TELSTRA is reminding 'baby boomers' planning to travel to consider how they will stay in touch while away in their caravans and motorhomes.

Telstra executive director (Consumer) Jenny Young said while travel insurance, car maintenance and re-directing mail were top-of-mind for would-be travellers, it was also important to consider how to stay in touch, particularly if embarking on a long holiday.

"We now stay in touch in a variety of ways ... phoning, texting, emailing and even through Facebook or MySpace. Just because you're on the road or out of the country, there's no need to stop communicating.

"Most people know they can take their mobile to many places, but wireless broadband also means you can access high-speed internet when you're at the beach or on a long road trip.

"Not all wireless networks are the same, so consider the size and reliability of your network before setting out. Telstra's Next G network, for example, is more than twice as large as any other Australian 3G network and covers more than 2 million square kilometres.

"If you are travelling in remote areas for long periods you may wish to consider a satellite phone - especially important in case you need triple zero in an emergency.

“It's important to feel confident that you have the tools to stay in touch so that you feel more relaxed and get more from your holiday,” Ms Young said.

Tips for staying in touch while travelling:

• Text your family every night from destinations with international roaming and let them know where you're headed the next day.

• Pack your mobile phone recharger and carry a spare battery-operated charger for when electricity is unavailable.

• Divert your home phone service to your mobile or ensure you know how to retrieve messages from your home phone while on the road ... you don't want to let it fill up, just like you don't want your postal mail overflowing onto the pavement. It's a sure sign you're away.

• BigPond wireless broadband or pre-paid wireless broadband allow you to check the weather, your email, send pictures and access maps and research your next destination at broadband speeds.

• Keep in contact for those special moments by using video calling - face-to-face updates with the family and grandchildren when in 3G coverage areas.

• Telstra PhoneAway pre-paid calling cards are a cost-effective and convenient way to stay in touch. Make local, national long distance, International Direct and mobile calls within Australia and from over 45 countries retrieve urgent messages through your card's personal voicemail.

• Give friends and family a copy of your itinerary and contact details so they know how to get in touch.

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