So, you’ve got a big bus trip coming up? While buses are often commended for their group travel convenience, they’re not always applauded in terms of comfort. If you’re about to board a bus for several hours, this rumour might be a little off putting. We’re going to share with you some handy, foolproof tips on how to make your time on the road as fun and comfortable experience so you can finally put your doubts to rest and make the most of your time onboard your charter bus rental!
What to do before your trip
Before you head out on the road, here are some things that you should keep in mind.
Stay organized
Organization should never be underestimated, especially when it comes to planning a trip. Before you board your bus, make sure that you’ve booked the right bus for your group. Depending on your group size, you’ll want to either rent a minibus, mini coach bus, school bus, or coach bus. Once your itinerary has been locked in and booked, make sure that everyone in your travel group has a copy of the itinerary so that you’re all on the same page.
Give yourself plenty of time
Planning a trip, especially with a big group, can be very stressful. Knock some stress off your plate by booking your bus rental in advance. Not only does this let you cross something off your list early, but this also gives you more time to plan out other details of your trip.
Charter a bus with onboard restrooms for long trips
Convenience is key – and nothing is more convenient than having a restroom at your disposal when you’re on the road for long periods of time. Booking a bus rental with onboard restrooms eliminates the amount of pit stops at gas station bathrooms you’d take to accommodate everyone otherwise. Always best to be prepared!
Before boarding, visit the restroom!
Like we said: always best to be prepared. Make sure that everyone in your travel group has used the bathroom before you board the bus to heighten chances of not having to pull over on the side of the road. There’s nothing more annoying than having to lengthen your already-long-enough bus ride because your travel companions need to keep using the washroom.
What to do during your trip
Keeping your travel buddies (and yourself) comfy and entertained on your journey is key to a successful trip. Here are some tips to keep in mind to make your bus trip a fun and comfortable experience.
Stretch
Stretch, stretch, stretch! Try and move your body as much as possible, when you can. If you thought that getting a good stretch in while traveling on the road was impossible or hard to do, think again. There’s enough room in your seat or in the aisles of every bus model to get your blood circulation flowing. Check out our 6 Stretches To Do from Your Bus Seat for some inspiration, and don’t forget to share the importance of stretching with your travel group members!
Load up on podcasts
This is your perfect chance to catch up on (or start) that podcast that you’ve been meaning to get around to. Whether you’re into true crime or prefer a comedic rant, there’s something for everyone when it comes to podcasts, and best of all? They’re free. Here are a few of our podcast recommendations for beating bus boredom.
Serial
Serial became immensely popular with its first season in 2014, and has been on the rise ever since. Expect tales of criminal injustice broken down and explained in this investigative journalism podcast. The first two seasons focus on individual cases, investigated episode by episode, and the third covers an array of cases within Cleveland’s Justice Center Complex. Check it out here: Serial Podcast.
Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
Jonathan stole our hearts from his first utterance of ‘oh henny’ on Netflix’s Queer Eye revival show as one of the Fab Five. He has since blessed us with his own outrageously silly and hilarious podcast, which features interviews with different experts in each episode. Can you even believe? Check it out now: Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness.
Binge Mode: Harry Potter
For any Harry Potter connoisseur, this is a must-listen. Hardcore HP fans Mallory Rubin and Jason Concepcion host this podcast where they recap every single chapter of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. If you just can’t get enough of the wizarding world and want to connect with others who share your obsession, you’ve gotta check it out. Listen here: Binge Mode: Harry Potter.
Bring a neck pillow and blanket
While summertime brings gorgeous, hot weather, chances are you’ll have air conditioning onboard your charter bus rental. To make sure that you’re comfortable in any temperature, make sure that you bring a blanket and a sweatshirt with you. Complete your comfy experience with a neck pillow to ensure that you can catch some Z’s while in transit to your destination.
Bring a book
There’s no better time to catch up on your book list than on a bus ride. While it might seem like a good idea to try and speed read through the Game of Thrones series, we recommend picking a lighter read so that it doesn’t weigh down your carry-on. Here are some of our suggestions for books to read on the bus.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Make your bus ride intergalactic by reading through The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. This read has cultivated a cult following over the years, following the adventures of Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect as they make their way through the galaxy according to the Hitchhiker’s Guide. Purchase it on Amazon.
Mosquitoland by David Arnold
This heartwarming story follows the story of Mim Malone as she makes her journey by bus to visit her sick mother. Definitely a great book to read while you’re making your own way to your destination by bus. Buy it now on Amazon.
Shantaram by David Gregory Roberts
Okay, okay, okay – we know we said you should pick a lighter read, but we just can’t resist the story of Shantaram. While it is a brick of a book in terms of size, we think it’s worth every bit of weight. Following the story of an Australian convict who has escaped and found refuge in the slums of India, this is a captivating and beautiful story that will draw you in from the first chapter. Also, it’s great for long, long bus rides… seeing as it’s 936 pages long. Buy it now on Amazon.
Group games
Keep your traveling crew entertained by boarding the bus armed with games to play. No, we don’t mean board games – oftentimes you don’t require any physical components to play the best bus games! Anything from hosting trivia about your destination or theme of your journey to I Spy is an easy and fun way to ensure that everyone onboard is happy and engaged.
Drink water, not soda
Traveling can take a lot out of you, so best to make sure that you stay hydrated. Make sure that you remember to pack a reusable water bottle in your carry-on luggage so that you can fill it up at a water fountain during any pit stops. Pro tip: always opt for water, and forget soda or other drinks while traveling. The sugar won’t do you any good, anyway.
Use wifi to study, work, practice a presentation
Wifi is offered onboard many buses, especially coaches and mini coaches. Make the most of your time in transit and take advantage of the wifi to be productive. Get some work or studying done while you roll into your destination. You’ll be glad you did!
What to do after your trip
Go for a walk
Shake off the hours you’ve spent sitting down and go for a walk once your bus parks at either a mid-trip pit stop or your final destination. Getting your body moving will help blood circulation and put your body back on the right track.
Take a break from screens
Put away the phone. Put away the laptop. Put away the iPad. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, it’s time to explore, talk to friends or colleagues, or do anything else besides looking at a screen. Give your eyes a rest and enjoy being in a new place!
Exchange info with your new friends
Buses move people together, and they also bring people together. Make sure to exchange contact info with your buddies you met on the bus so that you can keep in touch after your music festival or conference.
