20 Fun and Engaging Things to Do on Road Trips

Road trips have an undeniable charm. The open road, scenic landscapes, and the sense of freedom that comes with driving from one destination to another create experiences that are both thrilling and relaxing. However, as much as the destination matters, it’s the journey itself that often leaves the most lasting memories. Long hours on the road can sometimes get monotonous, so planning activities to keep everyone entertained is key to a great road trip experience.

In this blog post, we’ll cover several engaging things you can do during a road trip to make the journey as memorable as the destination. From games to sightseeing, we’ll ensure that your road trip is packed with fun.

1. Play Classic Road Trip Games

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to pass the time during a road trip is to play classic road games. These games are perfect for involving everyone in the car and can spark laughter and friendly competition. Here are a few timeless road trip games to consider:

I Spy

“I Spy” is a classic game that’s both fun and easy to play. One person picks an object they can see and says, “I spy with my little eye something that is [color/shape/etc.],” and the others have to guess what it is. The game continues until someone guesses correctly, and the next person takes a turn.

20 Questions

In this game, one person thinks of something, and the others ask up to 20 yes-or-no questions to figure out what it is. This game can be tailored to any topic or theme, from animals to celebrities.

The License Plate Game

This game involves spotting different license plates from various states or countries and making a list of them. You can set challenges to see who can spot the most plates or find the rarest one. It’s a great way to encourage everyone to keep an eye out and stay alert on the road.

Punch Buggy

This is a fun game where players have to spot Volkswagen Beetles and shout, “Punch buggy!” The first person to call it gets a point. You can also add twists, such as spotting other car brands or models.

2. Create a Road Trip Playlist

Music is an essential part of any road trip. Curating a playlist with everyone’s favorite songs can set the tone for a fantastic journey. Whether it’s nostalgic tunes, upbeat road trip anthems, or chill vibes for scenic routes, a great soundtrack can elevate the mood in the car.

You can even take turns being the DJ, where each passenger gets a set time to play their favorite tracks. Another idea is to have themed playlists, such as “songs from the 90s” or “songs about travel.” Don’t forget to include some sing-along classics that everyone knows!

3. Document Your Trip

A road trip is full of unique moments, and documenting the journey is a great way to create lasting memories. You can take pictures of the scenic landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, and candid moments with your travel companions. If you’re into vlogging, record short clips along the way to create a road trip video montage.

For those who enjoy writing, keeping a travel journal is a great idea. You can jot down interesting things you see, funny conversations, or noteworthy events. Years later, these notes will bring back vivid memories of your trip.

4. Plan Scenic Stops Along the Way

Road trips are about more than just getting from point A to point B. One of the best parts of a road trip is discovering unexpected gems along the way. Make sure to plan some scenic stops to stretch your legs and take in the views. Whether it’s a beautiful mountain pass, a serene beach, or a charming small town, taking time to explore these stops can add excitement to your journey.

5. Bring Travel-Themed Trivia or Quizzes

If you’re traveling with family or friends, trivia and quizzes can be a fun way to pass the time. You can either prepare trivia questions in advance or use trivia apps to test each other’s knowledge on various topics. For an added road-trip twist, consider making the trivia travel-themed, with questions about different destinations, landmarks, or geography.

A fun variation is to give points for correct answers, with the winner choosing the next place to stop or the next playlist to listen to.

6. Try Podcasts or Audiobooks

Podcasts and audiobooks are fantastic companions on a road trip. They can turn long stretches of road into fascinating adventures of the mind. Choose topics that interest everyone in the car, from true crime and history podcasts to motivational audiobooks or even a gripping novel series. Audiobooks can also be a great way to ‘read’ books you’ve been meaning to get to but haven’t had time for.

Listening to a well-told story or engaging in a thought-provoking discussion can keep the mood positive, and you’ll likely learn something new in the process.

7. Plan for Themed Food Stops

Food is one of the highlights of any road trip. Instead of settling for standard fast food, why not turn your journey into a culinary adventure? Research local diners, roadside cafes, or food trucks along your route. You can also make it a goal to try regional specialties or famous dishes from each town you pass through.

Another fun idea is to pack a picnic with different snacks and have a scenic roadside meal. Fresh air, a great view, and some good food can turn an ordinary stop into a memorable experience.

8. Car Karaoke

What’s better than belting out your favorite songs on a long drive? Car karaoke is a fantastic way to keep the energy up and the atmosphere lively. You can use apps that have karaoke versions of popular songs or simply sing along to your playlist. Get everyone in the car to participate, and don’t be shy – the more over-the-top, the better!

If you want to take it up a notch, you can even score each other’s performances and have a road trip karaoke competition.

9. Have Deep Conversations

Road trips can also be a time to bond with your travel companions. When you’re driving for hours, there’s ample time to have meaningful conversations. This could be about personal goals, dreams, or shared memories. Long car rides provide a rare chance to disconnect from technology and focus on connecting with each other.

Deep conversations can lead to insightful moments, laughter, and a greater sense of closeness with the people you’re traveling with.

10. Play ‘Would You Rather?’ or ‘This or That’

“Would You Rather?” is a fun game where players choose between two scenarios, often leading to hilarious and unexpected conversations. You can make the scenarios light and fun or deep and thought-provoking, depending on the mood. For example:

• “Would you rather have the ability to fly or the ability to become invisible?”
• “Would you rather travel back in time or forward to the future?”

Another similar game is “This or That,” where you choose between two preferences, like “Beach or Mountains?” or “Coffee or Tea?” It’s a simple way to get to know each other’s likes and dislikes better.

11. Enjoy Roadside Attractions and Oddities

The road is filled with quirky and offbeat attractions that can add a sense of adventure to your journey. From giant sculptures to peculiar museums, taking a detour to check out a weird roadside attraction can make for a great story and some fun photos.

Make a list of famous (or not-so-famous) roadside attractions along your route, and take some time to explore the oddities that make your road trip unique.

12. Learn a New Skill

Why not use your road trip to learn something new? Whether it’s learning a new language using a language app or practicing some mental math challenges, a road trip is a perfect opportunity to expand your knowledge. Passengers can also take turns teaching something they know to the rest of the group, like how to fold origami or how to tell a great joke.

13. Host a Mini Road Trip Talent Show

For a fun and spontaneous activity, you can hold a “car talent show,” where each passenger gets to showcase a hidden talent. Whether it’s singing, telling jokes, doing impressions, or performing a quick magic trick, this can lead to a lot of laughter and friendly competition.

14. Make a Road Trip Scrapbook

Creating a road trip scrapbook is a fantastic way to preserve the memories you create along the way. Pack a small kit with essential supplies like a notebook, pens, and glue sticks. Along the journey, collect mementos such as postcards, ticket stubs, brochures, and receipts from restaurants or attractions. You can then jot down little notes or stories next to these items to capture the experience. At the end of the trip, you’ll have a physical keepsake full of personalized memories.

15. Play Road Trip Bingo

Road trip bingo is a fun activity that’s especially great for families or groups. You can either print out bingo cards before the trip or use bingo apps specifically designed for road trips. The bingo card squares can include things like spotting animals, certain road signs, landmarks, specific car colors, or even quirky things like “someone singing loudly in the car.” The first person to complete their bingo card wins!

16. Have a Car Spa Day

Road trips can be long, so why not pamper yourself? Bring along some car-friendly spa items like facial masks, hand creams, lip balms, or refreshing face wipes. You can even get a small essential oil diffuser to create a relaxing atmosphere in the car. Taking a few moments to refresh yourself with a “mini spa” can keep everyone feeling energized and comfortable during the trip.

17. Create a Road Trip Bucket List

Before setting out on your trip, create a road trip bucket list of things you’d like to do during the journey. This could include stopping at a famous landmark, trying a certain type of food, meeting new people, or even completing a challenge like taking a picture with a certain number of local attractions. As you complete each item on your list, take pictures or videos to document the achievements. It’s a fun way to add a sense of accomplishment to your trip.

18. Plan a Photography Challenge

If you and your passengers enjoy photography, organize a fun photography challenge for the road trip. You can decide on themes such as landscapes, candid moments, or specific colors, and everyone takes turns snapping pictures that fit the theme. At the end of the day (or trip), review the photos to see who captured the best shots. Not only does this encourage creativity, but it also ensures you’ll have plenty of amazing photos to remember the journey by.

19. Create a Road Trip Podcast

Why not make your own podcast during the trip? You don’t need professional equipment to start. Use your smartphone’s voice recording app to have conversations about your experiences, thoughts on the places you visit, or funny anecdotes along the way. Each passenger can take a turn hosting, and you can create your own series of “road trip episodes.” After the trip, you’ll have a unique audio diary to look back on, or you can even share it with friends and family.

20. Do a Random Acts of Kindness Challenge

A road trip is a perfect opportunity to spread some kindness along the way. Set up a challenge where each person in the car must complete at least one random act of kindness during the trip. This could include leaving a nice note for a stranger, picking up litter at a rest stop, buying coffee for someone, or leaving a generous tip at a roadside diner. It’s a great way to make the journey more meaningful and bring positivity to your travels.

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