Using local or long-distance buses maybe is the only way to get to work, to visit friends and family, attend medical appointments or to travel to another country and have holidays in it. However, traveling by bus can be challenging, especially when services vary depending on where you live and who operates them. This guide includes some practical tips and advice about how to get the most out of bus travel. So whether you’ve never been on a bus or you have used buses before, you can travel by bus independently, with confidence and the most important, comfortably.
Tips for traveling by bus for long distance trips
Usually, to travel by bus is the cheapest solution. Many people choose buses to travel from a country to another or to travel inside the country they are already but the distance is quite long… so, what we can do to survive from these long journeys? Let’s see some tips.
Good research and prices compare: Check different bus company websites and be well informed about their prices and the services which offer for these prices, if you book your ticket quite earlier you can get a much better price and also a better seat. Avoid buying ticket for seats directly in front of the TV, underneath the speakers or beside the toilets so ask the responsible employee to inform you before buying. If possible order your bus tickets online. It will save a lot of time at the ticket window and may in fact save you money. In addition, very important is to know how a bus company deals with special situations like delay, lost luggage etc. If possible travel with a reputable company so you feel quite safe.
Pack light: A huge suitcase is also a huge trouble if you have to change buses or walk for a while or waiting somewhere. A better choice is a small size suitcase on wheels which can be easily transferred and stored under the bus in the luggage place. Also, you can take a small bag with you on the bus and have some important things available for you anytime you need.
Travel by night: Traveling during the night can save you time and powers as the next day you’ll be early at your destination and have the rest day to enjoy your vacation. To sleep easier in a bus it’s good to use a rolled up jacket or blouse as a pillow otherwise you’ll get a stiff neck. Also, bring ear plugs and an eye mask if you’re sensitive to noise and light. Take off your shoes so your feet will breathe for a while but be sure that they don’t annoy the others with a pretty bad smell.
Take with you snacks, drinks and tissues: The bus usually stops in several places like bus stations and shopping centers on the national roads but they have little products variety and expensive prices. If you have chosen a bus as the cheapest solution it’s stupid to spend all your money for a sandwich… Cereal bars, chocolate, nuts, apples, chips or sandwiches are ideal food for a bus trip. Make sure you have drinks too, a bottle of water that you can refill it wherever the bus stops, your favorite juice for a little enjoyment and a lot of tissues…Sure sometime you will have to use a toilet which is run out of toilet paper and it’s dirty but you must use it immediately. It’s good for you if you have prepared an individual hygiene pack including travel pack paper toilet seat covers, tissues and a little bottle of hand sanitizer. If you are a woman you should put in the pack some menstrual pads or tampons for unexpected moments.
A hot tip – choose the aisle seat: If you’ll find two empty seats prefer the aisle seat. The most of the people when see someone sitting on an aisle seat search for another seat. The result? You will have two seats to yourself for the journey.
Tips for traveling by bus in the city
If you are a tourist or simply you use the local bus transportation to go wherever you want, here are some tips to help you avoid troubles.
- Search for the bus routes from a local bus station or on the internet.
- Be informed if you can buy ticket with discount as you are young, student, aged or with a kind of disability.
- Find the nearest bus stop and make sure that it’s in the right direction for your destination.
- Spend some time to find out about the weather and have clothes suitable for the local conditions so you will not feel hot or cold during the waiting of the bus.
- Always buy a ticket. In some places you get the ticket inside the bus. To throw you out the bus sure it’s no pleasant.
- When the bus arrives, check its signs to be sure for the destination it goes. If something you don’t understand ask the driver.
- If you are a tourist or you don’t know well area it’s useful to have a brochure with touristic information or a map of the city to have a better orientation.
- Something extremely important! Unfortunately, in the local buses mainly, maybe there are pickpockets or thieves who wait the opportunity to take a wallet. So, avoid carrying a wallet in your hip pocket or in others easily accessible and visible pockets. To lose your wallet and your personal documents it’s simply a disaster.
- Finally, when the bus stops and you are ready to go, check your seat to be sure you left nothing behind.
- Thank the driver as you get off. They work hard and have a great responsibility to carry everyone safe so it’s good if we are polite with them, sure they will appreciate it.