8 ideas that will help you not die of boredom on a long journey

1. Eliminate book debts

You probably have dozens of novels, plays, essays, or collections of short stories that you've wanted to read at some point. The road is a great option to reduce this list. And if the list is still empty, but you don’t mind spending time turning the pages, choose a book with a light style and a fascinating plot. For example, “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Stop Cafe” by Fannie Flagg or “The House on the Edge of Night” by Katherine Banner are suitable for cozy reading. And if you want a mystery in the plot, try Who Is Maud Dixon? Alexandra Andrews or Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.

If you don’t want to weigh down your backpack or suitcase too much, choose paperback volumes or take a closer look at audiobooks, radio plays and podcasts. By the way, they will save you if you have to drive the road.

2. Host a music quiz

This option is perfect for traveling by car with a group. For example, you can play old tunes and try to determine the year the track was released. Or look for compositions in different languages ​​and take turns guessing which language the performer sings in.

If you like to sing, organize a singing marathon. Divide into two teams and take turns recalling hits that begin with a specific letter of the alphabet. Let’s say the first team is on “A”, the second is on “B” and so on. Another format of this game is to guess words and perform compositions with them.

3. Stock up on board games

If you're planning a train trip, look for simple board games. There are many options that will not take up much space in your suitcase and will easily fit on a table in a train. For example, “Gnomes-pests”, “Crew. Expedition to the Ninth Planet", "Wavelength". To make choosing easier, think in advance how many people will play. Let’s say for the strategy “Seven Wonders. Duel" requires two - everyone must accumulate as many resources as possible and build buildings. And “Overboard!” designed for four to six participants. The game's heroes find themselves in a boat after a shipwreck. Everyone has a best friend who wants to help the character survive, and an enemy who dreams of drowning him.

There's no need to ditch the idea of ​​board games if you're traveling alone. On the road, try to attract fellow travelers. Perhaps your compartment neighbors just don’t know what to do - you’ll save them from boredom and at the same time make new acquaintances.

4. Look for interesting puzzles and time killers

There are many similar options in app stores. For example, a puzzle BlockuDoku It’s similar to Tetris, but the pieces don’t continuously fall from above, but appear near the playing field. The task is the same - arrange the elements so that the filled rows disappear. A Buzzlerama is a whole collection of games: you can connect dots, go through mazes, collect puzzles.

Before your trip, don’t forget to charge your smartphone and bring an external battery. This way, you won’t have to take a long break from puzzles and suffer from a dead smartphone after arriving at your destination.

5. Update your social networks

Sorting through accumulated messages, decluttering subscriptions, sorting photos into albums—there are many tasks on social networks. But in a busy schedule, it’s not always possible to find time for them. The road just gives you the space to calmly put everything in order.

Another option is to start filling out the pages. At the beginning of your journey, you can prepare a post about your trip, and when you return, experiment with photo processing and video editing. If you are constantly busy at home, but want to manage social networks, try to think through a content plan and prepare posts for future use. Afterwards, all that remains is to configure delayed publications.

6. Talk to fellow travelers

If you didn’t have time to stock up on content before your trip, you don’t have to stick to the window the whole way. Try to start a conversation with a pleasant travel companion. Scientists claimthat communication with strangers can make people happier and healthier. Such communication is a good training in speaking skills.

If you haven't yet mastered the art of casual conversation, suggest playing word games. For example, guess objects by description or through questions that can only be answered “yes” or “no.” Another game is “Snitch”. The participant needs to choose a verb and replace it with “schnutzat”. And for others, guess the word using leading questions. For example, “How often should you schnutz?”, “Can two people schnutz?” and so on.

7. Devote time to self-development

A long road is conducive to practicing a foreign language or learning something new. For this task, you can download apps with exercises, look for recordings of master classes on interesting topics, or create a playlist on YouTube with videos from channels with scientific and educational content.

Another option is to find a full-fledged short course. There are programs on online platforms that can be closed even in a few hours. By the way, this is a realistic way to improve your skills in any industry. For example, learn how to manage personal finances, resolve conflicts at work, or teach a child to read using modern techniques.

8. Binge watch the series

Most users are watching multiple episodes in one sitting. But at home, such marathons are fraught with gatherings until late at night, after which it is difficult to wake up. On the road, you can limit yourself and even get to know the whole season. And if you have to travel for a couple of days, then you can cover several shows. You will be aware of the new products that everyone around is discussing, and at the same time you will not have to regret the time spent. The main thing is not to forget your headphones, so as not to disturb others.