Stay safe, warm, and merry this holiday season
‘Tis the season to wrap up Q4, write reports, develop strategies for next quarter, and… throw a big holiday party for your employees, of course. From big offsite blow-out to in-office potluck, there are many different types of parties that you could hold for your employees – and each party type has a bus type to match. No matter the type of holiday party you’ve got in the works, a charter bus rental or two for your employees is the simplest way to keep the spirit of the holidays thriving on your way to and from your event.
Big off-site blow-out
Rent that grand hall for a five-course meal, hire a live band and dance all night, ask everyone to arrive in cocktail attire or, if you’re feeling extra fancy, go black tie! If you’re planning a detailed, glamorous affair, it can be easy to forget about organizing transportation. But, it’s especially important to have a good shuttle bus strategy when you’re holding a big event. Avoid employees driving their own cars by having everyone meet at the office. Rent a school bus to shuttle your guests to the main event. After the event, make sure you get everyone home safely. Your booking specialist can help you organize the most efficient drop-off route. Need some extra pointers on planning your event? Check out our Event Planning Guide here.
Suggested bus rental: School bus
In-Office Potluck
If you’re a startup organizing your very first party, try a budget-friendly option. Have everyone bring a dish (organize who brings what in advance so you don’t get fifteen bowls of guacamole), and make a competition out of it. Have everyone vote on the best dish. If you’re going with this option, you’ll need to make it special so it doesn’t feel like their weekly lunch-and-learn. Have everyone wear ugly holiday-themed sweaters, organize a Secret Santa exchange, rent a good ol’ karaoke machine, and charter a school bus to make the commute home a little more fun – and safe.
Suggested bus rental: School bus or Minibus
Office Excursion
When organizing an office party, you always run the risk of it being too Christmas-cookie-cutter. Not everyone celebrates Christmas and not everyone has the same traditions. Do something out of the ordinary and take everyone on a field trip. Some popular options include escape rooms, axe throwing, or brewery tours. If you’re a team of less than 20, consider renting a minibus or mini coach bus. There isn’t a big difference in price between the two, so if you’re travelling a few hours out of town, choose the mini coach for the comfort provided in its extra amenities.
Suggested bus rental: Minibus or Mini Coach bus
Private Restaurant Rental
Does your small team deserve a big reward? Many restaurants have private rooms that can accommodate groups of 10 to 40 people. When you rent a room for groups of this size, the chef will often have a conversation with you about your group’s likes, dislikes, allergies, and dietary restrictions in order to tailor a menu to your tastes. Rent a bus and driver to get everyone home safe after dinner, especially if you’re splurging on wine pairings. If you can splurge on pairings, the money you’ll spend on a bus rental is comparatively nothing.
Suggested bus rental: Minibus
Weekend Ski Trip
Use the holiday season as an opportunity to do some serious team building while treating your employees to a weekend away. A company ski trip is the perfect way to please both the outdoor enthusiasts and those that prefer the cozy indoor chalet lifestyle. Just make sure you’re sensitive to everyone’s family plans and holiday responsibilities prior to scheduling the event. Look to book your getaway in early December or late January. For this type of festivity, you’ll need to rent a coach bus. They have more luggage space and extra amenities that make longer trips more comfortable. Need some ideas to keep your crew entertained during the trip? Check out our suggestions for best movies to watch and games to play with big groups on long bus rides.
Suggested bus rental: Coach bus
Give Back as a Group
As an alternative to the traditional holiday party, gather your group together to give back to your community through volunteer service. You’ll likely be pleasantly surprised by your staff’s enthusiasm to help out within their community. If you have a lot of employees who aren’t available in the evenings—due to family obligations or conflicting work schedules—this is a great way of organizing daytime festivities. Rent a school bus to transport your team from the office to the volunteer site and back again. Don’t know where to begin your search for opportunities? Try the GiveGab app. It lets you search volunteer opportunities and connect with not-for-profits or charities in your area. Then let Bus.com take care of your group’s transportation on the way there and back.
Suggested bus rental: School bus or Minibus
Holiday Party Safety Tips
Organize group transportation
The best way to get everyone home is by chartering a bus rental or organizing a shuttle bus service, if you’re going to be moving a vast crowd. Be sure that everyone has been informed of the bus service with a company-wide email. Include this information on all holiday party communications.
Get your employees all the way home
If you drop people off at the office after the party’s over, they still have to get all the way home. Our booking specialists can help you organize drop-off at multiple homes, which is a surefire way to show your employees’ some dedication appreciated. You could also drop people off at subway stations if you’re city-bound.
Serve lots of food
The best way to curb excessive egg nog consumption and the resulting tummy aches is to serve lots of food. Cater a meal, but also provide snacks throughout the entire event.
Tips for Making your Holiday Party Special
Theme your Secret Santa
When people are left to shop for coworkers, they always end up grabbing something at a box store that’s outdated and, for some inexplicable reason, weirdly scented. If you theme the gift giving affair, you simplify everyone’s shopping experience, and can even make it enjoyable. Some great theme ideas: recipe kits, dollar store extravaganza, board games.
Make your own photo booth
While photo booths are available to rent, you can make your own by picking up a few feather boas, silly hats, and fake moustaches. Provide selfie sticks and a colourful backdrop, then let the fun begin!
Rent a bus and put safety first for your company party
Holiday parties are a great opportunity for your team to bond and celebrate their achievements. It’s also an opportunity that many take to over-indulge in the mulled wine. As an employer, and as a friend, it is your duty to help your staff get home safe. Get your employees home for the holidays with a charter bus rental. Once you’ve mapped out a safety plan, it’s time to sit back and relax. Happy party planning!
