How to Nail the Perfect Travel Day
No matter how far the drive, plane, or train ride home is.
by FIONA HURLESS ★ MAY 3, 2023
The semester is almost done, and you probably are too. Those of us that do not live in Syracuse might wish we could just snap our fingers and be home, but you can cut this anticipation short on your commute. There’s pretty much three P’s you can stick to to help the time pass: playlists, phone numbers, and podcasts. Give each one of these steps an hour each, and you’ll be home before you know it.
The Playlist
When I tell you to keep a playlist to a minimum, I mean it. As always, make sure to pre-plan your playlist so you’re not checking your phone while you’re in the car, plane, or train (or hearing “Better Man” in the middle of a hype playlist). Give the playlist roughly an hour (or however long you see fit). When the drive starts to feel long and the boredom sets in, you’ll know it’s time to switch the music up.
The Phone
Should you ever use your phone while driving? No. But you should, however, use your phone to actually call some people on your drive. Think of the high school friends you’ll see over break you may or may not have spoken to in a while, and ease the awkwardness by using the time now to catch up. The same goes for your relatives – think of your younger cousin who would be thrilled to get a call from their cooler older cousin in college, or your grandma who will love a call to her landline to catch her up on your semester.
The Podcasts
Being alone on your car ride doesn’t mean you have to miss out on any laughs. Stand-up comedy podcasts on the Spotify or Apple Podcast app are available for your entertainment in just a tap. If you’re in the mood for something educational, a commute is a great time to dive into an audiobook or a podcast like the Ten Percent Happier Playlist. Focused on mindfulness, the podcast features a dive into everyday psychology relatable to everyday people with everyday feelings. Before you hit the road, take some time to find a podcast you might enjoy, and it’ll add a whole new element to your trip. If you are need of more recs, UGirl has you covered!
Bonus
If you’re traveling via plane, bus, or train, this is a great time to take the end-of-the-semester burnout and read something you’ve actually been looking forward to. There’s never been a semester where a book hasn’t been put off, and there’s some great recommendations here for your passenger commute.
Travel days can feel long and even stressful at times, but with a loose plan and a good playlist, you’ll be home before you know it. And as always, be smart, stay safe, and have a great summer.
Xoxo,
UGirl