Traveling alone can be exciting, freeing, and full of new things to see and do. You get to go wherever you want, move at your own pace, and spend your time how you like. But even the most adventurous solo travelers will admit that the quiet time between places, like sitting in airports, riding buses, or waiting for check-ins, can sometimes get boring. Long stretches of nothing can make time feel like it’s crawling, and that’s when having a few fun and easy ways to pass time really helps.
You don’t need to carry a ton of stuff or plan every minute to keep yourself entertained while you wait. With a bit of creativity, your phone, and an open mind, you can turn those slow hours into something relaxing, productive, or even fun. Here are some simple and helpful ideas to beat boredom between destinations while traveling solo.
Catch up on your favorite shows or start something new
Streaming apps make it super easy to turn any airport lounge or train seat into your own private movie theater. If you know you’ll be traveling without Wi-Fi, it’s smart to download a few episodes or movies before you go. That way, you won’t be stuck staring at a blank screen when the connection drops.
Whether you’re into comedies, action movies, or documentaries, watching something you enjoy can make the time pass faster. It also gives you something familiar and comforting while you’re in a new place, which can be nice when you’re far from home.
Play games that keep your brain busy
Games on your phone can do more than just help you pass time–they can also challenge your mind and help you relax. You don’t need a full gaming console or anything fancy. Many great games work offline and don’t use up too much battery.
One game that always seems to stick around is solitaire, and that’s because it’s simple, doesn’t need Wi-Fi, and keeps your brain focused in a calm way. It’s perfect when you just want to zone out a little without totally shutting your brain off.
Keep a travel journal or write about your day
Writing can be a great way to slow down and reflect on your trip. It doesn’t have to be fancy or perfectly written. Just open the notes app on your phone or carry a small notebook where you can write about what you’ve seen, how you’re feeling, or what you want to remember.
Some people like to describe the places they’ve visited, while others write about the funny little things that happen along the way. These small entries might not seem like much now, but they can help you relive your travel experiences later when you look back.
Listen to music or try a new podcast
Sometimes the best thing you can do during a long wait is to pop in your earbuds and hit play. Music helps set the mood, calm your nerves, or boost your energy when you’re feeling a little tired. You can make playlists before your trip that match your vibe or explore new artists while you go.
Podcasts are another fun way to pass the time. You can learn something new, hear interesting stories, or just laugh at a funny episode. Whether you’re into true crime, sports, or weird facts, there’s probably a podcast that fits your style.
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Stretch your legs and explore nearby areas
If you’ve got a longer layover or delay, don’t be afraid to get up and move. Walk around the station or airport and check out what’s nearby. Many big airports have art displays, cool shops, or places to sit and people-watch while you rest your feet.
Even walking around for just ten minutes can make you feel more awake and less stiff. It also gives your brain a break, which helps when you’ve been sitting for a long time and starting to feel drained.
Read something that grabs your attention
A good book or article can take your mind somewhere else completely, even if you’re just sitting on a bench or waiting at a gate. E-reader apps make it easy to carry multiple books in your pocket, and lots of them work offline too. If books aren’t your thing, try reading blog posts or news stories you’ve saved.
Try to pick something that really interests you so you don’t start skimming. For example, if you’ve always wanted to learn about photography or cooking, find a fun beginner guide to dig into while you wait. You could even start a travel-themed book that matches the mood of your trip, or explore short stories that don’t take long to finish. Reading also helps you feel calmer, especially when the travel environment around you feels busy or noisy.
Talk to someone new or people-watch
If you feel comfortable, try talking to another traveler near you. It could be as simple as asking where they’re headed or how long they’ve been traveling. A short conversation can help you feel more connected, and you never know who you might meet.
If you’re not in the mood to talk, people-watching can be just as fun. Try guessing where someone is going based on their outfit, or imagine a story about the person reading a book across from you. It sounds silly, but it can really help pass the time in a fun way.
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Try a meditation or breathing exercise
Solo travel can be exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming. If you start to feel stressed, bored, or too tired, try using a meditation or breathing app. Many of them offer short sessions that help you feel calmer and more relaxed in just a few minutes.
You don’t need to sit on the floor or do anything fancy. Just find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and listen to the guide. It’s a small habit that can help you stay in a good mood during a long day of travel.
Keep your battery charged and bring backups
All these great ideas depend on your phone having enough power, so make sure to bring a charger and a backup battery. Try to charge your phone any time you see an outlet, even if your battery isn’t low yet. That way, you’re not scrambling later.
Battery-saving settings also help a lot, especially when you’re using offline apps or just listening to music. Turning off things like Bluetooth, lowering screen brightness, and closing unused apps can make your battery last much longer.
Do something totally random just for fun
Sometimes, the best way to pass the time is to do something completely silly or unexpected. That could be taking a quiz about which sandwich matches your personality or trying to draw a cat with your eyes closed using a notes app. It doesn’t have to be useful, educational, or deep–just something that gives you a laugh or makes time move faster.
You could even try setting little challenges for yourself, like finding five things in the area that are the color orange or making up a story using only the things you see around you. These little games help keep your brain active and turn boring waits into moments that actually feel fun.
Solo travel comes with plenty of quiet moments, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel bored or stuck. With a few fun games, music, writing, and creative ideas, you can turn that in-between time into something you enjoy. You’ll make the journey more fun, and maybe even discover a few new habits along the way.