Hi Fred.....Skype is a program you install on the computer and a fantastic tool. I talk to relatives in Canada, England including Scotland, Australia and used to be New Zealand. You talk to people live on the screen and you can send files through Skype as well.
Yes we have been to the U.K. three times since 2011. I have one remaining Aunt left so make sure we visit her. She came over here last fall. She was 85 at the time and came by herself. She is an absolute delight and looks so much like my Dad it's uncanny. I've driven all over England and up into Scotland. I tried to get them to change over to the other side of the road many times. I know they appreciated it because everyone would flash lights, blow horns and motion to me that I was number 1. If you're a history nut the U.K. has so much history going back centuries not just several hundred years. We went through a stately home called Ightham Mote which had a pool table in there that was made in the 13th century. Gorgeous table fully restored and would loved to have played on it.
We love going to the U.K. Just the countryside will take your breath away.