A road trip is an exciting way to explore new places, but the journey itself can sometimes feel long and tedious.
Whether you're traveling with friends, family, or even solo, keeping entertained during the drive is key to making the experience more enjoyable.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to stay engaged and pass the time while you're on the road.
From games and music to podcasts and books, here are several entertainment ideas to help you make the most of your road trip.
Road Trip Games
Playing games is one of the best ways to pass time on a road trip, keeping everyone entertained and engaged. Classic games like "I Spy" and "20 Questions" are easy to play and require nothing more than a bit of creativity and observation. In "I Spy," one person gives a clue about an object based on its color or shape, and others guess what it is. "20 Questions" involves one person thinking of something, and the others asking yes or no questions to figure it out. These games can be played for hours without preparation.
For passengers, mobile games are a great way to stay entertained. Video games like Angry Birds or Candy Crush are fun and easy, while strategy games like Clash Royale or Monument Valley offer more depth. For those who enjoy a little excitement, casino games like blackjack, roulette, and slots are perfect. However, when wagering online with real money, it’s important for players to protect their personal information. As such, players in the UK and beyond are increasingly visiting sites that don’t ask for player details before getting started. These sites are usually called no-verification sites. Casino expert and author Leonard Timbell shares that no verification UK casinos are steadily growing in popularity as they don’t ask players to put their own data at risk by sharing it over the internet.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
For many, listening to podcasts or audiobooks is an excellent way to stay entertained while driving. These options allow you to immerse yourself in fascinating stories, interesting discussions, or even comedy sketches without taking your eyes off the road. Podcasts offer a wide range of topics, from true crime and news updates to storytelling and educational content. "This American Life" is a popular podcast known for telling compelling, real-life stories from people across the United States. It offers insightful narratives that will keep your attention while learning something new about the world.
If you prefer a more structured or educational listening experience, "The Daily" by The New York Times provides 20-minute episodes each weekday that cover the latest in global news. For true crime enthusiasts, "My Favorite Murder" is a humorous yet gripping podcast where two comedians dive into murder mysteries, mixing chilling tales with lighthearted banter. If you enjoy deep, philosophical topics, "Radiolab" takes on scientific and philosophical questions in an engaging, thought-provoking way.
Audiobooks also provide another fantastic way to enjoy stories while on the go. For example, "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern will transport you to a magical world, while "Becoming" by Michelle Obama offers a candid look into the former First Lady's life. For those who enjoy epic fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" is a captivating journey that will keep you entertained as you drive through scenic landscapes.
Music Playlists
A road trip just wouldn’t be the same without the perfect music playlist. Music has the ability to set the mood for the drive and make the hours go by faster. Whether you're in the mood for upbeat tunes or something more relaxed, a well-curated playlist can be the soundtrack to your adventure. For those who enjoy classics, creating a playlist with iconic road trip songs is always a winner. Songs like "Life is a Highway" by Tom Cochrane or "On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson are timeless tracks that bring an adventurous spirit to the drive.
If you're more into modern hits, create a playlist with current chart-toppers or indie favorites. Artists like Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, or Vampire Weekend will provide a fresh, upbeat vibe to keep you energized. For a more laid-back road trip, you can craft a playlist filled with acoustic or folk music. Bands like Bon Iver, The Lumineers, or Vance Joy offer mellow, soothing melodies that are perfect for long drives through serene landscapes.
For a bit of nostalgia, a '90s throwback playlist can be a fun way to relive some of the best hits from that decade. From pop to grunge, the '90s were packed with iconic songs from artists like Nirvana, TLC, and the Backstreet Boys. Whether you're cruising down the highway or stuck in traffic, a carefully selected playlist will ensure you stay entertained and in the right mood throughout your journey.
