts of favorite texts or photos from recent video chats to connect the digital with the analog. One fun idea is to mail note cards several weeks before an in-person visit. Send another piece of the story each week, and then save the ending for when you’re together. Make the story a good one!
Planning visits: making the most of your time together
Once everyone’s ready for an in-person family gathering, schedule early to help keep costs more budget-friendly for everyone. If you’re flying, look for off-peak days (middle of the week and non-holidays) to help save money while traveling. But if you have to travel during the busier peak season, think outside the box—choose less common destinations—to save money.
While the family is together, set up a shared album so everyone can upload photos and videos during and after the visit. That goes a long way toward keeping family members connected once everyone is back home.
Building lasting long-distance family traditions
Traditions help make distance disappear. What are some of the traditions your family loves? When you can’t be together for them, it can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. If distance keeps you from sharing a meal together at the table or playing football in the snow like you did as kids, get creative and make new traditions.
Make virtual birthdays and holidays just as special with coordinated activities—decorate together over video or break out a Bluetooth® speaker and share a playlist for a remote dance party. Create an annual “family summit” to reflect on highlights, discuss goals, and plan the next in-person visit.
Document moments so they become part of your shared story—keep a digital scrapbook with photos, short videos, voice recordings, and notes from special days. Assign rotating roles—host, photographer, playlist curator—to encourage participation from all ages. You can use these traditions to strengthen bonds and build lasting memories for years to come.
Staying connected wherever family lives
With open communication, shared experiences, planned visits, and heartfelt gestures, long-distance families can stay involved in one another’s lives. Reliable connectivity with wireless coverage, home internet, and Wi-Fi for your devices helps make staying connected much easier.
We’re here with the right wireless plans, devices, and support to make connecting with your loved ones easier. With us by your side, your long-distance family can feel just as connected—and just as loved—as if your family lived next door.
