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

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. In addition to the basics like clothes and toiletries, don't forget to include essentials like medications.
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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.
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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]
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Part 2

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Just Before the Trip Begins

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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

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Enjoying the Road Trip

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Play classic road trip games. These are often fun and get your mind going. Here are a few of them:^{[2]
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- 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]
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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.

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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.

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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!

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What should be packed for snacks?

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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.

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Tips

Wear loose clothing. You want to be comfortable.

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

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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.

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Warnings

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

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Family members may be stressed out or tired of driving, so don't argue.

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Glare on your gadgets will get annoying, so regularly turn off your device and relax.

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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.

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If you sleep during the trip, it might mess up your sleep schedule.

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Never distract the driver.

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