What to Do If You Can't Reach Family While Traveling? Complete Guide 2026

When traveling, especially in remote areas or abroad, losing contact with loved ones can happen:

• •No network zones: Mountain trekking, desert crossing, sailing at sea
• •Phone theft or loss: You no longer have any means of communication
• •Hospitalization abroad: Unable to notify your family
• •Emergency situation: Accident, natural disaster, health issue

The problem: Your loved ones get worried quickly if you go silent. Without a system in place, they don't know if they should be alarmed or if you're simply in an area without connection.

The most effective solution is to schedule an automatic message before departure:

How does it work?
1. You create a message for your loved ones before leaving
2. You set a "check-in" period (e.g., 7 days)
3. If you don't check in during this period, the message is automatically sent

• •Benefits
• •✅ Works even without internet connection on your end
• •✅ Your loved ones are notified automatically
• •✅ You can include useful information (itinerary, local contacts)
• •✅ Cancellable at any time if you return early

Recommended service: Laterly lets you configure this system in 5 minutes, with guaranteed delivery and message encryption.

Complement the automatic system with a human contact:

• •Information to share with them
• •Your detailed itinerary with dates
• •Copies of your documents (passport, insurance)
• •Embassy/consulate numbers
• •Accommodation contacts
• •Important medical information

• •Define a clear protocol
• •When to start worrying (e.g., no news for X days)
• •Who to contact first (embassy, local police)
• •Access to your accounts if necessary

Tip: Combine this approach with the automatic message. Your emergency contact will receive the Laterly message at the same time as your loved ones.

For trips to very remote areas:

• •Available options
• •PLB Beacon (Personal Locator Beacon): Emits a satellite distress signal
• •Garmin inReach: Allows sending messages via satellite
• •Spot X: Two-way satellite communication

• •Limitations
• •❌ High cost ($200-400 + subscription)
• •❌ Requires manual action on your part
• •❌ Cannot send detailed messages to your loved ones

Tip: These devices are complementary but don't replace an automatic message system. If you're unconscious, the GPS beacon won't notify your loved ones with a personalized message.

Prepare a comprehensive message before departure:

• •Practical information
• •Your planned itinerary with dates
• •Accommodation details
• •Travel insurance number
• •Local contacts (guides, hotels)

• •Instructions for your loved ones
• •Who to contact first
• •Embassy/consulate number
• •Steps to follow

• •Personal message
• •Reassure them about your preparation
• •Explain the likely situation (no network zone)
• •Give clear instructions

Example message opening:
"If you receive this message, it means I haven't been able to check in for [X] days. Don't panic: this may simply mean I'm in an area without network. Here are the steps to follow..."

Step 1: Create your Laterly account (2 min)
Free registration, no credit card required.

Step 2: Write your message (5-10 min)
Include all useful information for your loved ones.

Step 3: Add your recipients
Spouse, parents, designated emergency contact.

• •Step 4: Configure the delay
• •Choose the check-in period suited to your trip:
• •Remote trek: 3-5 days
• •Regular travel: 7-14 days
• •Extended stay: 30 days

Step 5: Activate before departure
Your system is ready. Check in regularly to prevent automatic sending.