150 years ago anybody exploring Africa would not have any contact with friends or family for at least one or two years and may never be seen again.
I have been blogging on the Internet daily and even when I cannot do that I have sent a text to Amy saying I am ok and giving my location.
Africa, or at least the parts I have visited, has very good mobile coverage and Internet access. Communication has radically changed the world. Hopefully it makes it a safer place, not just for travellers but for locals.
I just think it would be nice if we had as good coverage in rural parts of the UK