Plan and pack ahead of time. This should be obvious, but travelers often forget to bring their own music, books, books-on-tape, games, snacks, or other diversions. You can also watch movies with road themes beforehand to get you in the mood for the open road.
Bring company. Interesting or amusing friends make road trips exponentially better. This is a good time for unhurried conversation and coming up with new topics and games can be half of the fun. You can make friendly bets between pit stops. Or, if you are traveling with someone who doesn't know a friend of yours back home, put him on a cell phone with your other friend and see what happens.
Role play. For some, it's hard to think of a character to play on the road. Try staying true to the role you chose throughout your drive, even around strangers in gas stations and restaurants. See who can stay in character longest if you can convince a friend to join you.
Drivers can amuse themselves. If you don't have satellite radio, you can play radio roulette instead. Sing along or test your patience. How long can you stay tuned to an annoying station? Imagine how your life might've been if you had been born in each town you pass. Try to memorize the exits or county names you pass, in order.
Connect with your vehicle. Try to drive new routes, calculate how long it should take you to arrive at your current speed. Test the accuracy of your odometer using the numbered posts on side of the road. Keep track of your mpg and try to maximize with the best fuel and steady driving. Keeping a running count of cars you pass or of a certain make/model/color.
Use the time to prepare for your destinations. What are three questions you can ask each pitstop cashier? Rehearse in your mind exactly what you'll do when your drive is over. Come up with topics or interesting stories to discuss when you arrive.
If you're not driving or feeling talkative, use pillows and portable music devices to relax especially after sunset. Check rest areas for interesting local information, or buy distracting items from gas stations. With unresponsive companions, focus on the tips for amusing yourself.
Whatever you do to beat boredom on the road, realize that you have no pressing obligations at the moment, other than traveling safely and enjoying the scenery.
