Thanksgiving is almost here, and many of us are getting ready to drive home alone to see family, or we drew the short stick and need to drive while others get to enjoy their devices or sleep. Are you wondering what to do on a long car ride by yourself?
The average American spends 293 hours per year in their car, and the holidays contribute to this number significantly. Long solo drives can sometimes feel like they last forever.
Instead of viewing these hours as wasted time, transform travel time into opportunities for personal growth, creativity, and productivity, per Danielle Riddle of the Inspired Travel Group. Use the time to learn new things, be creative, and get stuff done. Here are 38 ways to stay interested and have fun while on the road.
What to Do on a Long Car Ride by Yourself: 38 Activities to Try
1. Listen to Audiobooks or Podcasts
Dive into a captivating audiobook or a series of podcasts. Whether it’s a thrilling mystery novel or a podcast on quirky history facts, there’s always something new to learn or enjoy.
2. Listen to Music
Listen to a playlist filled with your favorite tunes or explore new music genres to boost your mood while traveling. From upbeat pop hits to mellow jazz tracks, let the music set the tone of your journey.
3. Practice Mindfulness or Meditation
Take a moment to center yourself with some deep breathing exercises. Mindfulness can help calm your mind and enhance your focus, especially useful during a hectic travel day. Learn more about the benefits of meditation.
4. Sightseeing
Make your journey more enjoyable by stopping to stretch and breathe at scenic viewpoints or interesting landmarks. This not only breaks up the monotony of a long drive but also enriches your travel experience.
5. Photography
Keep your camera ready to snap photos of beautiful landscapes or unique roadside attractions. Whether it’s a stunning sunset or a funky local art installation, capturing these moments makes for great memories.
6. Learn a New Language
Use your travel time to pick up some new language skills. Practice useful phrases and vocabulary that might come in handy for your next encounter with someone from another country.
7. Call Friends and Family
Stay connected with loved ones back home. It’s a great way to pass the time and share updates about your adventures.
8. Reflect and Plan Goals
Use the quiet time in travel to think about your personal and career goals. Make notes in your phone’s voice recorder.
9. Snack Smart
Pack a variety of healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, and water to keep you energized throughout your journey. Eating well helps maintain your energy levels and focus, especially on long trips. See 33 of the best vegan snacks you can bring on your trip.
10. Stay Informed via News
Keep up with the latest news by listening to radio broadcasts or news podcasts. I’ve found that iHeart is the best for news and sports.
11. Journal Thoughts
Keep a travel journal on your phone’s voice recorder to document your thoughts and experiences along the way. This can be a wonderful way to reflect on your journey and preserve memories for the future.
Learn more about journaling prompts for anxiety if you suffer from anxiety while driving or in other areas of your life.
12. Explore Local Radio
Use your AM dial and tune into local radio stations to get a feel for the culture and music of the area you’re passing through. I had a lot of fun driving through the middle of nowhere in South Dakota and listening to a program where people called in to buy and sell goods.
13. Practice Singing
Use your travel time to work on your singing skills. Sing along to your favorite songs or work on vocal techniques—it’s a great way to boost your mood and have some fun.
14. Design a Dream House
Let your imagination run wild and plan out every detail of your dream home. Think about the style, room layouts, and even the types of furniture you’d love to have.
15. Listen to Comedy Specials
Keep the mood light by listening to comedy specials. Laughter can be a great stress reliever, especially during a long drive. iHeart’s Comedy Beasts radio channel is pretty good.
16. Pet Your Dog
If your furry friend is lucky enough to travel with you, this can be a calming and enjoyable activity for both you and your pet. Remember to keep your eyes on the road!
If you don’t have a dog, learn about the benefits of getting one.
17. People Watch with Backstories
Observe the people that drive by you and imagine their backstories. It’s a creative exercise that can be quite entertaining and funny.
18. Listen to Educational Courses
Take the opportunity to learn something new by listening to courses on subjects like history, science, or literature. It’s a productive way to use your time and expand your knowledge.
19. Plan a Reality TV Show
Come up with a fresh twist on reality television by combining unusual settings or contestant types, like antique collectors racing across Route 66. Think through the challenges, elimination format, and what would make viewers tune in week after week.
20. Listen to Movies
This is more fun than you think and can be relaxing. Movies with good soundtracks are a good play here.
21. Plan Future Trips
Dream about your next adventures and start planning the details. Think about the places you want to visit, the foods you want to try, and the activities you want to do.
22. Practice Memory Exercises
Keep your brain active by trying to memorize things like song lyrics or quotes from audio books. This not only passes time but improves your memory skills.
23. Listen to Ambient Sounds
If you need to relax, play some nature sounds or white noise. These sounds can help soothe you and provide a calm backdrop to your thoughts.
24. Think of Gift Ideas
With the holidays around the corner, make a list of gift ideas to make or buy for your loved ones. Play Santa and decide who is naughty or nice and what they will get from you this year.
25. Create a New Ice Cream Flavor
Potato chips and chocolate? Use and combine unexpected ingredients to design your perfect ice cream flavor.
Take it to the next level and put your ideas into action with a homemade ice cream maker. This model is highly reviewed and will do customizable flavors:
26. Compose Poetry or Lyrics
Draw inspiration from the passing scenery to voice record poetry or song lyrics. This is a wonderful way to express your feelings and experiences through creative writing.
27. Plan a Fantasy Dinner Party
Imagine hosting a dinner party with your favorite historical figures or celebrities. Decide on the menu, the decor, and the topics of conversation for a fun mental exercise.
28. Invent a New Sport
Think up a new sport, including the rules, scoring system, and how it’s played. It’s a creative exercise that can be both challenging and amusing.
29. Design Your Perfect Day
Dream big and plan out your ideal day with unlimited resources. From the moment you wake up to when you go to sleep, fill your day with activities that make you happiest.
30. Develop a Superhero Origin Story
Create a unique superhero complete with powers, a backstory, and a nemesis. This can be a fun way to engage your imagination and pass time.
31. Create a Five-Year Time Capsule
Think about what items you would include in a time capsule for future generations to know about you. Choose items that tell a story about who you are and what you value.
Then, make it happen.
32. Invent a Restaurant Concept (or Other Business Idea)
Design a unique restaurant theme you’ve never seen before. Plan the perfect menu, layout, and guests you would like to attract. I’d personally like to see more places with doggy daycare while I eat.
33. Draft a Bucket List by Continent, Country, or State
Organize your ultimate adventures, listing activities and destinations that are a must-visit. This can help you set travel goals and inspire future trips.
34. Invent Future Technology
Imagine new technologies that could change the world. Think about how they would work, who they would help, and what impact they might have on society.
35. Create Your Own Holiday
Why should Festivus get all the credit? Develop meaningful traditions and customs for a brand-new celebration. Think about what time of year would be perfect for your holiday. Plan the special foods and activities that would make your celebration unique and memorable.
36. Plan a Novel Plot
Develop the plot for a novel, outlining the main characters, setting, and major events. This is a great way to explore your storytelling abilities.
37. Design a Treehouse
Have your kids (or significant other) been asking to build a treehouse? Treehouse glamping is projected to grow in popularity in the 18 – 32 generation, maybe a result of games like Minecraft. Think about how you would transform that tree into a shelter. We have treehouse design plans to get you started when you arrive at your destination.
38. Practice Public Speaking
Prepare and rehearse for any upcoming presentations or speeches. This can be a productive use of time and help alleviate any nervousness about public speaking.
How to Prepare for a Solo Road Trip
I have been stuck solo in a car without preparing and have suffered the consequences, so you don’t have to. Before diving into activities, set yourself up for success with proper preparation:
Mental Preparation
- Accept that the journey is part of the experience. You can’t change where you are, so make the most of it.
- Plan your activities based on your route.
- Set realistic expectations for traffic and weather delays. If you plan to be in wintry or otherwise inclement weather, make sure your vehicle is prepared with survival items to help in the case of emergency.
Car Organization
- Check your car’s heating system and winter readiness.
- Create an easily accessible space for snacks and water.
- Set up your phone mount. If you haven’t gone the route of phone magnets, now is the time.
- Adjust seats and mirrors for maximum comfort. You can’t make some of these adjustments after you start driving.
Activity Planning
- Download audiobooks and podcasts before leaving. This is of the utmost importance. You would be surprised how many internet dead zones there are on the open road.
- Prepare playlists for different moods and energy levels. Sometimes you may need to calm down and sometimes you might want to perk up.
- Plan activities around known traffic areas. This goes for gas and bathroom breaks, too.
Safety First
- Select activities that don’t require physical interaction
- Keep your eyes on the road
- Save complex thinking tasks for straight highway stretches, i.e. the most boring parts.
- Pull over if you need to take notes or adjust anything
- Be extra cautious during winter weather conditions
Wrapping Up: Have Fun, Learn, and Be Safe While Driving Solo
By incorporating these ideas on what to do on a long car ride by yourself into your upcoming holiday road trip, you can transform a solo drive into an opportunity for growth and enjoyment. Rather than counting down the miles, you’ll find yourself engaged in meaningful activities that make the time fly by. Remember, reaching your destination safely is always the primary goal, so choose activities that match your driving conditions and comfort level.
Share Your Road Trip Activities
What creative ways do you pass time on solo road trips? Your fellow drivers would love to hear your ideas. Drop a comment below with your favorite car activities or share your most memorable solo drive experience.
Want more travel tips and creative ideas? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates. Bananomad will help you turn every journey into an adventure.
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