A Long Train Ride is a Great Time to Talk to Strangers
Long train rides can be grueling. You have to sit for a long time, and the minutes can tick by like hours. Luckily, there are lots of engaging and fun ways to spend a long train ride, and the advent of podcasts and e-books can make it enjoyable. Here are 20 ways to spend long train rides.
1. Read a Book
There's no better way to spend a long train ride than to lose yourself in an engrossing book. Pack a few paperbacks and load some books onto your e-reader to make sure you can pass the time effortlessly. Choose some lighter titles and maybe one that's more thought-provoking.
2. Listen to Podcasts
Podcasts are ideal travel companions. They offer an endless stream of entertainment and education. You can listen to some true crime podcasts with some comedy podcasts mixed in to keep things light. Download episodes in advance to avoid connectivity issues.
3. Watch TV Shows or a Movie Offline
Streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video let you download movies and shows before you travel. A long train ride is the ideal time to binge a series or watch some movies you've been meaning to catch up on. Don't forget your noise-canceling headphones.
4. Journal Your Thoughts
Keeping a journal can make traveling even more special. Use a long train ride to write down your thoughts and experiences, so you remember them long after your trip has ended.
5. Work or Study
Trains are a great environment to get some uninterrupted work or studying done. Bring your laptop, tablet, or notebook and tackle some of your work or school tasks that you've been less than eager to deal with. Many trains now offer Wi-Fi and outlets, so you should be good to go.
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6. Listen to Music
Music might be the best travel companion of all time. Curate a few playlists based on era, genre, or mood before you head to the train station. Try to see if you can make a playlist that matches the scenery you will watch zoom by your window.
7. Enjoy the Scenery
Often, the best way to enjoy a long train ride is the simplest. Look out the window and take in the breathtaking landscapes, whether they are mountains, countryside, or coastlines.
8. Strike Up a Conversation
Trains have a way of bringing people together. Spend some time chatting with a local commuter or fellow traveler, and you might find it to be a rewarding experience.
9. Meditate
Use a train's constant, steady motion as a backdrop to practice some mindfulness. Listen to some calming music or a guided meditation session via an app like Headspace.
10. Plan Your Next Adventure
Long train rides are a great time to dream of your next adventure and make a plan to turn it into a reality. Research local attractions and restaurants, and let yourself get excited about the future.
11. Sketch
You don't have to be a dedicated artist to relax on a train while sketching. Bring a tablet or sketchbook and capture moments from your trip. You can sketch landscapes, people, or even abstract drawings that reflect your thoughts and experience.
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12. Write Letters or Emails
A train ride is perfect for dealing with your correspondence. You can write personal letters to friends or family, or catch up on your backlog of emails. It's productive and emotionally grounding.
13. Play Mobile or Card Games
Mobile or card games provide lighthearted entertainment while waiting for your train to reach its destination. There's Solitaire, Sudoku, or logic puzzles to pass the time. If you're traveling with someone, bring a deck of cards or Uno on your trip.
14. Take Photos and Videos
Capture your journey without just sitting around waiting for your destination. Trains often go through idyllic landscapes, which offer amazing opportunities for photos and videos. Try to capture a candid moment or two, if possible.
15. Learn a New Language
Download a language-learning app like Duolingo or Babbel and spend your train ride learning a new language. If you're in a foreign country, this can prove to be especially useful. It's also a lot of fun when you start making progress.
16. Listen to an Audiobook
Audiobooks are a gateway to "reading" while you watch picturesque landscapes fly by. An audiobook is also a great way to rest your eyes or multitask. Whether you enjoy fiction or biographies, a strong narrator can provide the escape needed to pass the time.
17. Reflect
Use your time on a train to think about what's going well in your life. This will help you feel grateful for all that you have, and can boost your mood, reduce anxiety, and increase mindfulness.
18. Eat Mindfully
Pack lots of healthy snacks and get a light meal on the train. This will help you feel full without forcing you to eat out of boredom. As you eat, pay attention to the aroma, taste, and texture.
19. Organize Your Digital Life
Use your train time to clean up and organize your phone, tablet, or laptop. Delete unused apps, organize photos, and clear out old files and emails. This is a simple yet satisfying way to declutter your digital life and feel more at ease.
20. Relax and Do Nothing
Sometimes, the best way to enjoy a train ride is to do nothing. Simply, sit back and relax as you stare out the window and let your mind wander. The rhythm of the train can be soothing and meditative, and help you feel incredibly relaxed.
