There’s a particular rhythm to long journeys. The hum of an engine, the occasional shuffle of strangers nearby, the way the time seems to stretch. You might have hours before the view changes, but that doesn’t mean you need to stare at a blank window or your shoes the entire time.
Play games that keep you engaged
Games make even the slowest stretches feel more dynamic, especially if you’re not travelling alone. Card decks, travel-sized board games and even word challenges can spark a bit of healthy competition.
If you want something you can join in quickly without too much fuss, a round of bingo works surprisingly well. It’s simple and adds a playful sense of anticipation. You can play an online version or adapt it to your setting – spotting landmarks or overheard words can all become part of the fun.
Listen to music with intention
You probably already load a playlist before you head out, but instead of letting it play on shuffle, try curating something that fits the tone of your journey. A slower set of tracks works if you’re travelling overnight, while upbeat rhythms can give you an energy boost on a midday bus ride.
Download your songs ahead of time so poor signal doesn’t leave you with silence when you want atmosphere.
Dive into podcasts or audiobooks
Podcasts offer an easy way to turn downtime into discovery. You can pick up fascinating knowledge from a history series, laugh with a comedy host, learn more about the sport you love or follow a gripping true-crime narrative.
If you prefer a more sustained experience, an audiobook can carry you through several hours without using your eyes. Remember to save episodes offline; nothing spoils the immersion faster than a buffering wheel.
Keep your hands busy
If you like to stay productive, activities that occupy your hands while leaving your mind free can be especially satisfying. Knitting, sketching, writing or even organising your travel photos on a tablet keeps restlessness at bay.
These small projects can also leave you with a tangible souvenir – like an in-progress scarf or a cleaned-up gallery – by the time you reach your destination.
Write your own notes from the road
Ever written a journal? Jotting down thoughts, overheard snippets of conversation, or rough sketches of a station can sharpen your observations and help you remember details later.
Use your phone’s notes app if paper feels clunky, but do keep it accessible – you never know when an idea will strike while the scenery rolls past.
Strike a balance between screen and scenery
It’s tempting to sink into your phone for the entire stretch, but glancing outside every now and then adds depth to your trip. You might catch a village festival unfolding in a field or notice an unexpected landscape shift.
Screens are valuable companions, but the view is still part of the story you’re travelling through.