Travel brings me great joy, but it also takes me away from my darling dog and her loving, pooch-watching grandma…my mom. For many, international travel means they don’t communicate with their loved ones back home because it’s too expensive. But I talk to my mom daily and I won’t let distance change that ritual, so I need a way to talk to family and friends without breaking the bank. International travel is not the only reason we need a cheap way to talk to people around the globe. Jon and I also have two Italian “sons” to communicate with and other friends and family who live abroad, so the ability for us to chat with them when we’re in the States is necessary, too.
With some cellular phone plans costing an outrageous $10 per day to use abroad and even reasonable phone plans costing many pretty pennies per minute, talk isn’t cheap. How do we communicate with everyone without spending a fortune? The answer is the WhatsApp free application.
Some of my friends use Facetime, but I’m an Android lover/user and want a system for international communication that’s affordable, doesn’t require a certain device, is reputable, and is easy to use. WhatsApp meets all these needs. When people approach me for advice about traveling abroad, telling them about this travel app is one of the best travel tips I give.
Important Points:
- You can voice call, video call, text message, or voice message people.
- WhatsApp uses your phone’s internet connection, so if you are abroad and don’t have a good data plan make sure you are using wi-fi to avoid incurring charges.
- You can use WhatsApp on an Android, iPhone, Windows phone, Mac, or PC. Just download it from the your favorite app store.
- Make sure that all the people you want to contact using WhatsApp have installed the app on their phone before traveling.
- You can easily share documents and media, as well as take photos/videos. I like how all the media I send through WhatsApp is saved in a separate file for easy access and sharing.
- According to the company, it’s secure. WhatsApp boasts that they have end-to-end encryption making it so 3rd parties can’t listen.
Although widely used in Europe, people in the States seem slower to adopt this technology so I hope this blog introduced a “new-to-you” app that will help you keep your travel costs lower…and keep you connected to the friends you meet while exploring our globe.
P.S. I receive no remuneration from WhatsApp; I just like them and want to share with everyone.
Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.
My Favorite Europe Tour Companies
After more than a decade of traveling to Europe and months at a time spent there, I’ve learned that the right tours and accommodations can completely shape your experience. These are the companies I personally use when I travel—and the ones I recommend to readers.
LivTours
If you want a more personal, in-depth experience, this is my top recommendation. Their semi-private tours (max 6 people) are ideal if you actually want to engage with the history rather than just follow a crowd. I’ve used LivTours multiple times in Italy and consistently had excellent guides and experiences.
Book here: https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61
Save 10% with code AMYRH10 (on 2+ tours)
The Tour Guy
A great option for first-time visitors who want engaging, story-driven tours of major highlights like the Colosseum or Vatican. Their guides are knowledgeable and make complex history easy to follow. Browse tours: https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi
Viator
Perfect if you want to compare a wide range of tours, read reviews, or find unique experiences and day trips…often at affordable prices. Explore options: https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
GetYourGuide
Best for flexible planning and last-minute bookings, with lots of free cancellation options. Great for keeping your itinerary flexible. Check availability: https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher
Book Your Europe Hotel with Booking.com
I use Booking.com to find great hotel stays across Europe. It’s easy to compare locations, read reviews, and find places with flexible cancellation. My biggest tip: prioritize location—you’ll enjoy Italy so much more when you can walk everywhere. Find your hotel: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6776&awinaffid=1985445
Don’t Skip Travel Insurance
It’s easy to overlook, but I always recommend having travel insurance—especially for international trips. You can compare options through my travelinsurance.com affiliate link before your trip. https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44
Traveling Soon? Trusted Tour & Travel Partners
Planning your trip? Here are our trusted travel partners — thoughtfully chosen for quality, reliability, and exceptional experiences.
- LivTours (high-quality semi-private and private European tours led by expert guides)
Save 10% with code AMYRH10 (valid on two or more tours).
https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61 - The Tour Guy (engaging small group & private European tours)
https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi - Viator (compare thousands of tours, day trips, and experiences worldwide)
https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector - GetYourGuide (flexible booking options for tours, attractions, and local experiences)
https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher - Shore Excursions Group (high-quality shore excursions with lower prices and return-to-ship guarantees.)
https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com - Booking.com (global hotels, apartments & flexible booking options; flights; car rentals)
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6776&awinaffid=1985445 - Expedia (flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages)
https://expedia.com/affiliate/p7ZcFsz - Hotels.com (book hotels globally and earn free nights through their rewards program)
https://www.hotels.com/affiliate/rdDAFaG - VRBO (private homes and unique stays ideal for families and longer trips)
https://vrbo.com/affiliate/KvF3nms - Travel Insurance.com (compare policies side-by-side to protect your trip at no extra cost)
https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44
Affiliate Disclosure
Roaming Historian may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the research and storytelling that go into every article. All opinions are always our own.