a mid flight beauty routine can save your skin

Travel

A Mid-Flight Beauty Routine Can Save Your Skin—Here's What to Pack

Drescription

Here’s the thing about zooming in a metal tube 35,000 feet off the ground—it’s seriously dry in there. You can thank high-altitude low-humidity levels and cabin pressure for that (along with a twist of UV radiation pouring through the windows).

While a quick flight may not create much of a noticeable difference in your skin health, a longer flight certainly can. The solution? A mid-flight skin care routine, which can range from a simple hydrating spritz now and again to a full-blown wash and moisturize regimen. We asked skin care pros for their best tips on nailing a mid-flight routine to ensure you’re glowy on arrival.

Mona Mislankar, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, Ohio

Margarita Lolis, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey

What Is a Mid-Flight Skin Care Routine?

A mid-flight beauty care routine is an optional regimen you can perform at any point throughout a long-haul flight where your skin is being exposed to super dry air for hours on end. Some people like to do it at the halfway point as a refresh right before they get off the plane so they’re glowing when they land, or just before they go to sleep while flying to keep up with their usual nightly routine.

“The air inside the cabin typically has a humidity of around 10% to 20%, which is much lower than the 30% to 65% humidity we experience on the ground,” explains Mona Mislankar, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, Ohio. “This can lead to dry, tight, or flaky skin, especially on long flights.”

The dryness can also make sure more vulnerable to irritation, which can end up snowballing once you land at your final destination, notes Margarita Lolis, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey.

“This is why a mid-flight routine is a good way to keep your skin fresh and prepped for your travel plans,” Dr. Lolis says. “Keeping your skin hydrated and staying on track with your nighttime regimen if you’re flying overnight is definitely recommended.”

Benefits of Doing a Mid-Flight Skin Care Routine

Mid-flight skin care routines aren’t considered necessary, but those who do them swear by the difference they can make. Here’s why.

Maintains moisture levels: “Giving your skin some TLC mid-flight maintains your epidermal moisture levels and maintains your skin barrier,” Dr. Lolis notes. “This is especially true for those who are prone to dryness.”

Minimizes irritation and breakouts: Traveling, in general, can disrupt your skin’s health thanks to stress, new climates, and disrupted sleep. Dr. Lolis says a mid-flight routine can help with irritation and breakouts—especially if you already have finicky skin.

Keeps your routine consistent: You already wash and moisturize before bed, so why skip this step simply because you’re 35,000 feet in the sky? Keeping a consistent routine keeps your mind and body feeling good.

Makes flying more enjoyable: Let’s be real—those flights can drag on. Doing a little mid-flight skin care routine helps pass the time. Plus, it washes off grime from the day and keeps skin hydrated and healthy which makes the whole flight more enjoyable.

The Perfect Mid-Flight Beauty Routine

If you do decide to adopt a mid-flight skin care routine, the key is to keep things simple with just the essentials. “I am absolutely a fan of less is more—and simple skin care is best,” Dr. Minslaker says. Here’s what we recommend packing in your plane kit.

The Essentials

No need to pack your entire arsenal of beauty loot. All you need for a mid-flight skin care routine is a cleanser (like face wash, makeup remover wipes, or micellar water), a moisturizer (serum and/or cream), and sunscreen.

“Cleansing your skin maximizes how well the products absorb,” Dr. Lolis says. “Next, use a hyaluronic acid serum. Serums penetrate deeper and hyaluronic acid binds and attracts water to your skin very efficiently. Last, layer on a thicker moisturizer with ceramides to lock in the moisture.”

Dr. Minslaker says that if you’re flying for longer than two hours, it’s best to pack sunscreen and reapply every two hours throughout the flight. This is true good advice you’re sitting next to the window or not.

Optional Extras

You’ll be set with the skin care essential above, but consider packing these extras depending on your needs.

Lip balm: “Due to the low humidity in cabin air, your lips can become dry and chapped more easily,” Dr. Lolis says. Lip balm to the rescue.

Pimple patches: If you deal with breakouts, a pimple patch is a true mid-flight hero, notes Dr. Minslaker.

Facial mist: Spritzing on a hydrating facial mist a few times throughout your flight can help keep skin bouncy, soft, and hydrated.

Sheet mask: If you want to go the extra mile, pack a sheet mask in your vanity kit. Apply it after cleansing but before your serum and/or moisturizer. If you don’t want to go that bold, eye masks are more subtle.

How to Grow and Care for Ginseng Ficus Bonsai

Ginseng ficus is commonly used for bonsai, particularly for its narrow elevated roots that swell into a potbelly trunk and thin at the branches before spreading out to the crown. Ginseng ficus is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia and is a member of the Moraceae or mulberry family. Ginseng ficus grows best in acidic to neutral soil with higher humidity and full sun from a nearby window. The sap from this plant is toxic to humans, and touching it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions; wash hands after touching it.1 Ginseng ficus is toxic to dogs and cats. Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Care Here are the main care requirements for growing a ginseng ficus bonsai: Grows best with warmth and humidity; avoid drafts. Prefers bright, indirect sun. Give water when the soil dries out. Provide fertilizer on a regular schedule once a month. Light Your bonsai will need six to eight hours of light. Indoors, placing it on a windowsill is a good idea. If this is not available, grow lights can aid in growing your ginseng ficus. The bonsai will not tolerate shade at all. If you take your tree outdoors during the summer, plan to place it in a spot with plenty of sunlight but not too much afternoon sun. Soil Ginseng ficus trees do well in a soil mix of 60% aggregate and forty percent organic matter. You can buy a premix or make your own using pine bark, lava rock, and a product called akadama, which holds water and slowly breaks down over time. Water Water your ginseng ficus thoroughly whenever the soil gets slightly dry, but do not water it to the point where the bonsai is dripping or fungal issues may occur. More frequent watering will be needed if your plant is in a hot environment. Temperature and Humidity The ginseng ficus is an indoor bonsai and is not frost-hardy. It can be brought outside once temperatures are consistently above 60°F but must be kept in the sun and not allowed to dry out. Low humidity can be tolerated due to the waxy surface covering the ficus’ leaves, but it will thrive in a humid environment. Fertilizer Bonsai draw on very little soil, so it is necessary to replenish their nutrients occasionally. Any multi-purpose liquid fertilizer available at your friendly local nursery or garden center should be adequate. For bonsai, dilute the mixture by 50% with water before applying monthly. Using Ginseng Ficus as a Bonsai For newcomers to the ancient Japanese art of bonsai, a great place to start is with a ginseng ficus. It looks terrific and requires minimal care compared to other bonsai, which can be challenging to maintain. Bonsai artists especially focus on the raised roots of these funky little plants to create a particular aesthetic. In their natural habitat, these aerial roots grow easily in high-humidity environments. The effect is achieved by roots growing vertically downward from branches until they reach the soil, developing into thick, strong trunks. This can achieve the desired pillar style or the root-over-rock bonsai style deshojo. Training a Bonsai To train your plant, use anodized aluminum or annealed copper wire. Wiring your ficus’ thin and medium branches is easy since they are flexible and bend easily. Ensure the wires are not cutting into the tree and readjust if needed. For larger branches, guy wires will be necessary and must stay on the tree much longer. Ficus trees are unique in that they can fuse their branches, roots, and other ficus plants. Clean Your Tools When working with a ginseng ficus—whether training or pruning—always be sure to disinfect your tools. These plants are highly sensitive to bacteria that are transmitted to the plant via pruning tools, pots, and potting medium. Pruning Pruning is necessary and part of what makes a bonsai a bonsai, not just a plant. You can forego the pruning for a year or longer to achieve a thicker trunk. When ready to prune leaves, an excellent rule is to prune back to two leaves after six to eight leaves have grown. New shoots will grow from old wood if you have left the trunk to thicken. But be sure to tend to any substantial wounds with cut paste so disease does not occur. Always use sharp and clean tools when working with your plant. Propagating Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Ginseng ficus, aka ficus retusa, can easily be propagated, and there's no better time to do that than after you've pruned it. Here's how: Simply select a healthy stem and cut a 6-inch cutting with scissors or pruning shears. Put the cutting in a container that has been prepared with potting soil mix, and then water it. Place a clear plastic bag over the cuttings to create a greenhouse effect, keeping the moisture in and encouraging it to root. Water lightly every few days, making sure the soil stays moist. The cutting should root in a few weeks. Potting and Repotting Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Repotting a bonsai must happen when the root system has filled the pot. It needs to be done to give the tree new soil and to encourage a more compact root system. You will only need to repot your ficus every other year during the summer. Simply remove the tree and soil from its pot and trim its roots' outer and lower quarters. Be careful not to over-prune or remove too much root material. Place the bonsai into the original pot or a new container using the bonsai soil mix. Common Pests & Plant Diseases Caring for your ginseng ficus bonsai properly, with the correct lighting and water, will keep it strong and more resistant to pests and plant diseases. However, the ginseng ficus can get spider mites, scale, mealybugs, and aphids. Use neem oil or a liquid dishwashing soap and water mixture to remove the pests. Root rot, a fungal disease, can be a problem for ginseng ficus if overwatered. If you see any white or black spots on the leaves, trim them off and treat the bonsai with a fungicide. Common Problems With Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Ginseng ficus is easy to maintain when given the right growing conditions. Losing Leaves or Wilting Water issues, such as too much or insufficient, can cause ginseng ficus to drop its leaves. Keep the top inch of soil moist but not soggy. Leaves that are underwatered will appear wilted but should plump up again after giving water. Yellowing Leaves All leaves will eventually turn yellow and die, but prematurely yellowing leaves can be caused by overwatering or a fungal infection, like root rot.

How to Travel With Only Carry-On Luggage

There are so many reasons not to check your luggage and go carry-on only. After all, the cost of a plane ticket rarely includes a checked bag these days. Packing lightly can also be easier for those traveling with kids or pets. Lastly, it eliminates the risk of the airline losing your luggage. But packing with carry-on luggage poses its own challenges. You need to limit what you pack yet make sure you have enough for your trip. It’s also crucial any cosmetics comply with TSA rules and regulations. Ready to get on board? Here’s how to travel with carry-on luggage only. Start With the Right Luggage An expandable rolling carry-on suitcase is ideal. Even if you aren’t an over-packer or you don’t really shop on vacation, it gives you options. BÉIS president Adeela Hussain Johnson suggests the BÉIS Carry-On Roller because not only is it expandable, but it also has a cushioned handle for comfort, a strap for attaching another bag, and 360-degree wheels. It even has a weight indicator, which is a major help if you decide to check it at the last minute. Have a Packing Strategy Be realistic about what you’ll actually wear on the trip. “Leave your entire closet at home—pack outfits by day and reuse a few bottoms, so you can stay light. You know you’re not changing three times in a day and you definitely don’t need that one outfit you haven’t worn in three years,” Johnson says. Get Organized With Packing Cubes Johnson tells me packing cubes in several different sizes are the most efficient way to pack. “Roll everything that can be rolled at the bottom of the largest packing cube and flat pack anything that is bulky on top of the rolled items. Zip up the packing cube and place it into the zip side of the roller.” She suggests putting shoes at the bottom of your luggage where it’s uneven. Then stash any additional footwear in shoe bags on the side of the large packing cube. Pack Cosmetics Wisely You don’t need to take your entire makeup collection with you. One day and one night look should suffice for most people. Then opt for multitasking beauty products. For example, choose a foundation or moisturizer that contains sunscreen. Bring a cleansing balm because it eliminates the need for additional eye makeup remover. Don’t Forget Your One Personal Item In addition to your carry-on bag, many airlines allow one personal item. Take advantage of this by using a large tote bag so you can bring as much as possible. Then put a bag with essentials inside that bag. Johnson likes the BÉIS On The Go Essentials Case because it's transparent, so you don’t have to uncomfortably rummage through your main bag when looking for earbuds in a tight space. Consider Shipping Your Luggage If you’re going away for a longer trip but want to bring a minimal amount of luggage, shipping your luggage in advance is always an option. Considering the cost of checked luggage these days, shipping isn’t exorbitantly more expensive.

How to Grow and Care for an Avocado Tree Like a Pro

Avocado trees (Persea americana) are a great plant to grow if you live in the southern tip of the United States or father south. These plants are best grown outdoors as they can reach up to 60 feet in height. These evergreen fruit trees are best known for their delicious fruit, the avocado. Though the fruit may be the main draw for many growers, avocado trees are also quite beautiful because of their thick, bright green foliage and add ornamental value to any outdoor space. However, if it’s the fruit you’re after, these plants need warmth and space for the best results. Keep in mind that all parts of this tree, including the fruit, are toxic to a wide range of animals. How to Plant an Avocado Tree It is best to plant avocado trees outdoors in the spring, allowing ample time to become established before winter temperatures arrive. Plant your avocado tree in a location with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. If soil conditions are less than ideal, amend the soil with sand or another well-draining substrate before planting. The trees are vulnerable to high winds, so immature trees may benefit from support. Try choosing a planting location that offers wind protection to help keep your tree upright and healthy. All avocado trees should be planted at least 10 feet away from structures. The avocado tree's root system is sensitive, so try not to disturb the roots during planting. Dig a hole that is wider than the root structure and the same height as the root ball. Avocado Tree Care Light Like most tropical plants, the avocado tree thrives on a lot of sunshine. Plant this tree in a location where it can receive at least 8 hours of sunlight every day. These trees can tolerate partial shade, but grow best and produce more fruits when kept in full sun. Water Avocado trees benefit from infrequent, deep watering. Wait until the soil begins to dry out, then water deeply. During the summer months, the avocado tree will require more frequent watering. Young trees also require more frequent watering as they become established. Mature trees should receive around two inches of water per week. Soil Avocado trees prefer rich, loamy, and well-draining soil. A soil pH that is acidic to neutral, between 5 and 7, is ideal. These trees are sensitive to alkaline soil. Adding a layer of mulch around the tree can help the soil retain the right amount of moisture and will offer protection to the avocado tree's shallow root system. Don't mulch any closer than six inches from the trunk. Temperature and Humidity Outdoors avocado trees can only be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. They are frost-sensitive and grow best in temperatures between 50ºF and 85ºF. Though prolonged temperatures 30ºF or below will be too cold for avocado trees, they should be able to withstand an occasional, very brief freeze. You can grow an avocado tree indoors in any climate. Fertilizer You should fertilize an avocado tree starting in the late winter to early spring and feed until the fall, depending on the specific instructions included with your chosen fertilizer. Fertilizers specifically designed for avocado or citrus trees work best. Pollination For the best pollination, it is ideal to have two avocado trees, as flowers have male and female parts but they open at separate times, making self-pollination is unlikely. Avocado trees are considered either type A or type B, and each type opens its flowers parts at different times of day. These different times make cross-pollination between the two types possible. When choosing which trees to plant, be sure you have both type A and type B for best results. How to Grow Avocado Trees From Seed Starting an avocado tree from seed is a fun, simple project. However, it is important to keep in mind that seeds will not produce trees identical to the parent tree. To do this, you will need an avocado seed, a jar of water, toothpicks, a sharp knife, a small pot, and well-draining potting soil. Poke holes in avocado pit. Using a sharp knife, poke three or four holes around the circumference of the avocado pit. Poke toothpicks into pit. Poke the toothpicks into the holes, which will create the support needed to suspend the pit in water. Place thick end in water. Fill a jar with water (the jar should be narrow enouogh the toothpicks will hold most of the pit above water). Submerge the thick, or bottom end, of the seed into the water. Around one-third of the pit should be in the water. Place in sunny spot. Place the water jar with the pit in a sunny location and change the water daily. Wait for roots to form. After a few weeks, roots should form and leaves should appear at the top of the seed. Plant in soil. Once this occurs, gently plant the seed in well-draining soil. Types of Avocado Trees to Grow All avocado trees stem from three main varieties: Mexican, West Indian, and Guatemalan. Within these categories, there are several avocado varieties available. Hass: One of the most popular avocado varieties, the Hass avocado is often found in grocery stores. This is a type A tree that produces thick, bumpy-skinned, rich, and creamy fruits. It is more sensitive to heat than other varieties. Hass avocado trees are known to produce a reasonably sized yield when grown on their own. Fuerte: Also a widely known avocado type, the Fuerte avocado is a type B tree often grown with Hass avocados. These trees produce large, oval-shaped fruits with relatively smooth, thin skin. These trees are also more sensitive to heat, making them a good fit for the northern borders of the avocado's growing zones. Pinkerton: This type A, Guatemalan tree is popular for its smaller size and large fruit yield. It produces oblong fruits with flesh similar to the Hass avocado—rich and creamy. These trees require a type B avocado tree to produce a significant fruit yield. Harvesting Avocados On a healthy outdoor avocado tree, you could harvest upwards of 200 avocados per season. For nursery-bought trees, you can expect to see fruit in three to four years. For avocados started from seed, it may take five to 13 years before fruits appear. When fruits appear, wait until the avocado grows to its mature size. The fruits do not ripen on the tree, so avocados are picked as soon as they are full size. Bring the avocados indoors and let them rest on a counter until ripe. Harvesting Tip Don't pick all of your avocados at once. If you pick a few at a time, you will be able to extend your harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor for longer. How to Grow Avocado Trees in Pots Avocados can be grown in pots outdoors, though it will stifle their growth. (They can also be grown indoors in pots.) This is ideal for small yards or gardens near the northern edge of the avocado’s growing zones, as potted trees can be moved to a protected area when cold weather arrives. Young trees or dwarf varieties are ideal for growing in pots as these will stay small for some time. Pruning If avocado trees are grown from seed, start pruning when the seedling is only six inches tall, snipping off the top pair of the leaves. When it reaches a foot in height, trim it back six inches. After this, prune the tree yearly. Mature trees require occasional pruning. Light pruning can be done any time of year, though heavy pruning should be done in the early spring. Prune thick areas to ensure adequate light and airflow. Cut back any dead wood and trim away V-shaped branches. Don't take off more than one-third of the length of each branch. Pruning Tip Looking for the best pruners for your avocado trees? We tested 8 top-rated pruners in our Lab to make sure your trees stay happy and healthy. Propagating Avocado Trees Propagation is often done through grafting, layering, or cuttings. Grafting is often done to combine the desirable qualities of two different varieties of avocados while layering and starting cuttings are done to produce duplicate trees. Here’s how to perform each method of propagation: Propagating an Avocado Tree From Cuttings You will need sharp snips, moist and well-draining potting soil, a small pot, and IBA rooting hormone. In the spring, select new growth that is five to six inches long and has several leaves that have not opened. Using sharp snips, cut the new growth branch at a 45-degree angle. Wound the cut end by scraping at the bark on either side of the cutting. This will encourage root production. Dip the cutting into IBA rooting hormone. Bury the cut end into moist, well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a sunny area. After a couple of weeks, gently tug the cutting to check for resistance, which indicates root growth. Repot the cutting into a larger pot or outdoors. Grafting an Avocado Tree You will need sharp snips, a sharp knife, and something to cover the grafted area, such as grafting tape. Follow steps one and two as if you are taking a cutting. Remove the tip of the cutting, along with any leaves that are present. Then, wound the tree you would like to graft onto by removing a section of bark. Make sure the cambium of the cutting and the cambium of the tree are touching. Secure the cutting onto the tree with grafting tape, making sure to cover the exposed areas. In a few weeks, the grafted branch and the main tree should be fused together. Air Layering an Avocado Tree You will need a sharp knife, a rooting medium that can be wrapped around a branch, and rope or tape to secure the rooting medium around the tree. Select the branch you would like to take as a new tree. Using a clean knife, cut two circles around the branch to create a section of bark that can be peeled away. Once the bark is removed, scrape the inner branch to clean the cambium away. Wrap the exposed inner branch with rooting material, such as compost in a small bag (make sure the compost is wrapping the branch, not the bag) or another rooting medium. Secure around the branch with rope or tape. In several weeks, roots should develop. When this occurs, remove the bag, cut the branch off below the formed roots, and plant the new tree. Overwintering When grown in the appropriate zones, avocado trees do not require extra care during the winter unless the area experiences a frost. Protect the tree from a cold front by wrapping it loosely in burlap and adding extra soil at the base of its trunk until the frost has passed. For trees grown on the northern edges of their growing zones, it is best to keep them in pots so they can be moved to an area protected from cold weather. Common Pests & Plant Diseases Common pests that may bother an avocado tree include mites, caterpillars, borers, lace bugs, and thrips. Diseases include root rot, fruit rot, sun blotch, and cankers. Be alert to the presence of these pests or early signs of disease. Prompt action is the best way to remedy any developing problems before they threaten the health of your avocado tree.

27 Fun Road Trip Games for Adults That Make Car Travel More Enjoyable

Road trips are fun—at least, in theory. But after a couple of hours of music, podcasts, and "I'm just going to take a quick nap while you drive," things can quickly turn boring. Sometimes you can adapt party games for the car, but they don't always translate to sitting in a moving metal box. That's where these road trip games come in. "I Spy" may have kept your attention when you were young—impressive, given that you had the attention span of a goldfish—but this list of car ride games up the ante a bit. Pick a few adult-worthy road trip games for your next long ride. 01 of 27 Spin a Story From the Past Think of this as "Who can lie better?" One player begins by telling a story about their past, and players have to guess whether they're telling the truth or spinning a tale. Each guesser gets two follow-up questions, and then it's time for an answer. Every correct answer is two points, and the first player to 10 wins. (The loser has to reveal a super-embarrassing story.) 02 of 27 Riff Off This competition involves finding a license plate with random letters and creating a word with those letters. For example, if the license plate is YMT23, the answer could be "Yosemite". Think of it as Road Trip Scrabble, but instead of taking turns, just yell when you see one and come up with a word. Other players can challenge by creating a longer word with those same letters. To up the stakes, stipulate that the letters must be in the exact order to make the word and can't be scrambled. Award two points for each winning answer and two extra points for anyone who spots a vanity plate. The winner is the first to reach 10 points. 03 of 27 Explain a Movie Plot Badly This party game also works when you're trapped in a car. One player thinks of a movie and explains its plot in a way that is factual and terrible, and the other players have to guess. The first player to guess correctly gets a point. If no one guesses correctly, the plot explainer gets a point. Our favorite: "Girl can't commit. Loses cat." (Yep, Breakfast at Tiffany's!) 04 of 27 Essentially the Same Movie In another film-related game, a player starts by naming a movie. The next player has to name another movie that has the same basic plot. For example, Pretty in Pink and Some Kind of Wonderful, or No Strings Attached and Friends with Benefits. Players continue to take turns naming flicks with essentially the same narrative until someone gets stumped—the last person to come up with a film that fits wins. Start with your favorite kid movies if you're having trouble thinking of movie plots. 05 of 27 Radio Roulette This is essentially a road trip game of Name That Tune. Flip among radio stations until you hear a song (presets work best), and let it play for 15 seconds. Players are challenged to name that song and its artist, earning one point for each, with an extra point for naming its album. The first one to reach 15 points wins. 06 of 27 Mad Libs You know Mad Libs, that hilarious word game that solicits nouns, adjectives, and verbs from players to create an imaginative narrative. If you plan ahead, you can access a free printable Funny Mad Libs For Adults to take with you on the road. (Don't forget to bring a pen!) If you're not a fan of pre-technology, whip out a smartphone and play WordLibs online for free, with no app or downloads required. You can even create your own stories! 07 of 27 Fortunately, Unfortunately To start this storytelling game, one player makes a declarative statement that begins with "Fortunately..." For example, "Fortunately, on this highway, we will soon pass a cool roadside attraction." The next player must follow up with an "unfortunately" statement such as "Unfortunately, the attraction is a giant booger." The subsequent player must give a "fortunately" statement, and so on as you go from player to player. Switch from "fortunately" to "unfortunately" statements until everyone runs out of steam. 08 of 27 Snack the Rainbow Along your road trip route, plan to stop at seven gas stations. At each station, find a snack that's a specific color of the rainbow. (Remember, it's ROYGBIV!) You can only get one snack item per gas station. 09 of 27 Famous Names For this road trip game, someone starts by saying the first and last names of a famous person. The next player must name another famous person whose first name starts with the first letter of the previous celebrity's last name. For example, Justin Bieber leads to Billy Crystal. Billy Crystal leads to Catherine O'Hara. Catherine O'Hara leads to Owen Wilson, and so on. If a player is stumped, they're out, and the group moves on to the next player. 10 of 27 Road Sign Alphabet Game Each player must find a word on a road sign that starts with the letter A, then a word that starts with B, and so on through the alphabet. Once a player has claimed a word, the other players can't use that word. Whoever gets to the end of the alphabet first wins. 11 of 27 Road Trip Trivia For each city you pass through on your trip, designate one person to be the "expert" about that city's population, industry, dining establishments, and anything it might be known for. The expert can use their smartphone, but guessers cannot. As you pass through each city, the expert asks trivia questions that other players guess the answers to. Examples are, "How many people live in Scranton?" and "Which fast food restaurant does Cedar Key have five of?" 12 of 27 Road Trip Bingo Road trip bingo is always a crowd-pleaser. Before you leave, you can create your own paper bingo cards or print road trip Bingo cards for free to distribute to each player. If you make your own, consider a theme of fast food restaurants (McDonald's, Chick-Fil-A, KFC), gas stations (BP, Shell, Texaco), or types of cars (Honda Civic, Subaru Outback, Toyota Tacoma). Whichever you choose, make sure there are enough markers or stickers for everyone to mark their cards. 13 of 27 Guess the Time Look up which cities you'll be passing through on the way to your final destination, and have everyone in the car guess the exact time you'll arrive at each one. (The use of map apps are prohibited.) For example, what time does your car pass the sign that says "Entering Sacramento"? The player whose guess is the closest wins that round. 14 of 27 Categories Someone chooses a category, such as movies, sweet treats, or flowers. The first player must name something in that category that starts with the letter A. The second player has the letter B, and so on. For example, if the category is flowers, the first player might say "amaryllis." The second person might say "begonia." The third person might say "carnation," and so on. Be sure to choose the categories based on the players' knowledge base. (If no one in the car is interested in gardening, flowers might not be the best category.) 15 of 27 The Price is Right Based on the TV game show, each player guesses the price for regular unleaded gas at the next gas station you see. Whoever gets the price to the nearest tenth gets a point. When it's time to stop for gas, the player with the least number of points buys snacks for everyone. 16 of 27 Guess the Song For Guess the Song, one player sings or says lyrics to a song, and the other players must name the title of that song. Stating the lyrics in a monotone makes the game harder. For example, someone says, "And he's long gone when he's next to me. And I realize the blame is on me." The winner is whoever correctly names the song's title, Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble." Players must name the exact title. So, if a player says, "I Knew You Were Trouble When You Walked In," that answer is wrong, and someone else gets a chance to name the exact title. 17 of 27 Guess the Quote One player looks up a famous quote on their smartphone and reads it to the other the players, who must name the person (or fictional character) who uttered it. The quote could be from a famous speech, like "Give me liberty or give me death!" (Patrick Henry) or a movie, like "There's no place like home," (Judy Garland as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz). 18 of 27 While You Were Sleeping This is a group game to play when one or two passengers are taking a nap. While they're sleeping, the rest of the passengers work together to create a story about something the sleepers missed. For example, you all spotted a famous person who was stopped by the side of the road with a flat tire. The celebrity lets you hold their dog, eat some of their delicious snacks, and so on. Storytellers collectively agree on the specific, weird details for optimal believability. Too bad you didn't take any photos! 19 of 27 Who's Most Likely to...? For this fun road trip game, someone starts by asking the question, "Who in this car is most likely to...?" The other players have 3 seconds to name the person that fits the statement best. Players take turns asking a new question. Here are some possibilities: Who is most likely to answer the phone at 3 am? Who is most likely to throw their friend a surprise party? Who is most likely to give you a nickname? If you have trouble thinking up questions, visit teambuilding.com for a list of dozens of them that'll keep you asking and answering for miles. 20 of 27 Triple Threat In Triple Threat, someone starts in the role of the judge by saying three random words, and each player has to tell a story using those three words. The player who thought up the best story, according to the judge, wins. The winner becomes the judge for the next round, offering the next trio of random words, and the game continues. 21 of 27 20 Questions This classic guessing game easily adapts to a road trip. It starts with a player thinking of a person, place, or thing. The other players take turns asking yes-or-no questions to determine what they're thinking about. Whoever guesses correctly gets a point, but if no one guesses after 20 questions, the originator gets a point. Make sure someone is keeping track of the number of questions. 22 of 27 Spot the Car This road trip game is similar to I Spy and keeps everyone's eyes on the road. One player names a particular type of vehicle—like a double tractor-trailer, RV, or a Ram pickup—and players compete to be the first to see one and score a point. For a variation, consider non-vehicle items like signs or landscape items. 23 of 27 Scavenger Hunt This activity works as well in a car as it does out of one and demands much less legwork. If you're a planner, create your own list ahead of time based on what you expect to see along your drive. If not, print out a generic list for free. Either way, make a copy for each player, and whoever has seen (checked off) the most list items wins. 24 of 27 License Plate Checklist If you're taking a long trip on the interstates, this game is the perfect way to kill time. Just make a list on your phone or a notepad of all fifty states and check them off when you see a license plate from that state. Try and find all fifty states before your trip ends. 25 of 27 They're a 10, But... Find out how far your car riders would go for their dream partner with this silly game. To start, one person will say "your partner is 10, but..." and follow up with something funny or just plain outrageous. You could say, "he's a 10, but he has lobster claws instead of hands." Or "she's a 10, but she always has to rhyme when she speaks." How much are you willing to compromise for the perfect companion? 26 of 27 Count to 20 See if you and your fellow road trippers can get on the same wavelength with this simple yet challenging game. This game requires at least three people. Everyone in the group is trying to count up to 20 without saying the same number at the same time. If two or more people say the same number simultaneous, the game resets back to one. Sound easy? You might be surprised. 27 of 27 Battle of the Songs Test your skills as a DJ with this fun and musical game. A judge will pick a category for a type of song—this could be "80s power ballads," "90s alternative rock songs," or any genre of music your heart desires. Both people or teams will select a song in that category and play them. Whichever one the judge prefers is the winner and that team gets a point.