Beat the Boredom on Long Drives
Road trips are fun, but the long journey to your destination isn't always the most exciting, especially if you're driving alone. So, how can you stay awake and engaged while crossing what feels like endless stretches of highway? From listening to an audiobook to hosting mini car concerts and discovering quirky roadside attractions, here are 20 fun ways to beat the boredom when you're spending hours behind the wheel.
1. Curate an Upbeat Playlist
Are you a music junkie? To keep yourself alert and awake on those long drives (especially when they start in the wee hours of the morning or night), try curating an upbeat playlist you can dance to while you're stuck on the highway.
2. Take the Longer (But More Interesting) Route
Sure, you might want to opt for the fastest route to get to your destination, but sometimes, it's much more rewarding and worth it to take the longer road. You'll never know what you'll find if you don't go off the beaten path, after all.
3. Listen to an Audiobook
If you're a passenger, you can bring a regular novel to read, but if you're the one behind the wheel, you can put on an audiobook to pass the time. It's a great way to get immersed in a completely different fictional universe while you're crawling through the highway.
4. Voice Journal
Whether you want to journal out some thoughts or pretend like you're recording your own podcast, voice memos are another great way to pass the time on long car rides. They might even help sort out your thoughts if you're experiencing mental clutter.
5. Play Mad Libs
You might think Mad Libs is a boring game for teenagers, but don't underestimate just how much fun you'll have playing it. This fill-in-the-blank word puzzle is the perfect way to stay engaged and alert when behind the wheel—and you're bound to have some great laughs.
6. Make Improv Stories
For another game that's similar to Mad Libs, try making improv stories. Have everyone in the car say one word at a time, and see if you can string together a fun tale that actually makes sense. Trust us, this activity will leave you in tears from laughing so hard.
7. Car Karaoke
Whether you're driving alone or in a car with friends, karaoke is always fun. So, turn up the volume on your favorite songs and sing your heart out! To make it competitive, set up prizes and rewards to give out to the best singer in the car.
8. Plan Your Itinerary
If you haven't already, plan out your itinerary while you're still making your way to your destination. Think of the first few spots you'll want to hit, what your next rest stop will be, or where you might want to sleep for the night.
9. Make Photography Stops
As you drive, you'll probably come across lots of scenic spots, so make sure to park nearby to take some photos. Unless you regularly drive down this route, you might never see these breathtaking views again, so you don't want to regret it by just passing by.
10. Stop for Hidden Foodie Gems
It's not just the breathtaking views you should stop for—you may also come across cool diners and hole-in-the-wall eateries you'll never see anywhere else. And if you're already overdue for grub, make sure to pull over for a bite.
11. Listen to Podcasts
If audiobooks and music aren't really your thing, you can also listen to podcasts instead. You'll find anything from comedy sketches to true crime on offer, which are sure to keep you entertained or on the edge of your seat.
12. Play Some Throwback Music
Sometimes, it might take listening to throwback music to get you back into the groove. If you're an '80s or '90s kid, just putting on old jams—Don't Stop Believin' by Journey, anyone?—will make you want to sing at the top of your lungs or rock to the beat.
13. Road Trip Games
Whether it's "I Spy," the license plate game, or a mini scavenger hunt, these games are sure to keep you on your toes. Plus, who doesn't love a little friendly competition? It'll make sure everyone in the car stays awake and engaged.
14. People-Watch
If you're driving alone and can't exactly play multiplayer games like "I Spy" and "20 Questions," you can also simply people-watch. Take a look at other drivers, their passengers, and their cars, and make up a story for them. Where are they going? What for? What do the adults in the car look like they might do for a living? Sometimes, the most interesting things to observe are the people around us.
15. Discover New Radio Stations
Bored with your own playlists and music? Go discover some radio stations! You're bound to come across some cool hosts, songs, and maybe even interesting stories from callers. The unpredictability of it all will definitely keep you entertained.
16. Tell (or Listen to) Spooky Stories
Are you a horror junkie? Put on a podcast that tells spooky stories, or go around the car with everyone sharing their own personal eerie tales. This activity is especially fun to do when driving at night, or during the Halloween season.
17. Name the Landmarks
Got a history buff in the car? Or maybe you're the walking encyclopedia? As you drive by, you'll likely come across some landmarks and cultural spots you've never seen before, so try testing your knowledge by naming them or learning more about them.
18. Learn a New Language
You probably won't have enough mental space to focus on learning a new language while driving, but that doesn't mean you can't still learn implicitly by putting on music or podcasts in a different language. Who knows? By the end of your drive, you might get some new words down!
19. Look for Roadside Oddities
More than just landmarks, scenic spots, and hidden foodie gems, you'll probably come across some roadside oddities as well. From interesting statues to spooky abandoned buildings, life-sized dinosaurs, and the world's largest covered porch swing, you're bound to find the weird and the wonderful.
20. Document the Journey
Another great way to entertain yourself on a long drive? Document the journey! Whenever you're safely stopped or pulled over, take a few photos or videos of where you are and how far along you are in your trip. If you're on the road with friends, this project gets even more fun.
