Buzz
A family vacation can be the highlight of the summer, but getting through the travel portion is another story. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple things you can do to keep yourself occupied during a long, tedious car ride. First, make sure you’re fully prepared with essentials like snacks, a pillow, and comfortable clothing. Once you’re ready, there are numerous activities you can engage in to pass the time until you reach your destination.
Steps
Choose Your Seat for the Trip
Arrange seating in the car. Before getting in, decide who sits where. A window seat offers better views, while the back row might be ideal for stretching out or taking a nap. During the trip, consider switching seats occasionally to change your perspective.
- Avoid complaining about your seat. When traveling with a large group, someone will inevitably end up in the middle.
Wear comfortable clothing. On the day of departure, opt for lightweight, loose-fitting attire that you can comfortably wear for hours. A simple t-shirt paired with jeans or athletic pants is always a great choice. Also, choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off during rest stops.
- If the weather is hot, go for short sleeves. In colder winter conditions, bring a thick jacket to stay warm in the car.
- Don’t worry too much about appearances; comfort is key since no one will judge your look at a rest stop.
Pack two separate bags. Store the majority of your luggage (clothes, personal items, and electronics) in the first bag and place it in the trunk. Keep items you’ll need during the ride in the second bag. This way, you’ll always have entertainment options within reach.
- Avoid carrying an oversized bag, as it can be cumbersome and take up too much legroom. A backpack, crossbody bag, or tote is usually ideal.
- The second bag can hold items like books, magazines, tablets, small toys, and other miscellaneous essentials.
Bring snacks. Packaged snacks are the most convenient since they don’t spoil and don’t require reheating. Items like crackers, granola bars, trail mix, chocolate, and bottled water will keep you energized throughout the seemingly endless journey.
- If space allows, consider bringing a small cooler with healthier options like fresh fruit or yogurt.
- Snacking occasionally will help curb hunger, reducing the need for frequent stops.
Passing the Time
Find a comfortable sitting position. Relaxing in a cramped car can be challenging. Try placing a pillow on your lap and leaning forward, resting your head on it, or letting sunlight gently warm your face as you nap. If there’s enough space, prop your feet on the gearbox or sit sideways to stretch your legs.
- Remember, safety comes first. Always wear your seatbelt, even when trying to get comfortable.
Take a nap. A long trip is the perfect opportunity to catch some sleep, especially if you’ve had an early start. Don’t forget to bring a pillow to rest your head on the car. By the time you wake up, you might have already traveled for hours.
- Use an eye mask and earplugs to block out light and noise for a peaceful sleep.
Read a book. Pack at least one or two books in your carry-on bag and pull them out when you want some quiet time. Reading is an excellent way to combat boredom and make the long journey feel shorter.
- Choose a bestseller or a popular novel that doesn’t require too much focus.
- Reading in the car can make some people feel nauseous. If you start feeling carsick, take a break from reading.
Bring a notebook. Pack some paper and pens or pencils in your bag to jot down notes or write out your thoughts while on the road. The extended time in the car is also a great chance to finish any pending homework.
- Pass the paper around and play games like tic-tac-toe, hangman, or MASH with your friends.
- Get creative by writing a journal entry, composing a poem, or crafting a short story.
Play word games. Challenge everyone to spot out-of-state license plates or solve tricky riddles. Word games are fantastic because all you need is your imagination. Some popular options include:
- “Detective,” where one player describes an object inside or around the car, and others guess what it is.
- “20 Questions,” where players ask yes-or-no questions to guess a person, place, or thing.
- “Would You Rather,” where one player offers two choices, and others must pick one.
- “Six Degrees of Separation,” where players connect actors from different movies until they link back to the original actor.
Chat with everyone. Use this time to learn more about others’ lives or engage in casual conversation to pass the time. You’ll be sharing a small space for hours, so treat it like a regular hangout.
- Go around and listen to people share jokes or interesting stories about their lives.
- Prepare a few conversation starters to break the ice if you’re unsure what to talk about.
Use Technology to Stay Busy
Listen to music. Sync your favorite songs to your iPod or other mobile devices so you can enjoy them during the trip. You can also use apps like Spotify, iTunes, or Pandora for unlimited music streaming. If playing music out loud, choose tracks that everyone enjoys.
- Keep a pair of headphones in your bag to avoid disturbing others or to enjoy music privately.
Watch movies or TV shows. Thanks to modern technology, you can now watch your favorite shows from anywhere. Use your smartphone or tablet to stream content on Netflix, Hulu, or similar platforms. You can even host a mini movie night with those sitting in the back!
- Ensure everyone gets a chance to pick what to watch when sharing a device.
- If internet access is an issue, consider bringing a portable DVD player.
Text your friends. Stay connected with friends back home by texting them updates about your trip. This helps you maintain your social connections while on the road.
- Texting is only possible in areas with good phone signal.
- Don’t forget to bring a portable charger or a car charger to keep your phone powered up.
Share your experiences on social media. Keep everyone informed about your trip by posting on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Take a few moments each day to upload photos, update your status, or review restaurants, museums, and famous stops. This is also a great way to document your journey and stay connected while traveling.
- Create a unique hashtag and use it for all your vacation-related posts.
- Enable location settings on your device to let viewers track the places you visit.
Enjoy the Journey
Plan your dream itinerary. Make a list of things you want to see and do at your destination. Then, pick one or two and make them a priority. A little planning ensures you’re ready to make the most of your vacation.
- Don’t limit yourself—your dream trip could include anything from swimming with dolphins to attending a music festival or climbing a mountain peak.
- Consider your budget and time constraints when planning. You might not have enough time or money to go skydiving, snorkeling, rock climbing, or touring an entire city in just a weekend.
Take photos. Start documenting your journey from the moment you hit the road. Look for interesting landmarks or scenic backdrops for your pictures. If that’s not your style, snap some fun selfies with friends or siblings—they’ll be great to look back on later.
- If you’re passionate about photography, invest in a camera to capture high-quality images you can print later.
- Create a digital album to preserve your trip memories and share your favorite moments with family and friends when you return.
Research your destination. If you’re visiting a new place, take some time to learn about its history, geography, and culture. You’ll find plenty of interesting information in travel guides, maps, brochures, or through a quick online search.
- Jot down what you learn and use it to quiz your friends or family.
Explore attractions along the way. Look up local landmarks or scenic spots near your route and plan to stop at a few. There are breathtaking landscapes, natural wonders, and fascinating stops all over the world. Visiting a few of these will make your trip even more memorable.
- Check travel resources to see what’s nearby and worth a visit.
- Avoid stopping too often, as it could slow down your main journey.
Ask the driver to stop if you start feeling too uncomfortable. Taking occasional breaks allows everyone to stretch their legs, use the restroom, and recharge. These pauses can make the rest of the journey more pleasant and manageable.
- Prefer rest stops over gas stations for breaks. Rest stops often have amenities like food and supplies, while gas stations are limited to restroom use.
- Use the restroom whenever the car stops, even if you don’t feel the need yet. You never know when the next break will be.
Enjoy the ride. Try to maintain a positive attitude about the trip. Long car rides aren’t fun for everyone, but it’s worse if everyone is in a bad mood. After all, you’re on your way to an exciting vacation with your closest companions—what could be better?
- Don’t feel pressured to fill every moment with conversation. Sometimes, everyone appreciates a little peace and quiet.
Tips
- Get plenty of rest the night before your trip. Sleeping in a moving car is no substitute for a good night’s sleep.
- Take every opportunity to charge your electronic devices.
- If you plan to drive part of the way, ensure your driver’s license is valid.
- If you feel carsick, try focusing on the horizon.
- Stay hydrated throughout the trip.
- If nausea strikes, breathe deeply. If it persists, keep a vomit bag handy.
- Download movies and shows from Netflix in advance to save mobile data.
- Pack plenty of snacks to avoid hunger.
- Avoid excessive talking, as others might be trying to sleep or enjoy some quiet.
Warnings
- Avoid disturbing the driver and other passengers. Annoyances can quickly sour everyone’s mood.
- Monitor your water intake during the trip. Drinking too much will require frequent stops.
