Long journeys can feel endless when you’re stuck in cramped seats with nothing but your thoughts. Whether you’re flying across oceans or taking a cross-country bus ride, having the right entertainment can transform boring travel time into something enjoyable. Smart travelers know that preparation makes all the difference between arriving exhausted and frustrated or feeling refreshed and ready for adventure. Pack these entertainment essentials to make your next long journey fly by.
1. Noise-Cancelling Headphones (Plus Earplugs as Backup)
Active noise cancellation works like magic on airplanes and buses. These headphones create special sound waves that cancel out engine noise and crying babies, making your music crystal clear.
The technology generates an “anti-noise” signal that fights against background sounds. Your podcasts and playlists become much easier to enjoy when you’re not competing with loud cabin noise.
Pack foam earplugs too, just in case. Some people feel pressure changes with noise-cancelling headphones, and simple earplugs work perfectly for sleeping in complete silence during overnight trips.
2. Fully Charged Power Bank (That’s Airline-Friendly)
Dead batteries kill entertainment faster than anything else. A good power bank keeps your devices running for hours, but airlines have strict rules about which ones you can bring.
Power banks must stay in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage. Most airlines allow up to 100 Wh without special permission, while 101-160 Wh usually needs approval beforehand.
Anything over 160 Wh gets confiscated at security. Make sure the power rating is clearly visible on your power bank to avoid delays and arguments with airport staff.
3. Offline Playlists & Podcasts
Airplane Wi-Fi costs too much and barely works anyway. Download your favorite music and podcast episodes before leaving home to avoid disappointment at 30,000 feet.
Spotify Premium users can download unlimited songs and podcasts for offline listening. Even free users can download podcasts, though music streaming requires internet connection.
Remember to connect online at least once every 30 days to keep your downloads active. Plan ahead by creating special travel playlists with extra episodes of your favorite shows for those unexpectedly long delays.
4. Download-First Video Apps
Streaming video during travel is nearly impossible without reliable internet. Netflix, YouTube Premium, and similar apps let you download movies and shows directly to your phone or tablet beforehand.
Downloaded content works perfectly in airplane mode, saving your data and battery life. Most apps give you 30 days to watch downloaded content before it expires automatically.
Choose longer movies or full TV seasons for extended trips. Action movies and comedy series work great for keeping your mind occupied during those middle hours when excitement wears off.
5. Audiobooks for Hands-Free Hours
Audiobooks shine during uncomfortable travel moments when holding devices feels awkward. Night buses, cramped middle seats, and bumpy rides become much more bearable with a great narrator in your ears.
Audible offers thousands of titles for download, while library apps like Libby provide free audiobooks with your library card. Both work completely offline once downloaded.
Choose engaging fiction or fascinating non-fiction that matches your trip length. Mystery novels and biographies work especially well because they keep your attention focused on something other than travel discomfort and boredom.
6. An E-Reader
E-readers beat phones and tablets for serious reading during long trips. The e-ink screen looks like real paper and won’t strain your eyes during hours of reading.
Battery life is incredible – current Kindle models advertise 10-12 weeks per charge with normal use. You’ll never worry about power during even the longest international flights.
They’re lightweight, distraction-free, and hold thousands of books in a device thinner than most magazines. No notifications, social media, or games to pull your attention away from that page-turning thriller novel.
7. Compact Device Stand or Seat-Back Mount
Holding devices for hours creates serious neck and arm strain. A small folding stand or clip-on mount positions your screen at eye level for comfortable movie watching.
Fold-flat stands fit easily in any bag and work on tray tables or seat-back pockets. Clamp-style mounts attach directly to the seat in front of you for hands-free entertainment.
Your neck will thank you after a six-hour flight spent watching movies in proper position. Plus, you can eat meals more easily when your entertainment doesn’t require constant hand-holding and awkward positioning.
8. Games That Work Offline
Mobile games and handheld consoles provide interactive entertainment when passive watching gets boring. Download casual games before traveling to avoid data charges and connection problems.
Apple Arcade games work perfectly offline once installed on your device. Nintendo Switch offers airplane mode for wireless-free gaming with full console-quality titles.
Puzzle games, strategy titles, and adventure games work best for travel because they don’t require quick reflexes or perfect timing. Save action games for when you’re not dealing with turbulence and cramped seating.
9. A Simple Analog Option
Sometimes the best entertainment needs no batteries or charging cables. A deck of cards, crossword puzzle book, or small sketchpad provides surprisingly absorbing activities during any journey.
Cards work great for solo games like solitaire or group games if you’re traveling with friends. Puzzle books exercise your brain and help time pass quickly.
Sketching captures travel memories while keeping your hands busy during long waits. These analog options never crash, need updates, or run out of power when you need them most during extended delays.
10. Sleep Kit: Eye Mask + Travel Pillow
Good sleep turns long journeys into time machines – close your eyes in one city and wake up near your destination. Light blocking makes quality rest possible even during daytime flights.
Research shows eye masks significantly improve sleep quality in challenging environments like airplanes and buses. Combine with earplugs for maximum effectiveness against noise and light.
A proper travel pillow supports your neck and prevents the painful crick that comes from sleeping in awkward positions. Arriving rested means you can actually enjoy your destination instead of recovering.
11. Cables Galore (And a Tiny Multi-Port Charger)
Nothing ruins entertainment faster than tangled, forgotten, or broken charging cables. Pack short USB-C and Lightning cables to avoid the frustration of dead devices mid-journey.
A lightweight multi-port USB charger lets multiple people share one outlet in airports and train stations. You become the hero when fellow travelers need power too.
Short cables work better in cramped spaces and won’t get tangled with your neighbor’s belongings. Keep them organized in a small pouch so you can find the right cable quickly when needed.
12. Refillable Water Bottle & Quick Snacks
Dehydration and hunger make every form of entertainment less enjoyable. A refillable water bottle saves money and keeps you comfortable throughout long journeys without constant purchases.
TSA allows empty bottles through security – fill them at water fountains after the checkpoint. Most airports and train stations have bottle-filling stations specifically for travelers.
Pack energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit to maintain steady blood sugar levels. Airplane food is expensive and often delayed, but your own snacks are always available when hunger strikes.
