Long flights, endless layovers, or overnight train rides – every traveller knows that not every moment on the road is picture-perfect adventure. Sometimes, staying entertained while travelling becomes just as important as choosing the right destination.
Whether you're waiting out a storm in Bali, cruising through Europe by train, or sitting in an airport lounge between flights, finding ways to make the time enjoyable can turn even the slowest travel days into memorable ones.
Australians, known for their easy-going attitude and love of shared experiences, bring that same energy wherever they go. Travel entertainment isn't just about killing time – it's about connection, creativity, and keeping the journey fun.
For some, that might mean a spontaneous card game in a hostel lounge or chatting with fellow travellers over a local beer. For others, it's downloading a favourite series, playlist, or setting up an eSIM for Australia before takeoff – staying connected, streaming content, and navigating without missing a beat.
So whether you're travelling solo, with friends, or on a work trip abroad, finding ways to stay entertained on the go ensures the journey is just as fulfilling as the destination itself.
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What To Bring
Card And Board Games
If there's one thing I've learned from years of travelling, it's that a simple deck of cards can turn any quiet night into a social one.
Whether I was camping along the Great Ocean Road or waiting out a rainy afternoon in Byron Bay, cards like Uno or Cards Against Humanity always came to the rescue. Uno especially — small, easy to pack, and somehow universally understood, even when you don't share the same language. I once played a full game in a hostel in Tokyo with people from five different countries — no words needed, just laughter and the occasional dramatic “UNO!”
If you're up for something a bit more strategic, Codenames or travel-sized versions of Ticket to Ride are worth carrying. They're great for long ferry rides when travelling in Greece or lazy nights in an Airbnb.
For solo downtime, I've also leaned on digital entertainment. Accessing Australian pokies online can be a fun and easy way to pass time when there's Wi-Fi — quick sign-ups, short sessions, and you can pause whenever needed. I usually stick to short bursts while waiting at airports or in long queues — perfect for keeping the boredom away without losing hours of my day.
Between classic board games and easy-to-access online entertainment, there's always something to keep a trip feeling lively and social — no matter how remote or rainy it gets.
Phone And Tablet
I never travel without my phone and tablet — they're basically my portable entertainment and travel kit in one. On my last road trip across Western Australia, the drive from Perth to Exmouth had some of the most stunning scenery… but also zero signal for hours at a time.
Before setting off, I downloaded my favourite Netflix series, Spotify playlists, and even Google Maps offline — which turned out to be a total lifesaver when the GPS lost connection in the middle of nowhere. Nothing like having both your tunes and directions ready to go, even without service.
Podcasts are another must-have. For long train rides or solo hikes, I love tuning into travel and true crime episodes. There's something oddly comforting about listening to someone narrate a mystery while crossing the Nullarbor or watching the coastline unfold along Queensland — it makes the journey feel shorter and more cinematic somehow.
When I'm travelling with friends, Jackbox Games is my go-to for instant fun. All you need is one device and Wi-Fi, and suddenly your hostel lounge or Airbnb turns into a mini trivia night. I've had some of the funniest evenings playing it with strangers in Sydney hostels and hiding from the rain in Melbourne.
And when I'm travelling solo, word games and puzzle apps are my quiet-time companions. They're perfect for airport waits or winding down before bed after a long day exploring.
Between offline downloads, social games, and creative apps, a phone or tablet turns every moment of downtime – even the long, no-signal kind — into something entertaining, productive, and just a little bit more enjoyable.
Entertainment In Motion
There's nothing worse than sitting through hours of scenery without something to do — especially when Wi-Fi drops out or your phone battery starts blinking red.
Before hitting the road, I like to download Spotify playlists that match my travel mood: upbeat Aussie hits for morning energy (think Lime Cordiale or Tones and I), and mellow acoustic tunes for those golden-hour moments.
Podcasts are my go-to for long hauls – “Hamish & Andy” for laughs, or travel podcasts like “Flight of Fancy” for a dose of wanderlust while I'm already on the move. I've had moments where I was laughing so hard on a train in Japan that locals started smiling too (and others where the noise made me wish I'd packed noise-cancelling headphones).
Audiobooks are another lifesaver — perfect for winding down without staring at a screen. I once listened to The Alchemist while crossing the Andes by bus; the story synced so perfectly with the mountain views that it still feels like part of the journey.
When I need a break from screens altogether, journaling or sketching helps me slow down and reflect. On one trip through the Philippines, I started sketching random café scenes to kill time — it's now a ritual I associate with my travels.
Of course, not every ride is blissful — I've journaled through bumpy roads, seasick ferry rides, and crying toddlers — but even those imperfect moments become part of the story later on.
Social Entertainment: Making Memories With Strangers
Beach Meets Digital Nomad Event
Some of the best travel entertainment isn't what you pack — it's who you meet along the way. As Aussies, we're naturally chatty, and that laid-back vibe tends to attract good company, especially in places like Bali's digital nomad hubs.
When I was based in Canggu, I stumbled into a co-working event one evening that turned into a mix of skill-sharing, open-mic sessions, and an impromptu beach bonfire after. Someone brought a guitar, someone else started mixing drinks, and before long, we were swapping stories about travel fails and business ideas under the stars. Those kinds of nights — unplanned and fuelled by curiosity — always stick with me.
Digital nomad communities in Bali make it so easy to meet people. Between co-working spaces, networking meetups, and casual Friday barbecues, it's not just about work; it's about building friendships with people from all over the world. Even when you show up solo, you rarely stay that way for long.
Of course, not every night's a winner. I've been to a few awkward networking events where everyone clung to their laptops or small talk fizzled out. But even those moments usually lead to an inside joke or a new contact you bump into again at another cafe.
DIY And Creative Ways To Pass Time
Not every moment on the road needs structured entertainment. Small personal projects can provide welcome breaks from sightseeing. Lightweight hobbies like knitting or sketching can be done anywhere, from cafés to train seats. Some travellers use the time to pick up a few words in a new language, jotting down phrases or having a quick chat with locals.
Snapping photos is a simple way to be creative and hang on to moments you'll want to remember later.
Writing postcards or keeping a journal achieves a similar effect, letting travellers reflect on their experiences. Doing something quiet or creative makes the time feel worthwhile and leaves you with little memories from the trip.
Outdoor Adventures And Physical Activities
Being active is a fun and energising way to pass the time while travelling. A lot of places have outdoor activities that don't need much planning or money.
You might go for a walk in the hills or take a tour, have a game on the beach, ride a bike, or try paddleboarding, all while checking out the area. Even a simple walk through a new city can become an adventure if you follow a self-guided route or stumble upon hidden corners, local markets, or street performances.
For Aussies who like a bit of friendly rivalry, joining in on a local sport is a good way to meet people.
Pick-up games of football, volleyball, or basketball at parks or beaches often attract locals and fellow travellers alike. These activities are not only healthy but also provide a natural way to socialise, share laughs, and experience a destination differently.
You don't always need a strict plan; outdoor activities can be easy to fit in however you like. Watching a sunset, taking photographs of unusual landscapes, or having a small picnic in a scenic spot adds variety to a travel itinerary. Physical engagement breaks up long periods of sitting or waiting and ensures that travel days are as stimulating as they are memorable.
Staying Entertained On A Budget
You don't need deep pockets to stay entertained on the road — some of the best travel memories are the ones that cost next to nothing.
Whether you're backpacking across Southeast Asia or road-tripping through regional Australia, budget travel is all about getting creative with how you spend your time.
Free And Local Experiences
Start with what's free. Many cities offer free walking tours, which are a great way to get your bearings, meet other travellers, and learn quirky local facts you won't find in a guidebook. I once joined a walking tour in Budapest where the guide ended the tour with local pub recommendations — a few of us ended up spending the evening together swapping stories over cheap beers. That night cost under $10 but became one of my favourite travel memories.
In warmer months, check out outdoor gigs, street festivals, or open-air movie nights. I stumbled upon a jazz festival in Ljubljana once — no tickets, just locals dancing barefoot in the park. Sometimes the best entertainment abroad comes from simply saying “yes” to whatever's happening around you.
Everyday Adventures
You don't need a plan (or a big budget) to make a day special. Grab some snacks from a local market, find a park, and have a budget picnic while people-watching. Aussies are good at turning simple moments into fun — I've spent afternoons kicking a ball around with strangers in Spain or playing frisbee on Bali's beach clubs until sunset.
Hostels and cafés are also great for book swaps — an old-school but underrated form of entertainment. I once traded The Beach for a worn-out Spanish thriller in a hostel in Ecuador and ended up reading it cover to cover while waiting out a tropical storm. It's a fun, free way to connect with other travellers and discover unexpected stories.
Smart Tools For Cheap Entertainment
Don't overlook tech for affordable entertainment while travelling. Load up your phone with travel apps for entertainment, from free offline games to music and podcast apps. If you stream content or use location-based services, make sure you're protected with a VPN for travellers – it lets you access your favourite platforms anywhere without restrictions, keeping long journeys or rainy days enjoyable.
At the end of the day, staying entertained while travelling isn't just about passing time — it's about making the journey part of the adventure.
Australians are great at finding fun anywhere — even during long bus rides or unexpected delays. It's that easygoing mindset that turns waiting time into story time, and downtime into laughter. So next time you pack your travel essentials, throw in a deck of cards, download your favourite playlists, and keep a few budget-friendly entertainment ideas up your sleeve.
