Long trips can feel very long, whether you're stuck in the middle seat of a long flight or you're cruising down the highway with hours ahead of you. As nice as it is to go on a long drive with a podcast, and as lovely as it is to know that you're going to be landing in a sun soaked destination, travelling itself can be boring.
When boredom finds a way to sneak in, you need to get creative and be prepared. Those hours can fly by, but if you're wondering how to stay entertained on a long trip, we've got some fun low stress ideas to keep your mind occupied, your spirits high, and you distracted so that the hours can slip by.
- Break out a puzzle book. Puzzle books are actually one of the best travel companions you could have. There's no Wi-Fi required, it's endlessly replayable, and it's surprisingly addictive. Puzzles like crosswords and Sudoku are fun whether you're a first time puzzler or a seasoned pro. There are puzzle books and apps if you're not going totally tech free for every level, which means that even if you've never played sudoku before, you can today.It's more than just a time killer. Puzzles sharpen your focus and improve your concentration while giving your brain a workout. The best part is that it doesn't feel like homework, it feels like fun.
- Engage in a podcast. If you've never fallen down the podcast rabbit hole, then a long trip is the perfect time to start. From true crime to thrillers and laugh out loud comedy to fascinating interviews and bite size history lessons, there is a podcast no matter what your taste may be. You can download a few episodes before you go so that you don't even need to connect to the Internet to listen. Let the hours melt away as you get completely wrapped up in a story or conversation.
- Do some journaling. You could bring along a notebook and jot down your thoughts, funny things, and doodles, but this is only safe if you're not the one driving. Travel journaling is a creative and calming way to capture memories, and it gives your trip a personal touch too. Photos are great, but photos can't quite replicate you jotting down the things that you've seen along the way. It's a fantastic way to pass the time quietly, without any batteries or headphones required.
- Snacks strategically. If you want to stay entertained on a long trip, this isn't just about snacking, but this is about entertaining snacking.You could pack yourself a variety of fun and unusual treats or create your own snack box to test on the road. You could play Mystery Snack Challenge, where each person in your group blindly picks a snack and has to guess what it is tasting. You can even make it a game: who can find the weirdest vending machine item at the next stop?
- Play the license plate game. If you're on a road trip, then there are classic games to play. There is a reason that old school games like the license plate game never go out of style. They get everyone involved, they don't require any screens and often can lead to hilarious moments that you're going to remember long after the trip is over.
- Get to grips with a captivating book. Everybody loves a gripping story, and if you're a driver, then audiobooks are your friend here. A good book can transform a dull ride into an adventure of its own. Whether it's a gripping mystery or a romance, or even a fantasy book, having a book or a few on hand is always a good idea. Ereaders are great if you're looking to travel light, and audiobooks are even better if you're looking to listen to something while you drive. You can truly immerse yourself in a great book simply by sitting and listening.
- Create the ultimate playlist. You should include everybody's favorite songs on the trip. If there are a few sing along classics, all the better. There could be a theme or two, such as 80s hits, Disney favourites, or road trip anthems. You could pass the phone around in the car and let everybody be a DJ for 15 minutes at a time. Carpool Karaoke is also a good hit, especially if you've got a bunch of friends who are non judgmental and are happy to listen to you caterwauling as you drive.
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