If you’re a truck driver, you know that days out on the road can get long. But, there are ways you can take advantage of your time on the road and at truck stops. Midwest Carriers’ driver, Robin, shares creative ways to make OTR truck driving fun.
Spend time on the road learning something new, taking in the scenery
While transporting from point A to point B, there are a few different fun (and safe) ways Robin occupies her time while racking up miles.
Simple road games, like the alphabet game as described in Robin’s latest vlog, are a fun way to occupy the mind. Playlists, podcasts and audio books are great ways to pass the time and maybe even learn something new. And don’t forget to enjoy the scenery. Even in the least scenic states, there’s always something new to see!
Make the most out of truck stop visits
Exercise is a great way to take a break from the truck and get those endorphins pumping. Robin enjoys running and uses it as a way to get out and explore surrounding areas. Using truck stop time to learn something new (in Robin’s case, the ukulele) is a great mental break from all that time spent out on the road. Before you leave for your next destination, challenge yourself to get out and try some local food. Who knows, you may find a dish that will make you excited for your next trip back, and it’s always good to support local businesses.
Transcript:
Hey everybody! Do you remember playing the alphabet game on family road trips when you were kids? You know, where you find a word that starts with “A” on a sign, and then you find a word that starts with “B”, and you go through the whole alphabet. And “Qs” and “Xs” were always the worst. And usually, you’d come up with some sort of rule where you can use licenses plates for “Qs” and “Xs”.
Well, I still do that sometimes when I’m driving. That’s just one tip I have to have fun while you’re out on the road. It helps time fly, it keeps your mind going, I just think it’s a fun thing to do! It’s a very simple game, but it’s a fun thing to do while you’re driving.
Some other really obvious tips for having fun while out on the road are apps. I have a music app that I love, I can pull up pretty much any song I want at any time. I have an audiobook app, I listen to tons of books. I never read much as a kid growing up because it always made me sleepy. But now as an adult with audio books, tons of books, I love it. Also, podcasts. Any subject you can possibly imagine, there’s a podcast about it. Also, the CB radio is one that I know a lot of people don’t like. I usually just use it for bad weather and back ups, but sometimes I flip it on just to hear the banter. It’s kind of fun to hear truckers talk back and forth about engines and whatever. If it gets religious or political, I usually turn it off. Usually, it’s really kind of fun to listen to every once in a while. Also, I enjoy the scenery, even through the “boring states”. Kansas, Dakotas, I really enjoy just always trying to find something pretty to look at. And you can usually find something if you’re looking for it.
Other things I do that are a little bit different… I’m a runner, I’ve probably mentioned these things before. Just to get away from the truck and turn your mind off, I think that’s really important in trucking. I find it very fun, too, because you can kind of get away from the truck stops and explore some of the areas around you.
Also, I picked up ukulele, I’m not very good at it, but it sure is a fun thing to do while I’m out here. I mean, we live in these trucks, we’re in them all the time. And I think that’s a nice way to break up your day and break up your mind a little bit from the truck.
Other things you can do is enjoy the local foods. In the different places you go to there are so many different restaurants out there. I recommend staying away from the chains and finding a really interesting place to grab a new meal, because you’ll find anything, there’s always interesting stuff around.
Those are a few tips to have fun while you’re out on the road. I’m sure there’s a ton more. People have pets, which i think is so cool. Midwest Carriers has a pet policy so you can have your pup along, and that’s another great way to get out of the truck, take them for a walk for bathroom break. I just think that’s a really cool idea, you have a companion, and company.
There’s all types of cool things to do to have fun while out on the road. If you guys are interested in checking out more about Midwest Carriers, go to drivemidwest.com and give us a call if you are interested, we’re always looking for quality drivers. I hope you have a safe and fun day out there, and I’ll see you on down the road.
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