5 Free Apps to Stay Connected to Home While Traveling

One of the benefits of technology is that your friends and family are only an ‘app’ away, whether you’re near or far.  There are tons of apps out there, both free and paid, that allow you to share your experiences and remain connected to family and friends while you’re away.  However, I tend to never download paid apps because I think free apps do the job just fine.  While there is some overlap in features, I use each of the apps below for different reasons.  So if you’re like me and refuse to pay for apps, I think these are the best FREE ones to keep you connected to home while traveling:

1) WHATSAPP

Available for iPhone and Android, this app allows you to send and receive texts to and from anyone around the world.  I’ve been able to text friends in the U.S., Tanzania, Ecuador, Egypt and other countries at no cost.  In addition to basic messaging, WhatsApp users can create groups, send images, video and audio media messages.  It’s a great way to easily correspond and stay in touch no matter where you are in the world.

2) VIBER

Viber allows you to text and call other Viber users.  However, I’ve felt it most useful for making free phone calls.  If you’re wifi signal is good, this app is great for talk.  You can also call non-Viber users for a low rate.

3) TANGO

Tango is a great way to ‘FaceTime’ with your less cool Android user friends if you’re an iPhone user.  It’s nice being able to see familiar faces when you’re feeling a little homesick. You can use Tango for messaging and playing games also, but I’ve found that the best use of this app is the video feature.

4) VTOK

If you’re a Gchat addict like me, Vtok brings your chat list straight to your mobile device.  You can use this app for calls and texts through Google voice too, but I like it only for Gchat.  While you’re off exploring the world and your friends are stuck at their desks, make them jealous with instant play by plays of your adventures.

5) SOCIAL MEDIA APPS

I mostly use Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to keep my friends abreast of my travels.  You’re able to instantly post updates, pictures and messages to your followers.  I like using these apps when I want to share information with a lot of people at once.

Keep in mind that your mobile data needs to be turned on or wifi is required to use these apps.  And some apps (WhatsApp, Viber & Tango) require the other party to also download in order to use them for free.  But they’re all super helpful and allow you to stay in touch with friends and family.  So, what are some free apps you use while traveling? Comment below!

Cheers!

Ashlee

What is Craft Beer? A Growing American Beer Culture

With a strong presence across the 50 states and the District of Columbia, craft breweries are a vibrant and flourishing economic force at the local, state and national level. As consumers continue to demand a wide range of high quality, full-flavored beers, small and independent craft brewers are meeting this growing demand with innovative offerings, creating high levels of economic value in the process. – Bart Watson, Staff Economist for the Brewers Association

I had the opportunity to chat with Julia Herz, Craft Beer Program Director at the Brewers Association, Publisher of CraftBeer.com and certified Cicerone (beer sommelier).  The Brewers Association represents about 3,000 American craft brewers, which is the majority of brewers in the United States.  So what exactly is craft beer?

A craft brewer is defined as beer produced at an independently-owned brewery that makes about 6 million barrels (a barrel is 31 US gallons) per year.  The majority of Americans live within 10 miles of a brewery in every region of the United States.  Not only does this help to advance craft beer culture, but this industry collectively contributes almost 34 billion dollars to the U.S. economy (as of 2012), employs about 108,440 people directly at breweries and brew pubs, and over 360,000 people via brewing community-related jobs.  Emerging markets in the craft beer industry are strong, as laws are evolving and making it easier for craft breweries to open their doors.  However, there’s already a booming craft beer market in the U.S. Pacific Northwest.  About 30% of the world’s hop supply comes from this area, which has optimal weather and growing conditions for cultivating hops.  There are about 50 beers styles made in US that encompass 15 style families including belgian, dark lagers, brown ales and many more.

If you’re planning a summertime barbecue, brown ales are great place to start.  Also recommended are Scottish style ales, which have malt forward flavors and sweetness similar to barbecue and sours beers, which have acidity that helps flavors in grilled roasted and smoked meats shine even brighter.  Lower acidity in beer helps to calm down richness and saltiness of food, so you can taste more of the other flavors.  When pairing craft beer with food, it’s important to find flavor harmonies between your beer and barbecue sauce, as well as your meats and fish that are grilled, roasted or smoked.

Julia, a longtime home brewer, admits that there are lots of approaches to drinking beer but her favorite tip is to tell people to pour their beer into a glass. “The consumer will enjoy the full aromatics and flavors that the brewer intended,” says Herz.  If you’re a beginner beer drinker, Herz recommends paying attention to the wine and other spirits you favor. She believes that craft beer picks up where wine leaves off; lots of choices and different beers for different occasions is the best way to approach your choice of beer. Try a craft beer today!

Cheers!

Ashlee

Photo Credit: drinks.seriouseats.com