We still get home before the Postcards. I also think it is nice to be able to check on the family at home, when on holiday.
When I was a child and went abroad with my Mum and Dad we had no way of getting in touch with my Nan, she did not have a phone and my Mum was always so glad to get home and see her Mother was O.K.
So, technology is not so bad and anyone who says it is, I would ask them... Don't you use it??