Every month Global Traveler features an article called “Tech Toys.” Month after month I am amazed with the innnovative gadgets that exist to make our lives easier. These gadgets often make life for the traveler easy, but they also make the world a smaller and more manageable place in which to live. Skype is an older tool that can be installed on many gadgets now, from mobile phones to video games, that helps make the world a more intimate place. At the press of a button on my computer I am able to telephone another computer or telephone number half way around the world for free! I am able to talk for as long as I want, breaking down all sorts of time and space barriers with technology that did not exist even ten years ago. In the 60s my dad did two summer programs where he worked abroad in Europe, one summer in Zagreb and the other in Glasgow. Whenever he used to tell me stories about those summers, he said he only communiciated with his parents via phone once a month at most because it was so expensive to call home. When I was 15 and 16 and traveling through Europe and Asia, I remember the calls being expensive as well, maybe two dollars at the best rate to initiate the call, and obscene amounts after that per minute. Now, with today’s technology such as Skype, it makes those who are far away from us — for business or personal matters — not so far away and easier to remain in touch. I still believe face-to-face contact is by far the best, and getting on a plane is always the best solution, but when in a bind, I am thankful for the innovative world of technology and communication. –Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher Global Traveler has joined the world of social marketing. For breaking news, special offers and much more, fan us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @Gtmag!