The holidays are traditionally a time for family members to get together. But for many, it is not quite possible simply because they are separated by great distances. It is hard enough to have loved ones living hundreds of miles away, let alone those who live across oceans. So the next best thing is to pick up the phone and greet them.

Technology has indeed cut through the distance barrier with facilities like email or computer-to-computer voice calls. Yet for many, technology is still not that reachable. For example, grandpa and grandma may be quite capable of sending and receiving emails, but they may not be savvy enough to connect a microphone and headphones to the computer sound card. So the best way to reach out and touch them is by way of a good old-fashioned telephone call.

Grandpa and grandma will probably tell you of a time when making long distance calls would make you think twice. Yes there was indeed a time when long distance calls had to be thought of before being pencilled into the monthly budget. It was that expensive. But thanks again to technology, you can now have lengthy long distance or even overseas calls for less than the price of your daily fill of gourmet coffee.

These kinds of low, low rates are probably not available through your telephone company though. You would have to purchase a prepaid phone card to be able to enjoy these kinds of savings. Depending on the phone card brand and the location you are calling, your savings could be as much as 70%.

Prepaid phone cards have indeed become mainstream and are quite indispensible among many. They are popular among young students who live far away from their folks but would like to keep in regular contact by phone. Professionals who are traveling regularly keep a supply of these cards handy. Tourists from overseas resort to them as well so they can save on their pocket money while calling home.

Prepaid calling cards can be purchased through most convenience stores, in the mall, through vending machines and most certainly over the world wide web. In fact this is the most convenient way.

All you do is visit an online prepaid calling card retailer, select your choice of card (there are literally dozens to choose from), create an account with them, pay with your credit card and you will be automatically issued a PIN. Depending on the card you choose, you will either be given a toll-free or local-access number to call. Then you enter the PIN, and you can now proceed with making your long distance or overseas call.

That was the easy part. The part that could take up most of your time when shopping online for prepaid cards is studying the terms of each phone card brand. Some cards may have the cheapest per minute cost but they will deduct a weekly maintenance fee. The maintenance fee goes into the handling of customer inquiries such as credits used, remaining balance and other customer service related issues. On the other hand, some cards may have a higher per minute charge but do not deduct any other fees. So you are advised to check out each brand's terms first before buying.

So before you spend all your holiday shopping money, be sure to set aside $10-$20 for your prepaid cards if you plan on spreading some holiday cheer with your faraway loved ones. In fact, this small investment may already keep you talking well into the new year.