When someone you love moves abroad, whether they've left to start a new and exciting job, or have just decided to go travelling for a little bit, it can be difficult to keep in touch with them, as you will both be busy living your lives. But just because a close friend or relative is in another country doesn't mean that you can't keep in regular contact, and with so many gadgets, services and other technological advances becoming available every day, it's never been easier to keep in touch with the ones you love.

One of the quickest ways of getting hold of someone in another country is of course to call them, and if they have a landline set up in their home, then this is simple enough, if not very expensive. As mobile are even more expensive to call in another country, many people have started using the internet to make calls through programmes like Skype. This allows users to make and receive calls no matter where they are in the world, and because the programme can assign them a local number, it means that the cost of calls won't be too high.

The internet can also used in other ways to keep in touch with the people that matter the most. Fir example, instant messaging services, such as MSN, Skype and Facebook chat, allow user to type messages to one another. While this is considerably less expensive than a phone call, it means it can take a little longer to talk to everyone, however, this approach does work for a lot of people.

If you like writing, and want to write something a little more substantial than an instant message, then an email will allow you to pour out your heart to you nearest and dearest without interruption. The benefit of emails is that they arrive in their intended recipient's inbox straight away, which means that there isn't any delay in your correspondence getting to them. However, sometimes a handwritten letter is what you and your loved one need, because it's just that little bit more personal. With a litter, you'll also be able to send them hard copies of photographs, which can sometimes make all the difference to someone who's feeling a little bit homesick. If their birthday or another big celebration like Christmas is coming up, why not send them a parcel from home, filled with letters from all their friends, family, plus photos, clothes, and maybe a few treats such as their certain type of drink or chocolate bar? Sending parcels to Europe and elsewhere often works out to be a lot cheaper than you might think, so look into sending them a care package, because it will remind them of how much they are loved and missed by the people that they care about.

A big move to another country is no excuse for not keeping in touch, and as these examples prove, it can be a lot easier and cheaper than you might actually think. So now there is no excuse not to staying in regular contact.

Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. http://www.parcelsplease.co.uk/