Driving alone on a road trip can become boring very quickly, especially if you are traveling for many miles. There are several things you can do though to make the road trip as memorable as the destination you are traveling to. Continue reading for my top suggestions on making that road trip just a little bit more exciting.
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Creating a Perfect Playlist
This one may seem self-explanatory, but I feel like road trips always come with super loud playlists that make your throat sore from screaming the lyrics. I love making a playlist that has a blend of songs that I can sing to, along with songs I just love to listen to but not necessarily sing to. Or, if you have trouble creating a playlist you can always look on Spotify or Apple Music for curated playlists – there is sure to be on either called Summer Vibes or Road-Trip Playlist.
Plotting Landmarks
As you’re driving, you pass through a lot of towns or cities that have special landmarks. If your road trip is not strict on timing, look for turn-offs that can become hidden gems to break up the monotony of driving for hours on end. This may be a famous landmark or something more unique to the town, but it will allow your mind to take a break from focusing on the road.
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Counting Cars
Also known as a popular TV show, this trick has helped me on several road trips where I’ve gotten tired of staring at blacktop. Try to focus on a type, brand, or color of car as they pass by and count how many you can find. This doesn’t take a lot of focus, so you can still drive your car without getting too distracted. You can even challenge yourself by comparing how many green versus blue cars were in a ten mile stretch. By taking your mind off of driving, it will make the journey better.
Listen to an Audiobook
For my fellow bookworms, this might be the most attractive option. I have never personally listened to an audiobook, but I know there is a huge market for them, and it allows you to enjoy a book without having to physically hold and read it. For those long hours, a book can keep you entertained and focused on the road ahead, all while you’re imagining the world of whatever book you choose. I know a couple of people who listen to audiobooks, and they love that they can still enjoy literature while completing other tasks, so maybe this is the choice for you.
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The Snack Bag
My best friend religiously keeps a snack container in the back of her car for emergencies. Though this is not an emergency, it’s still good to have a snack bag in the car for road trips. You never know when you’ll get hungry and a rest stop is fifty plus miles away. The best option for a snack bag is foods that will not need to be refrigerated and can stand the heat. Some choices can be trail mixes, crackers, chips, granola bars, candy etc. Whatever you like most, put it into a bag and enjoy yourself.
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Pit Stops
Some road trips have time constraints, while others are more relaxed. If you are going for a more relaxed drive, then you might want to add in some pit stops along the way. Similar to the landmarks, these could instead be mom-and-pop shops or restaurants that are local favorites. Not only will you get to spend some time off the road, but you will get to know the town you are briefly stopping in, and maybe even make a new friend. This might be a little more challenging for an introverted traveler, but it’s totally worth it when you find a unique gift for a loved one, or just some really yummy food.
Road trips are meant to be fun, even if you are doing one alone. Use some of these tips, or your own tricks to stay upbeat on the journey as miles of pavement roll under your feet, and maybe the journey will turn out to be better than the destination.
