Setting out on a road trip can be a lot of fun, with the promise of scenic landscapes, attractions to explore, and the general excitement of the open road. However, the prospect of long hours in the car can sometimes feel daunting, and the fear of boredom could cause you to skip road trips all together.
Don’t worry – I’ve been there! I’ve taken dozens of road trips, many that were 10+ hours in a day, and also many by myself. A road trip doesn’t have to be boring! Whether you are traveling with your family or hitting the road by yourself, you sometimes just need a fresh suggestion or two for when you start to go stir-crazy.
From classic car games that stand the test of time to creative activities that suit everyone’s interests, this list of ideas will make sure that the journey itself becomes a great memory and doesn’t have to be torture.
Ways to Make Your Road Trip Not Boring
Before we dive into these fantastic ways to make your road trip not boring, it’s crucial to emphasize that safety comes first.
While these ideas are meant to make your journey enjoyable, remember to keep your eyes on the road while driving, and if you are traveling with others, let the passengers lead some of the activities so the driver can keep everyone safe.
1. Plan another trip
What better way to make a road trip more exciting than by discussing your next road trip?
Talking about future potential destinations, bucket list activities, or even dream getaways can fuel excitement and anticipation and help to pass the time while driving.
This is personally one of my favorite things to discuss with my husband when we travel. Nothing puts me in the mood to dream up vacations more than actually being on a trip. Don’t forget to take some notes so you can put those plans into action someday!
2. Ask each other questions
One of the best parts about a road trip is spending time with your family and friends and getting to know them better.
A great way to do this is to ask each other fun, thought-provoking questions that can get conversations started. Who knows, maybe you’ll learn something new about each other!
Afraid you’ll run out of ideas? Check out this post with over 250 questions for couples (many of these can be applied to others as well!).
3. Plan a few stops
Break up the monotony of your trip with planned stops along your route.
Seek out interesting landmarks, scenic viewpoints, or quirky roadside attractions. While I always like to have a few planned out ahead of time, if you see something that looks like fun, go ahead and stop! You never know what hidden gems you might find.
These mini-adventures will not only provide a welcome break from all the sitting and driving but also allow you to see more of the landscape as you drive. Plus, it will give you something to look forward to on your journey.
4. Stop frequently
Even if you don’t have anything fun to explore, plan to stop frequently.
Sitting in a car for too long isn’t comfortable for anyone, and frequent stops allow you to get out, stretch your legs, and give your mind a break from concentrating on the road in front of you.
I recommend stopping about every 2-3 hours. This allows you to use the restroom, grab a snack that you intelligently packed to ward off the hunger, and do a few stretches to loosen stiff muscles.
It can also give passengers a chance to swap out anything they’d like to do to entertain themselves. Knowing when you’ll be stopping will let you know that you’ll be able to switch to something else in a short while if you start to get bored.
5. Be the navigator
While you might prefer being behind the wheel (I know I do), it’s also a good idea to take a break and be the navigator every once in a while. Being the driver takes a lot of mental energy, so it’s a good plan to swap out for a bit if you are traveling with someone who can share the load.
Whether you are using physical maps or GPS (pro tip: you should have both), helping to guide the driver can be fun if you allow it to be. Keep everyone informed about the journey’s progress and let them know about any upcoming points of interest.
Also, as the navigator, you should be keeping your eyes open for upcoming accidents or construction, places to get food and gas, and also rest stops to help the driver out so they can concentrate on driving the car and getting everyone to your destination safely.
6. Take turns driving
Going along with the above tip, if you have multiple people in your vehicle, you should take turns behind the wheel. Sharing driving responsibilities can alleviate fatigue and stiffness.
I suggest rotating drivers every few hours when possible, allowing others to relax, enjoy the scenery, or take a turn at navigating.
Personally, my husband and I split the driving by each driving half and then swapping. I like to drive in the morning because I’m more awake and I cannot see well enough to drive when it’s dark. When I drive, my husband will often nap or drink some coffee to wake up.
After lunch, we’ll swap and he’ll drive the second shift since that’s when he’s more alert, and by that time, I’m starting to get tired and need a break.
Find the schedule that works for you and use it to make sure everyone who is able shares the responsibility of driving.
7. Activity packs for kids
If you have young travelers on board, preparing activity packs with puzzles, stickers, coloring books, and games is a great idea.
These distractions will keep kids entertained, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable ride for everyone. Plus, if it’s something that is saved especially for the road trip, it makes it more special and likely to keep them from getting bored longer.
8. Movies
Bringing a portable DVD player (do people still use those?) or a tablet with a selection of downloaded movies is a great way to keep kids and teens occupied in the backseat. Heck, I’d watch a movie too if I was in the back and didn’t have to drive or navigate.
Just make sure you have a way to plug in and charge the devices so you don’t get some grumpy passengers if their tablets die. I recommend this power inverter that will plug into the car and allow you to plug in both USB and 110V AC outlets.
9. Audiobooks
I love a good audiobook for road trips. Unfortunately, my husband does not, so this is something I only do when I’m traveling solo or with my kiddo.
However, if you’re lucky enough to have travel companions who want to listen to books, I’d recommend choosing interesting stories or informative non-fiction to listen to as a group. Even young kids will love audiobooks that are geared for their age.
It’s a fantastic way to enjoy literature without the need for screens, and it definitely helps pass the time while driving long distances.
10. Podcasts
Similar to audiobooks, podcasts are a great option to listen to while driving. This is what my husband and I usually listen to together when we travel. The shorter episodes keep his attention better, haha!
There are podcasts on virtually every subject, from true crime to history to comedy, and there are even some great podcasts for kids. With countless options available, there’s something for everyone’s interests, which will help make the hours fly by.
11. Stand-up comedy
Laughter is a great companion on the road. Prepare a playlist of your favorite stand-up comedy routines or use a streaming device that offers comedy specials. Humor is a great way to keep everyone in high spirits as you drive along.
Just a note: if you plan to travel with kids, make sure you choose comedians who are kid-friendly. There are a lot of comedy actors out there that are PG-13 in their movies, but their stand-up is quite raunchy. Consider previewing some of it ahead of time to make sure you’re comfortable with letting your kids listen to it.
12. Music playlists
Curate a variety of music playlists to suit different moods and moments on your journey. Whether it’s upbeat tunes for singing along or calming melodies for scenic drives, having the right soundtrack can enhance the overall road trip experience.
My husband and I usually each have a playlist and we take turns listening. In our car, the passenger is the DJ, so decide ahead of time who gets to choose the music.
13. Have plenty of drinks and snacks
Keep everyone refreshed and energized by stocking up on a variety of drinks and snacks. Eating always puts me in a good mood and keeps me from being bored.
I recommend packing along a bunch of non-perishable snack items so you don’t have to make constant stops at fast-food joints and gas stations every time someone is hungry. Plus, it will save you money, so that’s also a win!
Also consider bringing along a selection of your favorite beverages in a cooler, or do what I do and buy a few gallons of water and fill up your insulated water bottle as you go. This is also a great way to save money. All those snacks and drinks can add up quick!
14. Car games
Car games are the classic boredom-buster since cars were invented (at least I’d like to think so!). There are so many out there and new ones keep popping up all the time. Here are a few of the well-known ones and maybe a few you haven’t heard of yet.
License plate game
The License Plate game is a classic road trip favorite. The objective is to spot as many different state license plates as possible during the journey. Keep a list, and as you spot each state, check it off. For kids, you can also get this neat game board. It’s a fun way to learn about the diversity of license plates on the road.
I Spy
I Spy is a game of observation and deduction and a great one to play during a long road trip. One player selects an object they can see from the car or inside the car, and others take turns guessing what it is by asking yes-or-no questions. The person who guesses correctly chooses the next subject.
Mad Libs
Mad Libs is a hilarious word game. One person asks the others for specific types of words (like nouns, adjectives, and verbs) to fill in the blanks of a pre-written story. Once all the words are filled in, you read the story aloud, which often turns into a nonsensical and funny tale.
Road trip bingo
Road Trip Bingo is another fun game to play with passengers of all ages. Bingo cards are filled with specific items you might see while driving, like cows, road signs, railway crossings, or specific types of vehicles. As you spot these items, mark them off on your card. The first one to get a complete row or column says “Bingo” and wins.
20 questions
In this classic game, one player thinks of a person, place, or thing and the others take turns asking yes-or-no questions to guess what it is. You need to figure it out before your 20 questions are up!
Guess the song
Another fun game to play on a road trip is Guess the Song. Players take turns playing short song clips, and the others try to guess the song title and artist. There are also apps for this which saves you time coming up with your own songs.
Alphabet game
This is another game that anyone in the car can play. In this game, you search for words on signs, license plates, or other vehicles that start with each letter of the alphabet, in order from A to Z. It’s a great way to stay engaged and observant.
Counting game
This is a great game to play if you’re traveling with young kids. Choose a specific type of vehicle or object, like ambulances or cows, and count how many you see during your journey. It’s a simple but entertaining way to pass the time and one that kids tend to love.
Your top 5 game
Take turns selecting topics, like “Top 5 Movies” or “Top 5 Foods” and each person in the car shares their personal top five choices. It’s a fun way to get to know each other better and helps pass the time while on the road.
15. Trivia questions
Challenge each other’s knowledge with a round of trivia questions. Prepare a list of brain-teasers or pick up a set of trivia cards that you can pull out when there’s a lull in the conversation. It’s a great way to learn new facts and engage in friendly competition.
16. Take a nap
Rest is essential to ensure everyone stays refreshed and safe.
Rotate napping shifts to make sure every driver has the chance to catch up on sleep and stay safe while driving. A quick power nap can work wonders in combating fatigue and ensuring you’re all alert on the road.
Even if you are like me and can’t actually sleep in the car, just closing your eyes and resting makes a big difference.
17. Photograph signs
Turn your road trip into a visual adventure by capturing unique or quirky road signs along the way. These photos can serve as amusing souvenirs and help document your journey as well.
18. Mark your route on a map
While physical maps aren’t as popular anymore, one of the ways to make a road trip not boring is to trace your route as you progress.
It’s a hands-on way to stay oriented and appreciate the distance you’re covering. Plus, if you’re traveling with young kids, it gives them a visual to help them understand the journey.
It can also be a great keepsake of your road trip. My mother-in-law does this for every motorcycle trip she takes around the country. She uses the same maps and has different colors for every adventure. I think it’s such a great idea!
19. Journal about your trip
Encourage everyone on the trip to keep a journal. Documenting your experiences, thoughts, and emotions adds a personal touch to your adventure. It’s a wonderful way to reflect on the journey later and relive the memories.
I also find it really helps when people ask you questions about your vacation later. I don’t have a great memory, and when someone asks something along the lines of, “What was the name of that great little restaurant you went to in South Dakota?” I’ll actually remember and be able to tell them!
20. Catch up on emails
Email can be the bane of your existence, and when you are on the road or on vacation, it can really pile up and start getting stressful.
If you have pressing work or personal matters, or just want to keep from drowning, use the road trip as an opportunity to catch up on emails or messages. But obviously, only do this when you aren’t driving!
21. Edit your photos
Save yourself time when you return from the road trip by editing your photos on the go. Delete photos that didn’t turn out right and use photo editing apps to enhance and stylize your images, creating memorable snapshots of your road trip adventure.
22. Make a movie
Another great way to make memorable keepsakes of your road trip is to record short video clips along the way. Later, or while you have time to fill on the road, you can compile them into a fun travel video or vlog, capturing the essence of your trip.
If you’re really creative, or if you have older kids who enjoy making videos, you could even create a short fiction movie about your trip and have something fun to show your friends and family when you return.
23. Learn a language
Use the road trip as an opportunity to brush up on a foreign language or start learning a new one. Audio language courses or language learning apps can help you practice pronunciation and vocabulary during the drive.
If you are a little more advanced, you can even listen to a book in the language and see how much you can understand.
24. Dance party
When the energy in the car starts to drop, have an in-car dance party. Create simple dance moves that can be done while seated, and let the music and enthusiasm flow. It’s a fantastic way to keep spirits high and a guaranteed way to make the road trip not boring.
25. Decorate the windows
Add a touch of personalization to your vehicle by decorating the windows.
Window clings, washable markers, or even dry-erase markers can be used to create temporary designs, messages, or drawings on your windows. It’s also a great activity for kids to do in the backseat if they start to get bored. Just ensure that the driver’s view is still clear and free from any decorative elements.
26. Karaoke
Bring out your inner rock star with a round of car karaoke.
Create a playlist of your favorite songs and take turns belting out the tunes. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy music and have a good laugh with your road trip buddies.
27. Call someone
Use the drive as an opportunity to catch up with friends or family. Make phone calls (hands-free, of course) to loved ones you haven’t spoken to in awhile. Sharing stories and updates can make the time fly by.
28. Knit or crochet
If you’re a craft enthusiast, bring along your knitting needles or crochet hooks and a project to work on along the way. Creating something with your hands can be a satisfying way to pass the time and be productive while on the road.
29. Portable games
If you have a gaming console like a Nintendo Switch or a tablet with a selection of games, it can provide hours of entertainment during the trip. Multiplayer games can even get the whole car involved in some friendly competition.
Conclusion: Ways to Make Your Road Trip Not Boring
A road trip does not need to be a boring endeavor. It can be an exciting adventure filled with laughter, learning, and lasting memories. By having a variety of activities at hand, from classic car games to creative pursuits like journaling and photography, you can transform long stretches of highway into opportunities for fun and friendship.
So the next time you head out on a road trip, remember these ways to make your road trip not boring and ensure that the journey is as enriching and enjoyable as the destination itself.
