Preventing Boredom In The Passenger Seat
It doesn’t matter if you are stuck in traffic on your daily commute to work or going on a long road trip across the country, being stuck in the passenger seat can often be a trial of trying to stay awake in some extreme test of your patience as opposed to an exciting moment to see new things and take in the sights.
Whilst the driver of the car needs to stay awake and alert at all times to ensure everyone safely reaches their destination, the passengers of the car are often left to their own devices, endlessly scrolling or staring out of the window in an attempt to pass the time.
To make this a thing of your past or if you have a big upcoming trip on the horizon, finding some ways to prevent this inevitable boredom in the passenger seat is a must. Adopting the right mindset and preparing for a trip is likely to help things go smoothly. Below we have had a look at some of the best ways to prevent boredom in the passenger seat.
Come Prepared With Entertainment
If you know you are going to be in the passenger seat for long periods of time or if you have a large-scale trip across the length of Australia planned, then it’s best to prepare yourself for this. Playing games can really help. These games can be single-player games, old school group games, or could be apps on your phone that you can play with everyone in the car at the same time. Whilst many people still enjoy the traditional I Spy or 20 Questions sorts of games, there is also now a vast array of mobile games available to people for every occasion and car ride. These could be brainteasers such as Sudoku or word searches, they could be Polytopia or Catan that take a new look at old classic games or you could even indulge in some iGaming online casinos for a chance to win some money whilst on the move. Playing poker or blackjack on non-GamStop casinos for UK players means you won’t have a limit on your betting and can play fairly limitlessly on long car journeys and keep the chance of winning prize pots rolling for numerous hours at a time. Engaging in games is a great way to lose track of time and become immersed in something other than the road in front of you.
Curate A Perfect Setlist
Choosing the sounds on the speakers is always imperative when going on a car ride, no matter how long or short it is. Audio media is any passenger’s best friend and is the ultimate way to keep boredom at bay. It doesn’t matter if it’s the latest podcast or a carefully curated podcast for the specific trip; coming armed with a setlist is important. Creating a playlist that is tailored to the vibe of the car ride is one of the best ways to keep yourself occupied. This could see you rock the 100 greatest country anthems for a road trip across Louisiana or a more mellow prog rock mix with a sprinkling of shoegaze for a meandering car journey through the rainy Scottish Highlands. You will want to cater to everyone’s needs, which means appeasing both your musical taste as well as the drivers (after all, they deserve it) and any others in the back seat. Creating a jam where everyone in the car can chip into the setlist may be an even better way to ensure everyone gets a fair chance at playing some of their music.
Further Trip Planning
It has been famously known that it is not always about the destination, it’s about the journey. How about proving that quote on your next road trip as a passenger and planning the route more actively? You could do it without your phone and use a map or you could use your phone to find some interesting spots along the way to pop into on route to your destination. This way you can keep your mind active and also see some cool things along the way.
Learn Something
Being a passenger on a long road trip doesn’t render you obsolete. It can be the perfect chance to engage your brain in new information or skills. Using the time wisely to learn something new could be a great use of time and is sure to pass the hours by. Check out Duolingo to get to grips with a new language, watch TED Talks to get informed about topics you know nothing about, or read a book/listen to an audiobook. This way you are killing two birds with one stone.
Stay Mobile
Boredom and tiredness are likely to hit you harder if you are more stationary. That’s why it is a good idea to keep as active and mobile in the passenger seat as you can. Every stop you should get out of the car and try to stretch your legs a little and get some fresh air. This way you can give the car energy with some petrol and also give yourself some energy with a small walk.
Bond With Those In The Car
On long road trips, you are likely to spend a lot of hours in the car with those who are on the road trip with you. Whether this is just the driver alongside you or if there are people in the back also, spending quality time with these people is a great way to pass the time. There is little more intimate than being in a car with someone for hours on end and often the lack of eye contact in a car can bring out the best types of conversations between people. Bonding in the car with friends, family, or people you have just met is a great way to stave off the boredom. You can get into deep topics quickly, given you have so much time on your hands and everyone is focused within the same environment.
Conclusion
There’s no shame in getting bored on long car journeys as a passenger. It is inevitable that your brain looks for something to stimulate itself during long periods of just sitting still. However, with the right planning and mindset, you can turn what seems like a really boring car journey into a fun activity that benefits you.
