We're all faced with a train ride from time to time. Whether it's your daily commute or a long train ride for an upcoming trip or plan to visit family members for the holidays, the train doesn't have to be boring. In fact, there are tons of fun things to do on the train.
For anyone taking a scenic train ride, staying overnight in a sleeper car, or simply spending time on the train on the way to work, here are 15 ideas for fun things to do on the train.
Fun This to Do On the Train
1. Play a board game
If you're traveling with friends or family, a board game can be a great way to pass the time. If you have the space, classic games like monopoly can be fun, but if you only have space for a deck of cards, try playing Uno or Hearts. And hey, if you're traveling on your own, Solitaire is always an option!
2. Read a book
There's never a bad time to read a book, but the train can be an especially good time for it, whether you're commuting or taking a longer trip. While reading in the car makes a lot of people queasy, reading on a train tends to be a more pleasant, less dizzying experience. So head to the bookstore, pick out a novel that looks good, and dive in.
3. Journal
Uninterrupted time on the train is a great time to journal. Maybe this means spending a few minutes listing the things you're grateful for, or it could mean a long period of time free writing about whatever comes to mind.
Journaling is a great use of time when you're on the train.
4. Look out the window
Looking out the window while on a train can be a joyful, beautiful experience. Often scenes from a train aren't something you can see from the road, and you'll pass bodies of water, beautiful foliage (especially in the fall) and cute little towns.
5. Take a nap
Naps are great, and don't have to be limited to your bed. You can take a nap on the train, too! If you have to wake up early to go to work, you can catch extra sleep on the train. If you're on a long train trip, spending an hour or two napping will help the whole thing feel a lot shorter.
6. Catch up on work
This is a completely personal decision, and the last thing we want to do here at Silk + Sonder is encourage a culture of overwork and burnout. But if you're someone who has a long train commute to work, for example, you might want to consider asking your employer if you can make your commute part of your workday. Since most trains have wi-fi these days, it could mean less time wasted commuting.
If you commute by train, this can be a great time to catch up on work.
7. Listen to your favorite album
The train is a great time to pop in your headphones and listen to your favorite album from start to finish, uninterrupted (may we recommend the new Taylor Swift album?), a podcast, or a book on tape.
8. Make plans
If your reason for spending time on a train is vacation-related, spend your time planning what you'll do: The sights you'll see, the restaurants you'll eat at, the walks or hikes you'll take, the list goes on. And if you're going to visit a family member or home for the holidays, plan out what you'll do while you're there.
9. Do some digital organization
Are the apps on your phone a mess? Does your inbox need clearing out? Use time on the train to get your digital life as organized as possible. You'll thank yourself later when you have no problem finding the things you need!
A little digital decluttering never hurt anyone.
10. Write letters or postcards
Call us old fashioned, but the train is a great time to writer letters or postcards to people you love. After all, who doesn't love getting a handwritten note in the mail? If you're really out of practice with the whole handwritten thing, consider sending a few emails or even texts to friends or family members you haven't spoken to in a while.
11. Learn a new language
Will you be able to learn a whole new language in one train ride? Doubtful. But you can certainly start learning the basics with apps like Babbel or Duolingo.
12. Watch a show or movie
Netflix binges don't have to be limited to your couch. As long as you have a pair of headphones and a device, you can either stream or watch a downloaded version of a show or movie.
Netflix binges aren't just for the couch.
13. Meditate
Whether you meditate regularly or want to get into it, a train trip is a great time to practice mindfulness. Consider using an app like Headspace or Calm, or simply close your eyes and do a body scan.
14. Read the newspaper cover to cover
How often do you have time to read the paper cover to cover? Well, now you do! If you have a long train ride ahead of you, consider spending it reading the paper cover to cover.
15. Play brain games
Brain games can be an excellent way to pass the time when you're on the train. Wordle, crossword puzzles, and the New York Times Spelling Bee are all great options.
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