Recent surveys show that US drivers spend on average 17,600 minutes in their cars each year – which is nearly 300 hours! For a book lover, this is an awful lot of time spent driving and not reading. And now, that road trip vacations are more popular than ever, it is crucial to find a way to enjoy your favorite books while on the road.
Luckily, technology is on your side and, with some planning ahead, you can make the most of the time spent in the car. After all, what better companion is there for a road trip than a book?
Check out the tips below for a safe, entertaining, and literature-filled road trip!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I might make some extra coffee money at no extra expense to you if you buy something through one of my links. Read more about that here.
Opt for Audiobooks
If you are traveling alone or you belong to that category of people who just can’t read in the car without getting sick, audiobooks can be life-savers. Of course, you might need to download your favorite audiobooks on your phone or on a CD to listen to them in the car.
However, once it is all set up, all you need to do is press play and enjoy someone reading a book to you. Make sure to find a book that is really interesting or exciting to keep you energized throughout the drive.
Take Your eReader
For short road trips, you might consider just bringing a book that you have already begun reading. However, for long road trips, taking an eReader – such as a Kindle or Kobo – can be a much better choice. And, for more than one reason!
Firstly, most modern eReaders are waterproof and allow you to continue reading care-free even while holding a cup of coffee on the other hand. Additionally, eReaders take far less space than paperbacks or hardcovers, which means that you won’t have to find storage space in the car or luggage.
Lastly, you and your family or partner might need to continue driving into the night. A backlit eReader is perfect to continue reading in the dark!
Choose the Right Books
When it comes down to reading on a road trip, some books are definitely better than others. You will want something entertaining that fits your mood. So, what’s better than road trip classics to encourage even the most reluctant of readers?
From On the Road by Jack Kerouac to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig, this is the best time to dust some iconic books and rediscover how engaging these stories can be. Of course, if you are traveling with your little ones, make sure to have books for them to enjoy too!
Share a Book
If you are looking for a car game or for an activity that can involve everyone in the car, consider reading out loud. Sharing a book is a great way for everyone to enjoy the benefits of reading – and what is better than sharing the twists and turns of a well-written plot?! Just make sure to find a book that suits everyone’s preferences!
Get the Right Car
If you are planning a road trip filled with wonderful books and iconic literature, it is essential to have the right car. The expert guides and inventories at edmunds can help you find the perfect model for your needs – but don’t forget to prioritize safety and a high-quality audio system to make the most of your audiobook collection!