How to Survive a Long Road Trip

Co-authored by Allison Broennimann, PhD

Last Updated: September 10, 2024 Approved

Road trips can be fun and exciting for the whole family, at least once you finally arrive where you want to be. Riding in the car for hours - especially in the backseat - can be extremely boring. Here are some boredom busters and coping strategies for when you're stuck in the backseat.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing for the Trip

Download Article

. In addition to the basics like clothes and toiletries, don't forget to include essentials like medications.
2
Have a little backpack full of things you might find amusing, such as books, puzzles and portable video games. Make some yummy snacks (if you're going to a warm/hot place don't take chocolate!), and buy some water and drinks in bottles or cans. That will keep your hunger down when there isn't an exit coming up anytime soon!
- You may also want to pack an iPod, or a Zune, or another type of MP3 player for entertainment. You can also pack a portable DVD player or gaming system.
Advertisement
Remove trash and old toys, books, wrappers, etc. Vacuum the seats. Put a blanket on the seat to make it comfy. Having a clean car will make the air feel cleaner and will make you feel less claustrophobic. ^{[1]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Just Before the Trip Begins

Download Article

Use the bathroom before you go. Adjust your pillow just right because you're going to be back there for a while. Make sure you've eaten. Take off your shoes and relax! Look out the window and see the beautiful scenery go past.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Enjoying the Road Trip

Download Article

1
Play classic road trip games. These are often fun and get your mind going. Here are a few of them: ^{[2]
X
Research source}
- License Plate Words: This is where you find a license plate with letters and try to think of abbreviations for the word. For example, the license plate is CESC686. "CESC" can stand for "cows eat seven chickens".
- Another one is where you get a list of most states in the current time zone and try to find each state in that area, bonus point if it's out of time zone. It's easier with time zones because if you're on the west coast it will be pretty hard to find a car from upper Maine.
Use your imagination . Think of fun things, or look out the window and pretend someone and/or something is running. It can be just like a movie if you try hard enough.
Maybe you have an album you are yet to listen to - this is the perfect time to listen! Relax and unwind as you listen - you'll be in the car for a few hours. ^{[3]
X
Research source}
Warning, as this may lead to carsickness for some people. Bring some magazines and books. If you don't have many books at your house or don't have a library near you, you can get an app like Apple Books or eBooks and you can read from there. Some of the books on Apple Books are free. Also, if you have one, take your eReader!
Get creative . If you have a notepad, you can write a story. Say you're in the middle of Kansas. You could draw the flat ground, and design a roller coaster or a water slide. Write a story that reflects your surroundings. It can pass time and gets your mind going. The time will fly!
For example, you can play jokes, such as you can start crying and when someone asks what's wrong and say something like "Someone invisible is chopping onions"! It gets very annoying but it's funny. If you want to pull pranks on other passengers, make sure they know it's a joke. Do not pull pranks on people who get angry easily.
If you're leaving in the morning, wake up 3 hours in advanced and do some things to tire you out. if you leave at 7:30 am, wake up at 4:30. Maybe you can pack your carry on and food, bike a mile, and clean the house. You will be super tired by the time you're on your way. Plus, when you wake up from your nap, you'll be a few hours closer to your destination.

Road Trip Help

Road Trip Checklist

Road Trip Tips and Tricks

Sample Road Trip Games

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do I prevent my self going to the bathroom so often?

Community Answer

It is important to use the bathroom before you start the trip. Also, try to make yourself "go" whenever you stop, either to get food, stretch, get gas, etc. Lastly, avoid drinking too much and thinking about using the restroom.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 90
Question

I'm going on a trip in three days with aunt and uncle, cousins and sister. I have separation anxiety and feel like I'm gonna get sick at night. What can I do to help this?

Community Answer

I also suffer from separation anxiety. Keep water next to your bed in case you do get nauseous, and maybe get something that reminds you of what you're separated from to help ease the anxiety. Most of all, keep in mind how much fun you're going to have with your family. It'll be OK!

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 16 Helpful 75
Question

What should be packed for snacks?

Community Answer

Anything you like. Choose whatever you will eat and foods that will fill you up. Don't forget to pack some sandwiches if you're a picky eater.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 51

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Wear loose clothing. You want to be comfortable.

Thanks
Helpful 133 Not Helpful 14
Try to sleep. You don't need to worry about your family babbling on about something if you are asleep.

Thanks
Helpful 120 Not Helpful 16
If none of that works for you, read a good book or draw or write on the trip. Just keep in mind the possibility of motion sickness and how hard it may be to write a straight line in a moving vehicle.

Thanks
Helpful 72 Not Helpful 14

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Bring blankets or else you might get cold from the AC.

Thanks
Helpful 64 Not Helpful 9
Family members may be stressed out or tired of driving, so don't argue.

Thanks
Helpful 59 Not Helpful 10
Glare on your gadgets will get annoying, so regularly turn off your device and relax.

Thanks
Helpful 21 Not Helpful 9
Be aware that older or younger siblings may be annoying and they will put their feet up on you. If this happens, try to put Lego bricks or something uncomfortable on your lap. Or, just put your feet on them.

Thanks
Helpful 35 Not Helpful 19
If you sleep during the trip, it might mess up your sleep schedule.

Thanks
Helpful 49 Not Helpful 36
Never distract the driver.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

[3]

Log in

How to Survive a Long Road Trip

Steps

Preparing for the Trip

Just Before the Trip Begins

Enjoying the Road Trip

Road Trip Help

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories