If one were to drive across my entire home state of Texas, spanning from the easternmost to the westernmost point, it would take approximately twelve hours. Road-tripping for the first time with acquaintances, or even friends, can be a little nerve wracking, but here is a list of my favorite activities that make no two road trips the same and pass time so quickly. Before you know it, the journey will be over and you wish it lasted a little bit longer!
- Play a game called “Contact”
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In this word association game, one person secretly thinks of a word and tells the group the first letter. For example, if the word is “cat,” the word creator will start the game off by saying c. All other players must think of a word that starts with a letter c but they cannot explicitly say it aloud. Instead, they must give clues to their word. For instance, if Player 1 is thinking of the word canvas, he or she may say “painting.” If Player 2 knows the word, he or she may say “contact,” and Player 1 and 2 will have a countdown from 3-2-1 to say aloud “canvas” simultaneously. If they get it correct, the word creator has to give them the next letter. However, if the word creator knows Player 1’s word before Player 2 can say “contact,” the word creator can say “interception, no it is not canvas.” A successful interception by the word creator means that Player 1 and Player 2 must restart. Be sure to try out this competitive but friendly word game on your next road trip.
- Play a word game called “Midpoint”
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This game is also a word association one but with more flexibility! It’s great for as many people as you want, but only two people can play in one round. It begins with two people saying whatever comes into their mind. Player 1 may say “rabbit” and Player 2 may then say “boomerang.” Player 3 may then try to think of something that bridges rabbit and boomerang together. The association doesn’t have to be too explicit or concrete, however. You have the capability to be creative and think outside of the box! For example, Player 3 may say “kangaroo” and Player 4 may then say “Australia.” Another round may follow where one says “city” and the other “capital.” Finally, all players may be thinking of the exact same word at that point and will have a countdown to announce: “Canberra!” The goal is to hopefully get smaller and more specific where players are able to simultaneously declare the same word. “Midpoint” is more collaborative than “contact,” which is great for uniting everyone in the car ride.
- Answer mind boggling riddles
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I know answering riddles can sometimes feel like you’re stuck and too far away from the answer, which is almost ironically fitting for a long road trip, where the final destination seemingly stretches on forever and endlessly. However, fun riddles and creative thinking make time fly. No matter what, there’ll be a guaranteed good laugh and an inside joke. Here’s one website that compiles some pretty good and classic riddles https://www.riddles.com/categories!
- Make a quick stop at a unique place and picnic!
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A long distance road trip almost always requires a pit stop to either visit the bathroom or stretch the legs! That briefest stop might be a perfect chance to have a spontaneous but everlasting memory. During the ride, research random places to visit along the way–museums, outlooks, parks, anything that catches your eye! If you’re feeling even more spontaneous, don’t even research! Just take a detour for whatever catches your eye. Anywhere is good to just explore the area and have a little picnic.
If road trips were once anxiety-inducing, I hope this list helps make it turn into your favorite way of bonding with acquaintances and friends! Soon enough, you’ll be creating your own traditions with your road trip buddies and it’ll be so much fun.