The idea that the GM needs to be this epic narrator as if they were an author is something I wish would die. The medium of play is different.

Here's some things I do for long travel scenes that have no backing mechanics:

• ask the PCs pointed questions. "You don't see any animals in these vast plains, how do you eat?" or "The road is alternatingly rocky and muddy, and it does a number on the wagon's wheels. How do you keep them in working order?" or even "The night out here is too dark. What do you do to make each other feel safe at night?"
• when pointing anything out, give two details and a small twist. Encourage them to ask questions for details, but don't drill down into nitty gritty scenes. "The motion you thought was a river from a few miles back is a mass migration of centipedes. They seem too small to be of harm, and Karlen your guide demonstrates this by striding across them. The ones he crushes underfoot give off a sweet maple scent"
• ask players individually how they pass the time. Do they zone out? Practice the florghorn? Play betting games with the cooks? Whatever they say, drill in and ask more questions.

What I'm trying to get at is that the conversation, not narration makes travel memorable. Converse with your players. Encourage them to converse with you.