I hate driving in the car on long trips!  I use to dread going on the annual vacation just because I would have to drive hours and hours to get to our vacation destination (usually Hilton Head or North Myrtle Beach).  But now, do I still hate it?  No!

What has changed for me?

Now I listen to audio books on long vacation trips.  I can often find a good novel to listen to during the long drive down to Hilton Head Island.  Sometimes, I even wish the drive was longer so I could finish the audio book that I’m listening to.

Does this work for commutes to work?

Yes, I believe that it would work for long commutes to work!  My commute to work is only half and hour, so I don’t get the long novel for trips to work.  I do like to listen to short comedian CD, short autobiographies (like Benjamin Franklin) and other shorter audio materials.  Long stories like Stephen King’s “The gunslinger” is too much for short commutes, but for long commutes, this series might be perfect.

How is buying audio books a frugal way to drive to work?

It isn’t, I don’t buy the audiobooks, I borrow them from the Library.  I think if you try this technique out, you’ll find that your commute is more bearable, and you’ll be increasing your wisedom, or be entertained (or at least laugh at some good jokes) in the process.

You might be wondering, What have I listened to?  I like to listen to comedians, and classics that I normally wouldn’t listen to otherwise…

• Bill Crosby:  Bill’s comedy is great for the car, nice and slow so you don’t miss the joke
• Robin Williams:  Robin was a tough listening to during the commute, his humor is quick and in a noisy car, you might not be able to hear him.
• Farhrenheit 451:  A classic but still a good listen!
• Animal Farm:  A classic and another good listen.  A bit dry though.
• Oliver Twist: Good story, but tough to hear sometimes if your commute is noisy.
• 1984: Interesting, but I wouldn’t listen to it again.
• I am Legend: Good story, a bit different from the 2007 movie remake.