Are you planning a road trip soon? Whether you’re hitting the highway with the family, embarking on a romantic getaway with your partner, or exploring solo, we’ve got you covered with some fun road trip hacks. Sure, you could take the same old approach and stick to the tried-and-true methods of road tripping, but where’s the fun in that? With these nifty road trip hacks, you’ll be able make your adventure all the more memorable. So buckle up and get ready to take your road trip game to the next level!
Fun Road Trip Hacks for the Whole Family!
When you’re on a road trip with the family, it can be hard to keep the kids entertained. Well have no fear, because these fun road trip hacks are sure to help out. Each of them can be budget friendly ways of passing time, or at the very least everyone else occupied so you can focus on the drive!
Snack Attack
Let’s face it, no road trip is complete without snacks. But what are the best types of snacks to bring on a road trip? You want something that’s easy to eat, doesn’t make a mess, and won’t go bad quickly. Good options include granola bars, trail mix, fruit snacks, jerky, and pre-cut fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget to also pack plenty of water and other drinks to stay hydrated. You could even get fun tumblers for the each member of your crew like my National Park Tumblers!
To make snack time on your road trip more fun, try picking out your snacks in a unique way. For example, bring a variety of snacks and write their names on slips of paper, put them in a hat, and take turns drawing one out when you’re feeling hungry. Or, use a spinner wheel app on your phone to randomly select which snack to eat next. This not only adds an element of surprise to your snacking experience, but it also helps prevent arguments over who gets to choose the next snack.
When it comes to packing your snacks, make sure to use resealable bags or containers. This will help to keep them fresh and avoid spills. It’s also a good idea to have a separate bag or cooler dedicated solely to snacks, so they’re easy to access and don’t get lost in the jumble of luggage. With these snack attack tips, you’ll never go hungry on a road trip again!
Car Bingo
Car Bingo is a classic road trip game that never gets old. It’s easy to play, requires no special equipment, and is a great way to pass the time on a long car ride. Here’s how to play:
First, make your own bingo cards by drawing a grid on a piece of paper. Alternatively, you can use a site like this bingo card generator to create your own ahead of time! You can make the game as simple or as complex as you want, depending on how long you want to play and how many people are in the car. Some ideas for things to include on the bingo card are: a red car, a truck carrying a boat, a billboard for a fast food restaurant, a license plate from another state, a cow, a road sign with a specific word, a yellow car, a railroad crossing, and a police car.
Once you have your bingo cards ready, it’s time to play. Each person in the car gets a card and a pen or marker. As you drive, look out the window for things on your bingo card. When you spot something, mark it off your card. The first person to get five in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, wins.
Car Bingo is a fun and easy game that can keep everyone in the car entertained for hours. Just make sure to keep your eyes on the road and not on your bingo card!
Car Costume Contest
Ready, set, car costume contest! Who said Halloween was the only time you can dress up? Make your road trip even more entertaining with a car costume contest. This fun and budget-friendly activity is a great way to add some laughs and excitement to your journey.
Here are some ideas for potential costumes:
- Animal Kingdom: Transform your car into a zoo on wheels by creating animal-themed costumes. Use cardboard, paint, and some basic crafting supplies to make ears, tails, and other animal features. Then, attach them to the car and let the fun begin.
- Beach Bash: Bring the beach to the road with this fun costume. Get some inflatable palm trees, beach balls, and sunglasses to decorate your car.
- Circus: Get creative with circus-inspired decorations like balloons, streamers, and maybe even a mini popcorn machine
- Christmas Holiday: If Halloween can be any time of year then so can Christmas! Break out the ornaments and lights from the attic to decorate the car. Maybe Santa can even drive your fancy sleigh!
- Disco Fever: Get groovy with a disco-themed car costume. Add some disco balls, funky lights, and your favorite disco tunes to create a dance party on wheels.
No matter what theme you choose, a car costume contest is sure to add some fun and excitement to your road trip. Plus, it’s a great way to let your creative juices flow!
Fun Road Trip Hacks for Couples
One of our favorite things to do as a couple is take a road trip. We’ve gone on multi-day trips over thousands of miles. We’ve taken short weekend road trips on a whim. No matter what you and your partner are out seeking, these fun road trip hacks are sure to make your next trip a little more special.
Date Night on the Go
Are you ready for a romantic road trip with your special someone? Whether you’re taking a long drive across the country or just heading out for a day trip, a date night on the go is a fun and romantic way to spend some quality time together. With a little planning, you can create a memorable and romantic experience on the road.
The first step to planning your road trip date night is to pack a picnic basket with your favorite foods. Choose foods that are easy to transport and won’t spoil quickly, like sandwiches, fruit, and cheese. Be sure to also bring a blanket or tablecloth, some plates and utensils, and a bottle of wine or champagne (21+ of course).
To make the experience even more romantic, consider packing some candles, a small bouquet of flowers, or a portable speaker for music. Find a scenic spot to stop and enjoy your meal, like a park or a beach. As you’re eating, take in the beautiful scenery around you and enjoy the company of your loved one. Sunsets make for a wonderful time to enjoy a romantic picnic.
When it comes to making the evening romantic, don’t forget the little details. Bring some special treats like chocolate covered strawberries, or write love notes for each other to read during the trip. Avoid foods with strong odors that could ruin the mood, like garlic or onions.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the time together. A date night on the go is a simple and affordable way to add some romance to your road trip.
Memory Lane
Memory Lane is a road trip hack that can help you preserve the memories of your adventure for years to come. There are a variety of ways you can create a scrapbook or memory book. The simplicity or complexity is entirely up to your preference. Here are a few options to get you started:
- Pre-made scrapbook: If you want a more traditional approach, you can purchase a pre-made scrapbook from a craft store or online. These will typically include pages with decorative borders and spaces for photos and written notes. You can customize it with stickers, washi tape, and other embellishments to make it your own.
- Digital scrapbook: For a more modern approach, you can create a digital scrapbook using apps like Canva, Adobe Spark, or Shutterfly. These apps allow you to design and customize your scrapbook pages using templates, backgrounds, and embellishments. You can upload your photos and add text to create a professional-looking scrapbook.
- Memory jar: If you don’t have the time or inclination to create a full scrapbook, consider making a memory jar instead. Write down the highlights of your trip on slips of paper and place them in a jar. You can decorate the jar and add small souvenirs or trinkets to make it even more special. If you don’t like the idea of a jar, consider a nice wooden box instead.
When it comes to what to include in your scrapbook, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Photos: This is the most obvious choice, but don’t just include the typical tourist shots. Take pictures of the food you eat, the people you meet, and the unexpected moments along the way.
- Ticket stubs and other souvenirs: Keep your ticket stubs, brochures, and other souvenirs to include in your scrapbook. These items will bring back memories of specific experiences and help you remember the details of your trip.
- Written notes: Jot down your thoughts and impressions throughout your trip. These can be short snippets or longer journal entries, depending on your preference.
- Maps and itineraries: Keep a copy of your itinerary and any maps or guidebooks you use during your trip. These can help you remember the places you visited and the route you took.
- Keepsakes: Bring back small keepsakes from your trip, such as a seashell from the beach or a pinecone from a forest hike. These can be glued into your scrapbook or placed in a memory jar.
As you’re creating your memory book, don’t forget to take plenty of photos and notes along the way. Make a conscious effort to be present in the moment and fully experience each new adventure. The memories you create will be the most important souvenir of all.
Sweet Surprises
The Sweet Surprises hack is a perfect way to add a little excitement to your road trip. Surprise your partner with small, thoughtful gifts or treats along the way. But how do you keep these surprises hidden until the perfect moment? One idea is to hide the surprises in unexpected places, like in the glove compartment or under a seat. You could also use a small bag or container to keep the surprises together in one spot, like a small gift bag or even a pencil case.
As for the items themselves, think small and thoughtful. Maybe it’s their favorite candy or snack, a handwritten note expressing your love, or a small gift that reminds them of a special moment or inside joke between you two. To make it fun while driving, consider incorporating a scavenger hunt element. Give your partner clues or riddles that lead them to the hidden surprises. Just remember, the key is to keep the surprises small and subtle. They don’t have to be grand gestures, just sweet reminders of your love and appreciation for your partner.
Fun Road Trip Hacks for the Solo Traveler
For those on the road alone, there are a ton of considerations. However, there is also the freedom of not having to worry about what anyone else wants to do. The fun road trips hacks below really lean into this idea of having the freedom to go your own way and call all of the shots.
Car Camping
If you’re a solo traveler, car camping can be an amazing way to explore the great outdoors. It’s a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature. The beauty of car camping is that you don’t need a lot of equipment or a fancy set up. With just a few essentials, you can hit the road and explore some of the most beautiful places in the world.
To make your car camping experience comfortable, you’ll want to invest in a few key items. At minimum, I’d suggest a sleeping bag, a camping stove, and a cooler. You’ll also want to make sure you’re staying safe by letting someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. You’ll also want to make sure you’re following Leave No Trace principles. Its important to not leave any trash or impact on the environment behind you.
The beauty of car camping is that you can easily adjust your plans depending on the weather or how you’re feeling. You can wake up early and catch a sunrise hike or spend the day lounging in a hammock by the river. It’s all about slowing down and enjoying the simple things in life.
So, if you’re looking for a way to connect with nature and get away from it all, consider a car camping trip. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors and find some peace and solitude along the way.
Adventure Journal
Keeping a travel journal is one of the best ways to remember and cherish your solo adventures on the road. You can capture memories, impressions, and experiences that are otherwise lost to time. Plus, the act of journaling itself can be a creative and therapeutic outlet for self-reflection and personal growth.
There are many different types of travel journals, from basic notebooks to elaborate scrapbooks with photos, tickets, and other memorabilia. You can choose whichever format suits your personality and style. For example, a minimalist traveler might prefer a small notebook and pen, while a more artistic traveler might prefer a larger sketchbook with colored pencils and markers.
When it comes to writing about your adventures, there are no hard and fast rules. You can record daily events, write poetry, draw sketches, or simply jot down random thoughts and observations. One approach is to use the five senses as a guide. What did you see, hear, taste, smell, and touch on your journey? Another approach is to focus on a particular theme, such as people, nature, food, or culture.
The beauty of keeping a travel journal is that it can be whatever you want it to be. It’s a personal, creative expression of your solo journey on the road. And the best part is, you can revisit it years later and relive those memories and emotions all over again. So why not give it a try on your next solo road trip? You might just discover a new passion for writing and self-expression.
Audio Adventures
Solo road trips can be exciting and liberating, but they can also get monotonous if you don’t have something to occupy your mind. Audio adventures are the perfect solution for this! With the rise of podcasts and audiobooks, you can immerse yourself in a whole world of entertainment while on the road.
One of the best apps for audio adventures is Audible, which offers a huge selection of audiobooks for every taste. If you prefer something free, check out the podcast app on your phone or try the popular app, Spotify. Some of our favorite nature and travel-focused podcasts include “The Dirtbag Diaries” which tells stories of adventurers pushing their limits, “Zero to Travel” which is all about creating a location independent lifestyle through interviews with travel experts and other digital nomads, and “America’s National Parks” which is all about, you guessed it, our amazing national parks.
Audiobooks are another great way to pass the time. In the last year I’ve really enjoyed “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson and “Travels” by Michael Crichton. Both of them recount the authors own journeys and really bring you along for the ride.
So whether you’re driving through winding mountain roads or cruising down an open highway, audio adventures are the perfect way to make the most of your solo road trip and pass the time with fun and informative stories.
A Fun Travel Hack For Everyone to Try
Looking for a road trip buddy who won’t hog the radio or argue over which rest stop to pull off at? Look no further than your favorite celebrity! That’s right, a cardboard cutout of your favorite star can make for the perfect companion on your next road trip.
To get started on this fun road trip hack, first find a cardboard cutout of your desired celebrity. These can be found online, at party supply stores, or even at movie theaters after a film’s promotional run has ended. Make sure to choose a celebrity that you and your travel companion both enjoy, whether it’s a classic Hollywood icon like Marilyn Monroe or a current star like Tom Holland.
Once you have your celebrity cutout, the real fun can begin. Take pictures with your celebrity buddy at all of your road trip stops, from roadside attractions to national parks. Try an see if you can get others to join in on the fun at your different stops. It can be a great way to meet new people along your journey!
This hack is sure to bring a lot of laughs and entertainment to your road trip, but it also has practical uses as well. Your celebrity buddy can hold your drinks or snacks during the drive, and can even be used to deter would-be thieves when parked at rest stops or campsites.
So why not add a little bit of celebrity glamour to your next road trip? Just remember to buckle up your cardboard cutout buddy and enjoy the ride!
Putting a Bow on These Fun Road Trip Hacks
As you hit the road on your next adventure, make sure to try out some of these fun and inventive road trip hacks. From snacking to car bingo to car costume contests, these hacks are sure to keep you and your significant other entertained and happy on your journey. Don’t forget to create a cozy atmosphere with a date night on the go and capture your memories with a unique adventure journal. And if you’re flying solo, enjoy the great outdoors with a car camping adventure and some audio adventures. And finally, don’t forget to bring along your favorite celebrity as a road trip buddy!
With these fun road trip hacks in your arsenal, your next adventure will be unforgettable and full of fun moments. To make your planning even easier, you can combine these hacks with my five road trip planning tips. So buckle up, hit the gas, and enjoy the journey. Remember, it’s not just about the destination, it’s about the memories you make along the way.
Don’t Forget to Pin by Using the Images Below!
Leave a Reply