After keeping myself thoroughly entertained for nearly 9 hours in my car this past Monday, I thought I would share some of my road tripping entertainment secrets. I actually look forward to some solo time in the car – I can sing as loud as I want without my boyfriends berating “are you really going to do this all the way to…” I can catch up on all my fave podcasts, and even practice my French.

Here are some ways I keep occupied when hitting the road for long distances:

1. Podcasts

Podcasts have quite simply revolutionized the way I feel about long distance driving. I do not have the attention span for entire book on tape but little snippets and stories – love it! My absolute favorite is This American Life, for those not familiar it is a radio program on NPR that features essays, memoirs, short fiction, and journalistic inquires based on a weekly theme. Subscribe to This American Life on iTunes and get a free one every week.

Dirt Roads - Somewhere, Utah

Some of my other favorite podcasts include Stuff You Missed in History Class and Stuff You Should Know. For the meditation and/or spiritual aficionado there is a ton of quality podcasts. Although I don’t recommend meditating while driving, the teachings of Tara Brach or A Quite Mind are a wonderful listen and can inspire a bit of reflection during those hours on the road.

2. iPod Dipping

Ask the iPod a question, hit shuffle, and receive wisdom. I asked my iPod for a new theme song for 2010, got a little Tea Leaf Green, The Garden Part 3, and I like it.

“Darlin’ let’s let our hair grow long
We can work on a farm, maybe live on a mountain.
I got an old hound dog, likes to run,
He needs a lot of room and he hates to be chained up.
Just like me, just like we are supposed to be.”

You can ask the iPod anything… Where should I travel to next? Where is my relationship headed? Should I quit my job? What should I be when I grow up? And with a little interpretation get the answer that you need delivered directly from the iPod.

3. The Library

Before departing on your trip, visit the library and check out some language CDs, a book or two on tape, and some obscure CDs that you would not normally listen to. This is your time to learn the basic words of a new language or sample songs from a genre outside your comfort area.

4. Pit Stops, Detours and Scenic Routes

Stave off boredom by changing up your route or making a few stops at sights along the way. Browse guidebooks or sites like Trazzler to find some obscure sights on your travel path. I loathe interstates so on the current trip I took quite a detour and spent an hour on my favorite hiking trail in Moab before catching back up with the interstate via the Colorado River Scenic Byway.

A Recent Detour Via the Poison Spider Trail, Moab, Utah

5. Catch Up with Friends and Family

Illegal in some states and highly unsafe according to some, I use some of that time on the road to catch up on the phone with the grandmas or friends I haven’t talked with in months. This may be an easier feat in the West, since in some place you don’t need to turn the wheel for hours and the only obstacles you need worry about is sagebrush and the occasional free range cow.

America's Loneliest Road - Hwy 50 Through Nevada

6. Road Rituals

Rituals are comforting and can give you something to look forward to on long trips. I always play a particular song when leaving town on a big trip and I have my favorite coffee shops along the way. Any trip through Nevada requires a stop on the state line and a dollar in a slot and that chance to pay for the trip with one pull on the slot.

7. Learn the Words to Crazy Ridiculous Songs

If you are horribly bored with hours yet to drive, I recommend trying to learn the words to such songs as Billy Joel’s We Didn’t Start the Fire, REM’s End of The World, or personal favorite, Johnny Cash’s I’ve Been Everywhere.

If these suggestions don’t cure your road weary, I don’t know what will. How else might you keep yourself awake and entertained on the road?