We use Skype...most of my husband's family live in Sicily. It is a fabulous way to stay in touch and if you have a webcam, see each other. We had a laugh the other day, it's summer here and my husband went for a swim before dialling his family, he was sitting in his swimmers (no shirt) and his sisters asked him why he was nude! He had to stand up to show them his swimming costume. He has been going back to visit his very elderly parents and intends to again this year....so we also Skype daily if he's away.