Going on an adventurous trip can be a whole lotta fun, but it would be wrong to say that it’s good times from beginning to end. Depending on the type of journey you’re taking, you might find that you have a lot of potentially boring downtime that you simply have to get through.
That’s the case when you have a layover, have a long trip to your eventual destination once you land, or if you take time-consuming bus/train journeys from one part of the country you’re visiting to another.
Most people can contend with an hour or so of boredom, but any longer than that, and you’ll want to take action. Happily, provided you’re traveling with your smartphone (and who isn’t, these days?), then you’ll have a near-endless list of ways to keep yourself entertained.
In this post, we’ll run through some of the very best, ensuring that you can keep boredom at bay no matter how long you’re on the road.
Listen to a New Podcast
How nice would it be to have an entertaining companion to keep you entertained during those moments when boredom isn’t far away? Well, if you have a smartphone, then you do have that companion.
It’s just that they won’t be in the same room, but rather, in your headphones. The podcast scene is exceptional at the moment, with many interesting, funny podcasts out there to choose from. Whatever you’re interested in, there’ll be something for you!
You could listen to one of the best podcasts of 2025, for instance, or you could listen to one relating to the place that you’re visiting — it’s a great way to build some of your knowledge/understanding of the destination before you arrive/during your trip.
Put Together a Playlist
A great playlist can make time fly by. One of the joys of taking long trips is that they provide time and space for you to reflect and take a deep dive into your thoughts, but it’s also true that trying to have that experience while also listening to the movements and noises of other passengers can kind of dampen it somewhat.
For the full experience, you’ll need music. Building a playlist before you go that speaks to the kind of atmosphere you’re looking to create (fun, excited, reflective, etc) can allow you to sink into all the pleasures that can come from staring out of the window during a long journey.
Discover New Music
Depending on how long the journey you have is, you might find that, at some point, you grow a little tired of your music. Well, that’s a great opportunity to discover some new music. Wherever you’re going, the destination will have its own music scene (music is universal, after all), so why not see what it’s got? There are websites, such as Radio Garden, that allow you to effortlessly listen to radio stations from around the world. Head to wherever you’re traveling, and tune in.
Try a Puzzle
Have some free time, and want to give your brain a bit of a workout? Then look at completing a puzzle or two. What’s nice about puzzles such as crosswords and Sudoku is that they can help to focus the brain, which can be handy if it feels like you’ve been awake for more hours than you can remember, yet aren’t in a position to sleep.
Play a Classic Game
Playing a game on your device is perhaps the best way to use your downtime. They’re entertaining, perfect for keeping boredom at bay, and you can play them for hours on end. Games such as solitaire, blackjack, poker, chess, roulette, and Minesweeper are freely available to play online via your mobile device, and what’s great about classic games is that they’re so addictive. You might just find that you end up playing these games for hours, and that, before you know it, your journey is about to come to an end.
Download an e-Book
Most people like to sink into a good book when they’re a little bored. Alas, when you’re traveling, you usually don’t have the option of taking all that many books with you. Even if you do, they might be in your hold luggage, or it might be too dark to read comfortably.
But did you know that you can always turn to your smartphone when you need to read? There are plenty of e-book apps available, which can offer a convenient way to get your reading time in while you’re on the road.
As for what to read, well, that’s up to you — you can try one of the best books of 2025 if you’re looking for a smash hit, or you can choose a book set in the place that you’re visiting; it can be a great way to add another layer of excitement and understanding to your journey.
Streaming Videos
Streaming is bigger than ever, allowing people to watch their favorite movies and TV shows at a time and place that suits them, including when they’re on a long trip. Plus, more and more movies/TV shows are being created with smartphone viewers in mind, which is excellent for when you’re on a trip and don’t have access to your smart TV/laptop.
The only thing you’ll need to think about is whether your streaming services will block access to some titles based on where you are. They often show content that’s available in the country you’re visiting, not your home country. With that said, it’s sometimes possible to get around those geo-blocks with a VPN, so if you’re desperate to watch a specific title, you can probably find a way.
Put Together a Travel Video
Finally, if you’ve already got a fair amount of footage from your trip, why not consider putting together a travel video and sending it to your friends and family? There are some pretty advanced video editing apps available for smartphones these days, allowing you to get to work on creating your cinematic masterpiece even before you’ve arrived home.
