Use Skype freely. You can call home a couple times a day if you want for pennies. Some guys setup a webcam; kids seem to like that. Cingular has an int'l phone that you can text home from overseas at will if you have teens; doesn't cost much either. (My teen would rather text than talk anyway. Wave of the future I guess.) Plus they can contact you anytime you're not in the air, if you want that. Bring home goodies from far away places for the kiddies. I also try to bring the frau along on a good int'l trip (i.e. long layovers) once or twice a year so she's "involved". Big points there. When you start heading home, even if you're operating, try to start resting on your home schedule. Even in the air. Take naps at home. Doing that, two day recovery is pretty much the norm.

Last bit of advice: NEVER whistle while you pack!