With spring break coming up, many people are planning vacations or trips. Because of that, students might have a long road trip coming up, and with it, boredom. Fighting this boredom can be tough, especially since car sickness is a common occurrence. Luckily, there are many solutions to boredom, and finding the right one can make a car ride more enjoyable.
Create a new playlist
Most people already listen to music in the car, but a long car ride (so long as you’re not driving) provides the opportunity to make a new playlist to enjoy. New songs, or just a new playlist with the same songs from another, can make a car ride fun because it can distract you for hours.
Not only that, but on the way back, you can listen to and enjoy the same playlist. This activity provides entertainment both ways, and if you’re a music fan, it’s a great way to expand your horizons and listen to something new.
Internet Deep Dive
If music isn’t your style, then maybe take a trip down an internet rabbit hole. Learning random information can be fun, especially if you find a good topic. While this might lead to car sickness (due to reading), it’s an easy way to pass time. Not to mention, you can also become an expert on a random topic of your choice!
The car ride back can be fun with this one as well, since you can either find a new topic to deep-dive on, or you can tell your car companions about the new information you learned. You can also use this new information at your destination and tell whomever you meet (or are visiting) about this interesting rabbit hole.
Sleep
When asking someone what they do on a long car ride, a common answer is “sleep.” It’s certainly not a bad option. If you aren’t driving, sleeping can be a great way to pass the time, and it’s perfect if you’re switching driving roles with someone else. A little nap allows you to drive for longer distances. In some cases, it even makes it easier to avoid car sickness. While getting car sick can ruin a car ride, sleeping might lower the chances of this.
Arts and Crafts
Some people just can’t sit still for long periods of time. A solution to this is finding things to do with your hands, especially if you’ve developed enough muscle memory to perform the action as if you were breathing.This helps keep your brain occupied without focusing so hard you get car sick.
Some examples of activities are things like making friendship bracelets, coloring, drawing, macrame, cross stitching, knitting, crocheting and more! It’s also great if you can use this opportunity to find a new hobby or creative outlet.
Reading or Homework
Reading can be a useful way to pass time, and if you’re interested in what you’re reading, it can be easy to escape into a good book. You could also do homework and keep up with any school assignments you’ll miss while out of town. It’s a great way to be productive and kill the down-time you have.
The only issues could be car sickness and the lack of internet. Hotspots can fix this, but it may be slow for online work, so make sure to bring some paper-based reading material in case your hotspot doesn’t work.
Window Game
This is something most people did as a kid, the Little Ninja or superhero or Regular Joe, running and doing parkour as you drive past fields or towns. It makes for a good way to pass time. The only issue is, if you’re easily carsick when looking out the window, then this game definitely isn’t for you.
Family Games
The last pastime on the list is family games! I spy, the license plate game, etc.. If your family insists on quality time together, this can make things more interesting than hours of conversation. It’s also a great opportunity to connect and be off of electronics for a while. Games also result in a lower likelihood of feeling car sick.
Long car rides can be boring, and overstimulating, but there are simple ways to keep things interesting. With a bright idea and a little optimism, your next trip could include a memorable car ride as well.
