We use maps to look at the flight routes and driving routes and to let our boy know how much time to expect to get places. Talking in advance about the different expectations, particularly for meals, can be helpful, and teaching her some common words will be great and help give her some confidence.
I'm never organized enough to do anything putzy like making a "spotting" card, but generally talk animatedly about a few things he can expect to see, and he's eager to point them out when he thinks he sees something.