Not all of us get to live next door to our BFFs from high school or college… and plane tickets are expensive! So many of us aren’t able to see our friends as often as we’d like, and even if your friend is just a few hours drive away, those hours add up, and so does the cost of your mileage and gas.
When you’re jonesing for a hit of good times from an old friend who lives far away, embrace these tried and true methods for connecting on a budget:
Non-Traditional Skype Dates
Is Skyping too obvious? Forget that “stare at each other for a half hour,” business and have a fun date with your bestie on Skype. For starters, have dinner together! Plan a menu (different, or a shared meal), cook it, and have a seat like you’re in the same restaurant — the whole time chatting as if you’re in the same room like old times.
Better yet, if you’re on a health kick, you can attend an exercise class with your friend — on Skype. Simply arrange to start or stream the same workout DVD , or share screens, while you Skype with your friend. This is a great strategy to make that yoga tape or Billy Blanks DVD pass by in a flash — and with plenty of laughs.
Snail Mail Memories
Step back in time and give more time than emails by bringing back snail mail. Letters are a lost art form that will make your friend feel extra special for the cost of stationery and a stamp — for added oomph (and hilariousness) complete your note with illustrations, photos, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs like movie ticket stubs or personalized comic strips. Reaching your network through snail mail can be very effective, as well.
Parties in a Box
When you can’t be with each other on special days (or just as a fun surprise), take that piece of mail up a notch by surprising your friend with a simple “Party in a Box” to celebrate.
Take a small box (about half the size of a shoebox) or a large envelope, and toss in whatever festive fun things you have around the house: a few mismatched balloons, a handful of candy, a home-made streamer, and a heartfelt note about how much your friend means to you.
Remember to include instructions on how to throw this mini-party, and wait to hear the laugh when your friend gets it in the mail.
Strategic Visits
The final special tip for long distance friends? Don’t necessarily spend money on visiting each other, but rather plan trips to go to other places together. Meet in the middle and explore a new city, or add on to your work or family travel plans for a side-step trip with your friend. You’re making memories, reaffirming a friendship, and saving money. It doesn’t get better than that!
How do you stay in touch with long distance friends? Do you find it costs you more money?
I’ve got a few long-distance friendships that I really want to maintain but it can be difficult. Skype, facebook and free international texting apps like Whatsapp are helpful, but still not the same as in person communication.
It’s true! Nothing’s quite like living in the same town as a close friend.
My mum recently discovered skype and now she wants to talk the whole time! But it is great to feel so close. I send parcels to my little niece with small things I gather every few months, she loves the surprise.
Unfortunately, my mom’s not as big on Skype! And that sounds like a great way to keep in touch with your niece!
The full skype date is such a fun idea! I am a fan of the line “you’re not drinking alone if you’re on skype.” hehe.
LoL! I hadn’t heard that phrase before. Skype definitely makes a beer less lonely, haha!
I have a lot of long-distance friendships and sometimes it’s a little challenging because of the distance. These ideas are great. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your comment! I hope it makes it a little easier in the future!
I have a friend that lives on the other side of the state. We end up texting and talking on the phone mainly and then planning a weekend at each others house once per year (I go to his house and he comes to mine). We’d love to see each other more, but are OK with this arrangement as we can easily budget for it.
Thank you for your comment, Jon!