To avoid racking up high long distance charges, consider using a cell phone.  Most cell phone providers have national plans that provide unlimited long distance coverage throughout the United States.  Don't have one?  Want one?  Or, maybe you wanna switch and best of all, you can keep your existing cell phone number.  You can Shop By Wireless Carrier and see if they have anything that interests you.  Whatever the case, you're in luck.  Most cell phone companies offer some sweet deals if you become a new customer.  Family plans can save you money be sharing a single cell phone account.  You can even Shop By Rate Plan for family or individial plans.  Cell phones are not just phones anymore.  Now you can take and send pictures, emails, text messages, listen to music and play games.  How's that for technology!!  You can even get a PDA (personal data assistant) phone with familiar applications, such as Word and Excel.  All of these options can help you plan your family reunion.  There are plenty of great Cell Phone Specials in your area.  Rather shop by phone?  Be my guest!

Have relatives from other countries?  Be sure to check each carrier's international calling rates and options for family you need to contact abroad.

So, you say you have a cell phone already...or maybe you're not the gadget type.  How about email?  You're on the computer as we speak, so you are definitely computer literate.  If you don't have an email address, here are some sites that offer a free email account.

Google Gmail

MSN Hotmail

Yahoo Email

Chatting online is a popular way to communicate with family members as well.  In most cases, the software and the chat account free, and if you have internet access, there usually aren't any extra charges.  You will have to download the chat client to your computer, and that's it!  You can chat as long as you like....barring your internet provider doesn't put any limitations on your usage.  So, there are plenty of messenger services you can use to chat with your loved ones.  Both Hotmail and Yahoo have messengers you can use with their email accounts, or you can check out these other popular chat clients:

ICQ Chat (Also comes with a free email account)

Trillian Chat

Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo Mail all come with the capability to chat as well.   So, sign up for your free account, and keep in touch with your loved ones with no per minutes charges. 

Now, you can  Make calls from your computer and save! with WebPhone.  With a free software download, you'll be able to make free PC to PC calls, or PC to phone calls, which start at 1.9 cents a minute with a pay-as-you-go service.  For only $5.00 a month, you can upgrade your service with WebPhone Plus and get extra features such as call forwarding and voice mail.  What a great low cost way to keep in touch!