Texting is the new talking. Some people may still prefer the personal connection from hearing a friend’s voice … but you can’t use emoticons in a voice conversation. While our thumbs may have adapted to this new medium, some service providers have not. And unless you have an international texting plan, keeping in touch with your friends at home — or new friends where you are — can get pricey.
Because of our geographical isolation, the Americas sometimes fall out of the loop with some things (**cough** soccer **cough**). One of these things is WhatsApp, a little-used app in the States, but wildly popular abroad. WhatsApp allows users to text using the Internet instead of by-text charges. That means you can focus your entire phone plan on Internet data and forget all about how many texts you think you’ll send this month. It also means you can keep in touch with your friends back home and even send them pictures — why wait until your return to make them jealous?
WhatApp is free to download and works on almost any phone. Subscription is free for the first year, and after that it’s only 99 cents a year, so do your own cost analysis comparison with text messages.
The best part is almost everyone in Europe and Asia uses it regularly. It’s designed for international communication, so it makes it easy to keep in touch with your friends at home when you’re away and your friends away when you’re at home.
Read This Next
Apps for the Student Abroad
Study Abroad
Aug 26, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedSustainability
Jan 21, 2025Exodus Adventure Travels Unveils Innovative Approach to Responsible Travel
Exodus Adventure Travels, the leader in active, guided small-group adventures, recently announced a new innovative approach to responsible travel. The Thriving Nature, Thriving People initiative supports conservation efforts driven by local communities to help ensure a lasting impact.
Sponsored Content
Unveiling Europe’s Treasures with AmaWaterways River Cruises
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with AmaWaterways, recognized as Best River Cruise Line by Cruise Critic. What sets AmaWaterways apart is its commitment to offering you the luxury of more. With up to eight daily included excursion options, you have the freedom to tailor your journey to your interests. Whether you're a history buff, a culinary enthusiast or an architecture aficionado, there's something for everyone on the meticulously crafted itineraries. You will also be treated to a range of exquisitely prepared meals in the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, unlimited wine and beer during lunch and dinner, an array of complimentary host-led fitness classes, and so much more.
Trends
Jan 21, 20255 Outdoor Travel Trends for 2025 Revealed
Global outdoor accommodation booking site Pitchup.com unveiled its outdoor travel trend predictions for 2025. With an increase in outdoor accommodation bookings in 2024, the company analyzed booking data as well as customer reviews for its 2025 forecast.
Slideshow
Jan 21, 20257 Must-Visit European-Looking U.S. Towns
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s seven must-visit European-looking U.S. towns.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Destinations / North America
Jan 21, 2025Tucson, Arizona, Launches New Astro Trail
Tucson, Arizona, just launched a new Astro Trail, highlighting some of the best spots in and around the area for stargazing. The trail, now available as a web app and printed guide, takes you to all of the dark sky-related stops in Tucson, including world-class astronomy institutes like Kitt Peak National Observatory and Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab, where the largest telescope lenses in the world are made.
ShareThis