13 things to do when you are bored and are traveling to your next summer destination
Wondering what to do when you stuck in the car, on a train, on an airplane, in a car, or anywhere you are made to sit and wait? Then this post is for you. If you are doing any travel this summer, see these 13 things to do while you sit and wait to get to your next destination.
What to do when you are bored and you simply want to enjoy the time…
1. Read, read, read!
One of the things almost everyone wishes they had is time to read. Whether it’s catching up on a trashy magazine or reading the most recent pulitzer prize winning novel, summer travel brings lots of opportunities to read. Take advantage of it!
2. Listen to audiobooks
If you get motion sickness, listening to audiobooks instead of reading is a great alternative to traditional reading. There are a number of audiobook apps out there. When I want to listen to American and British classics, my go-to is the free app from LibriVox.
3. Daydream
When was the last time you were able to simply sit with your thoughts in a relaxed way? Well, now’s your chance! Get lost in your thoughts and dreams – you have the time and you’ve earned it.
4. Nap
We definitely don’t get enough of it: sleep. If you have time (and are not the driver), enjoy it by getting some much-needed shuteye. But remember, napping does not replace the full night’s sleep your body needs!
What to do when you are bored and you want to reflect…
5. Meditate
Take a few minutes (unless you are the driver!) to clear your mind, close your eyes, and be mindful of the present. Times like this are a great opportunity to get relaxed and centered – to bridge the gap between the “real world” and your summer vacation. Not sure how to start? Check out my post on meditation to learn more.
6. People watch
Yup, it sounds silly, but this is a great time to be mindful and observe your surroundings. You don’t just have to watch people – check out the scenery go by out your car, train, or airplane window. Appreciating the present moment is so important when you are visiting a new place.
7. Color
If are not the driver, enjoying a bout of coloring is a great idea! You can check out my post about adult coloring books here.
8. Journal
This is also a great time to reflect and relax. Writing in a journal gives you a few moments to simply relax and think quietly – now, when do you normally get to do that?
What to do when you are bored and you are feeling ambitious…
9. Set goals
When you take time away, it gives you a moment to reflect. Take that time to set SMART goals for yourself. This is a great way to hit the “reset” button for yourself and start fresh after traveling.
10. Plan your itinerary
This is a perfect time to be productive and make plans for your upcoming trip (or, if you are done with your trip, plans for the upcoming work week). So, pack a notebook for those times when the mood to plan hits you.
11. Meal plan
Speaking of plans, this is also a great time to plan healthful meals for the week. Not sure where to start? Check out my post on healthful lunches to learn more.
What to do when you are bored and you are with travel companions…
12. Strike up a conversation with your travel companions
if you are traveling with family or friends, taking this time to have a thoughtful conversation is incredibly valuable. Tell yourself that you will learn something new about your travel companions. This is especially fun when you are traveling with family. For my birthday last year, I received a great little set of conversation starters – try something like this if you are stumped with where to start!
13. Play a game
If you are traveling with another person, you can get a few laughs in by playing games. Here is a great list of games for adults, and here’s another set for kids.
What do you do when you are bored and traveling? Let us know in the comments!
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