How to survive in a long distance relationship/friendship

I've been using the internet as my primary source of entertainment for over 7 years now, so along the way I have had the pleasure of many long distance friendships (no comment on relationships). They can be hard, but they can also be very fulfilling and, regardless of how much catfish convinces you otherwise, successful.

Content in this post
1. How to call each other (via mobile) without breaking the bank
2. How to message each other for free!
3. How to watch movies together
4. How to save money sending gifts
5. How to get cheap flights

If you have any tips yourself, feel free to leave them in a comment!

1. How to call each other (via mobile) without breaking the bank
Localphone. (who now let you try with a free call!)
This is thee cheapest way to make international calls. You can make a call through the app, or through the calling card. Neither person needs to have internet connection if using the calling card! 250 calls to US numbers costs just £0.48, or 800 for £1.25
Skype.
Method 1:
Skype is by far one of the cheapest methods to use where only one person needs to be connected to the internet. One partner needs to log onto Skype (can be done on the mobile app OR on the computer), and they can call the others mobile phone. ,The connection isn't amazing, I must admit, but if you're outside (such as during a break at work/college/school) it's pretty good. For £3.44 a month, you get 400 minutes to call US numbers, from the UK, or add another £1 for unlimited minutes!
Method 2:

If you both have good internet connection, you can simply log into skype on your phone, and have a regular Skype call (minus video...if you're in public...probably... but you do you)

2. How to message each other for free!
I don't want to go too much into messaging, as you have Kik for simple text/pictures, and Whatsapp for audio/video/location, but sometimes you need to send a text (e.g. when they don't have internet)
afreeSms, cbfsms, freesms, 24sms — Allows you to send a text to anywhere in the world simply, without registration.

3. How to watch movies/TV together
A good way to relax with your long distance lover/friend is to watch a movie together. Obviously, buying the same DVD, putting it in the player at the exact same time, clicking play together, etc would get annoying/frustrating. Watch2gether allows you to watch a movie from YouTube or Vimeo. YouTube is allowing an increasing amount of full videos to be uploaded, and Vimeo aren't as strict copyright-wise as YouTube. You can even chat and go on webcam together at the same time. CUTE!

4. How to save money sending gifts
It's nice to occasionally buy long distance friends/partners gifts, as it isn't like you can go shopping or out for a meal together.
Method 1: Don't buy them gifts
Method 2: Buy gifts that can be given online (e.g. memberships to the sites/games they use) or online giftcards (e.g. Amazon)
Method 3: Buy a present from Amazon/eBay, or another site which allows the item to be delivered straight to the persons house; this not only saves you shipping money (which could either be saved yourself, or sent to them via PayPal, but also saves any potential import fees that may be charged to them.
Optional: You might've saved some money doing one of the above, but they are quite impersonal. To make up for that, buy a card or write a letter and send it in the post. It won't cost more than £2 and it just makes the present more personal!.

5. How to get cheap flights
So it's finally time to meet your bae/bf—great! BUT wait, flights are e
xpensive as fuck :(
Tip 1: The cheapest day to fly is on Wednesdays (followed by Tuesdays), and the cheapest time of day is the first thing in the morning.
Tip 2: Don't buy tickets too early or too late! "Airlines don’t start releasing cheaper seats until 3-4 months before departure for domestic travel and conversely 4-5 months before international travel." says farecompare
Tip 3: Use flight comparison websites, one I find especially good is studentuniverse
Tip 4: Fly during winter/autumn. It might not be ideal, but if you really like/love the person you're going to meet, you'll have fun regardless!
Tip 5: Speak to a travel agent. These people are experts in the field and whilst you spend hours looking for the cheapest flights, they may take minutes!