On holiday step daughter won't talk or do anything

[Plankingplanks]

We are in the USA with the whole family. Step daughter (16) wanted to come. We explained that we would be doing a long road trip to see family, she was happy enough to come along. We are visiting family all around and she made friends with my niece and invited her to come on the trip as company for her. My kids dipped out and are staying with other family and friends.

We start road trip and step daughter has barely spoken to us or my niece for two days. She has always been super socially awkward but this is so anxiety inducing for us all. If she is asked she just says she is ok. But she's not engaging at all. My poor niece has been sat on her own being ignored for 2 days.

DH and I have tried to talk to her but she seems to just be shut down. Then, we went to bed last night and the girls were giggling away seemingly having a great time. It's as if she can't interact with anyone when we are there- so stuck in a car for ages has been difficult.

We are all on edge because of it and I know she is probably miserable but nothing seems to get her out of her shell. I normally get on fine with her but it's like she is totally overwhelmed (she's never really gone on holiday before).

Anyone got any ideas as to what I can do?

I have to admit that I’m not v. talkative on long journeys either.

We live in the US so often drive long distances on vacation. I’ve found that audiobooks or podcasts are a great way to keep everyone entertained and we chat about them afterwards.

When my kids were younger, I’d drive them to their grandparents listening to the Harry Potter audiobooks (Jim Dale’s version) and we were all captivated….once, we circled around the town so we could finish a chapter. 🤣 Could you download something that everyone would enjoy?

Adapting can take a bit of time. I was invited on holiday for a week with a friend when a bit younger than that, and although I liked holidaying (had been away with school etc), got unexpectedly homesick, similarly tongue-tied - and sunburnt - almost instantly on landing at the accommodation. I remember that, and how surprised I was too. Got much better after a few days though.

I don't like talking in the car - nothing to do with not having a good time, I just like looking out of the window and taking the scenery in. Maybe it's just that.