Family vacations are often the moment we look forward to during the long school holidays, but the process of getting to a destination is a different story. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to distract yourself during a long boring car ride. First, make sure you bring everything you need for the trip, including snacks, pillows, and comfortable clothes. Once everything is ready, you can use various activities to pass the time until you finally arrive at your destination.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Getting Ready for a Long Car Trip
Step 1. Decide where you will sit
Before everyone starts getting into the car, talk about the seating arrangements. Sitting by the window will give you a better view. The back seat lets you stretch out and take a nap. Try swapping seats periodically so you don't get stuck looking at the same thing along the way.
Try not to complain about your seat. If you are traveling in a large group, someone should definitely sit in the middle (flanked by other people)
Step 2. Wear comfortable clothes
On the day of departure, wear clothes that are light and loose and will not cause problems if worn for hours. A t-shirt and jeans or sweatpants can be a good combination. Choosing shoes that can be put on and taken off easily when the vehicle is stopped will be very helpful.
- If it's hot outside, it's best to wear short-sleeved clothes. Conversely, if the weather is cold, choose a thick jacket to anticipate in case the air in the car is getting colder.
- The main thing to pay attention to is how you feel, not what you look like. No one will care about your appearance at the rest stop.
Step 3. Prepare two bags
Put most items (including clothes, toiletries and electronics) in the first bag and place them in the back/luggage. Then, pack anything you might need in the car into a second bag. This way, you always have something to cheer you on.
- Make sure the second “carry-on” bag isn't too big to distract or take up legroom. Backpacks, sling bags, or totes are usually popular choices because of their proper size.
- This additional bag can be filled with items such as books, magazines, tablets or portable media devices, diaries, or small games and other knick-knacks.
Step 4. Don't forget to bring snacks
Choose snacks that are practical so they don't go stale and don't need to be heated. Snacks like crackers, granola bars, nuts, chocolate, and bottled water will give you the energy you need to endure a seemingly endless journey without feeling grumpy.
- If there's room left in the car, you can bring a cooler and stock up on healthy snacks like fresh fruit and yogurt.
- Try to chew a bit of food every now and then so you don't go hungry. That way, you don't have to stop often to eat.
Method 2 of 4: Passing Time
Step 1. Choose a comfortable position
It can be difficult to relax in a full car. Try placing a pillow on your lap and leaning forward or placing a pillow on the side of the headrest so you can sleep with the sun's rays warm your face. If there's enough room, you can lift your feet up on the console or tilt your body so that you can extend your legs.
Remember, safety comes first: always wear a seat belt throughout the journey, even when you are trying to find a comfortable position
Step 2. Try to take a nap
A long car ride can be an ideal opportunity to sleep, especially if you start your journey early in the morning. Don't forget to bring a pillow before you leave the house so you have a headrest. When you wake up, you are a few hours closer to your destination.
Blindfolds and earplugs can help you block out unwanted light and sound so you can sleep peacefully
Step 3. Read a book
Put some books in a second bag and take them out when you want to do some quiet activity. Reading can be an effective way to combat boredom and take your mind off the long journey that lies ahead.
- Choose a bestselling book or popular fiction that doesn't require a lot of concentration to read.
- For some people, reading in the car makes them feel nauseous. If you start to feel landsick, try to stop reading for a while.
Step 4. Bring a notebook
Put some paper, pen or pencil in a personal bag. That way, you can draw or jot down ideas when the journey feels sluggish. A long drive in the car can be an ideal opportunity to complete pending tasks or homework.
- Pass notebooks to friends and play games on paper like Tic-Tac-Toe, Hangman or Mash.
- Unleash your creative side and start writing a journal or a poem or a short story.
Step 5. Play word games
Ask everyone to guess where the vehicle came from based on its license plate or try a difficult puzzle game. Word games are perfect because you only need your imagination to participate. Some popular word games you can try include:
- “ I Spy." In this game, a player describes an object that is in or around it and the other participants have to guess what it is.
- “ 20 Questions." In this game, each person can ask up to 20 questions with yes or no answers to help them guess the name of a person, place, or object.
- “ Would You Rather." In this game, a player mentions two different scenarios and his opponent will be asked to choose which one he prefers.
- “ Six Degrees of Separation." In this game, one player names a movie at random and another player has to link actors from a number of other movies until he returns to the original actor.
Step 6. Chat
Take this opportunity to chat and find out how each other is doing. You can also talk about anything to pass the time. You will spend hours in a confined space. So, think of it as a fun get-together.
- Give everyone a turn to tell their best joke or tell the funniest event that has ever happened to them.
- Write down some thought-provoking questions that can be used to start a conversation if you run out of topics.
Method 3 of 4: Using Technology to Keep You Busy
Step 1. Listen to music
Sync your favorite songs on your iPod or mobile device so you can listen to them anytime on the go. You can also use services like Spotify, iTunes, or Deezer to listen to countless popular music. If you tune in to the radio, make sure you choose a program that everyone agrees with.
Don't forget to bring headphones in your bag. Without headphones, you will have difficulty listening to music or it can interfere with the comfort of other passengers
Step 2. Watch a movie or TV show
Thanks to modern technology, you can now watch your favorite shows anywhere. Use your smartphone or tablet to access your movies via the Netflix service, Viu, or similar apps. You can also watch movies together with those in the back seat!
- Make sure everyone gets a chance to choose their favorite movie and watch it together.
- If internet quota or signal is a problem, buy a portable DVD player that can fit in a suitcase.
Step 3. Text a friend
Write a message to a friend who isn't out of town and let them know how your trip has been so far. This allows you to stay in touch with them on the go.
- This activity is only possible if you are in a place that can receive a good signal.
- Don't forget to bring an extra charger (preferably one that plugs into the car) so you can charge your phone whenever it stops.
Step 4. Share your experience on social media
Keep your followers up-to-date on your travels by writing them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Take time each day to upload photos, write statuses, or even write reviews of famous restaurants, museums, and tourist attractions. That way, you can document your journey while keeping up to date with the latest developments in your social media circles while you're out and about.
- Create a unique hashtag for your vacation trip so you can organize all your relevant posts under one label.
- Remember to enable location detection on your phone. This lets your followers see all the places you visit.
Method 4 of 4: Enjoying the Journey
Step 1. Create your dream travel route
Make a list of the things you want to see and do when you arrive at your destination. Then, pick a thing or two and see if you can make it come true. With a little careful planning, you can make better use of your vacation.
- Don't set any limits. Your perfect adventure can range from swimming with dolphins to watching music festivals and climbing the highest peaks of mountains.
- Consider your budget and trip duration when planning as you may not have the time and money to parasailing, snorkel, learn to rock-climb, or explore the entire city over a weekend getaway.
Step 2. Take a photo
Start documenting your experiences along the way. Pay attention to interesting places or beautiful scenery along the way that you can use as a great photo background. If you're not interested in the activity, try taking a silly selfie with a friend or relative for a laugh later.
- Ambitious photographers may even be willing to buy a reliable camera to get high-quality photos that can later be printed.
- Create a digital photo album to remind you of the vacation and share your favorite moments with friends and family when you get back.
Step 3. Look for information about the place you are going to
If you're traveling to a place you've never been before, take time to learn about its history, geography, and culture. You can usually find a lot of interesting information in guidebooks, roadmaps, or brochures, or by doing an internet search.
Make a list of the facts you've learned and use it as a quiz for friends or family
Step 4. Enjoy the scenery on the way
Look for local attractions of interest around the area to be passed and make an effort to schedule extra stops to see them up close. You can find stunning geographical formations, stunning natural phenomena, and unique roadside attractions almost everywhere. Seeing some of these things with your own eyes can make your vacation even more memorable.
- Take a look at the travel literature to see what to see around the area you're about to pass through.
- Keep in mind, you may not be able to stop often if it will interfere with the itinerary.
Step 5. Ask to stop and rest if you are very tired
The occasional break will give all passengers a chance to go to the bathroom and stretch their legs. After that, you will all feel refreshed and ready to move on.
- Stop at a gas station or rest area. There, you can buy food and other supplies. The stops usually only provide toilets.
- It's a good idea to go to the toilet every chance you get, even if you don't feel like urinating. You won't know where the next stop is.
Step 6. Maximize travel
Try to have a positive attitude. Long trips in a car are no fun for anyone and will be even more intolerable if everyone in the car is in a bad mood. After all, you have the opportunity to go on vacation with the people closest to you. What's better than that?
Don't think that you always have to start the conversation. Sometimes everyone needs a little quiet and peace
Tips
- Get enough sleep the night before. A quick nap in a rocking car can't replace a good night's sleep.
- Don't miss every opportunity to charge electronic devices.
- You must have a valid driver's license if you want to drive.
- If you start to feel drunk, try to look straight ahead.
- Don't forget to drink to prevent dehydration.
- If you feel like throwing up, try inhaling and exhaling. If that doesn't help, maybe you should actually throw it out. So, make sure you bring a plastic bag.
Warning
- Pay attention to the amount of water you drink on the trip. Don't drink too much because that means you have to stop to go to the toilet more often.
- Try not to disturb the driver or other passengers. Tense nerves can put you in a bad mood.
