For beginners it might seem that the bus is the ideal means of transport for travelling. You move to the right place, admire the views from the bus window, and if you want, you can even take a nap – well, just a fairy tale! But in fact, a long bus ride can be more difficult and tiresome than conquering a mountain peak. We will tell you how to prepare for a trip, so that only pleasant memories remain.Long bus trips have some nuances, neglecting which leads to some negative consequences. Unhappy travelers arrive to the destination feeling sleepy, with stiff legs and twisted necks. They remember the night on the bus as the most terrible dream and vow never to use this means of transport again. And it is absolutely in vain, because to ensure full comfort and safety on the bus trip is not so difficult indeed.
Security
1. Estimate the route
Try to find out about the route that you are going to go. If buses fly to the abyss at regular intervals, robberies or other accidents occur during trip, then maybe you should change the route to a safer or at least choose a day trip.
2. Choose the first class
In many countries, several transport companies operate on the same route, the prices of which may differ significantly. What is the result of saving? Maybe due to the bald tires, the lack of air conditioning and the presence of only one driver who will drive you through the night without a change? Or maybe your bus will stop in every village and pick up all comers, so that people will be constantly pushed around the bus? In any case, you need to think about whether the saving of a few dollars worth your peace and security.
3. Luggage
Before boarding the bus, put all your valuables in a small bag or backpack and do not leave it for a minute. Take it with you during the stops. During the whole way, better keep it on your lap or, if it not so comfortable for you, put it on the floor and step with your foot on the strap. In this case, even during your sleep nothing will happen with your bag.
4. At the bus stop
If you want to go out and warm up, be sure to ask the driver about the length of the stop. Remember the number of the bus and the place where it stands. It is better not to go too far from the bus station or stop, if you do not want to get acquainted with the criminal life of the place you stopped at, that is, as a rule, very widespread phenomenon in such places.
Comfort
1. Choosing a place to sit
Not all seats on the bus are the same. From the security point of view, it is always better to choose the seats in the middle part of the bus, because according to the statistics of insurance companies, most troubles occur when a head-on or a rear-end collisions happen.
From the point of view of comfortableness, there are much more factors which it is necessary to take into consideration.
Near the window or the passage? Many people choose a place near the window for the sake of beautiful landscapes. In addition, the surface of the window gives you the opportunity to bow your head and sleep. However, at night there is still no beauty, and the curved neck begins to become numb in half an hour, so that all the advantages of a window seat become insignificant. But near the passage you will have more space and even can stretch your legs.
Front or back? Remember that it is not possible to throw back the rear seats and it shakes more there. If you take front seats, you will have to squint all the way from the headlights of oncoming cars and contemplate all the curves of the roadway. Also not such a pleasant fun.
Near a man or a woman? If there is no numbering of seats on the bus and you can choose where you want to sit, the first thing is to assess the overall adequacy of a fellow traveler, and then his shape. To sit all night long next to a man or a woman, whose body has spread out on one and a half seat, will not bring you much pleasure at all. And if your neighbour is a man or a woman, it is also a matter of taste.
2. Light and sound insulation
The first time you go by bus, you look at all these people who took earplugs and sleeping masks with surprise: “Hah, such sissies!” But then quickly you start to envy them and reproach yourself for hindsight. Do not repeat this error. Sleeping on the bus at night is difficult, and without these really cheap things it is almost impossible.
3. Blanket and pillow
Yes, of course, we are not talking about those familiar objects that we use at home. As a pillow is better to take a special inflatable bagel, which helps hold the head and neck in the optimal position. This is a brilliant invention of mankind, with which your crumpled jacket or bag can not be compared.
4. Drinking and toilet
What kind of comfort during the trip can we talk about, if you want to drink? Even more painful moments come when you understand that you want to go to the toilet, and the nearest stop is far away. It is very easy to combat these two kinds of discomfort.
First: always take a bottle of water with you to the bus. Even if it should be there, take it anyway.
Second: at each stop think about visiting the toilet. Do not pay attention to your laziness and all these “I do not want now” and “I can wait for another stop”. Going to the toilet is a good chance to move after long sitting period.
What to take with you
Travelling by bus is not a space flight, but you need to prepare for it no less carefully. During the trip, you will be sealed in a rather small space of your seat, so you should take care beforehand that everything you need is at your fingertips. Here is a short list of things to take on a bus trip with you.
- A small purse where to keep the most valuable things. Documents, money, tickets, cards, smartphone and so on.
- A backpack or bag with things that you might need during the trip.
- Sleeping items: earplugs, light-protective mask, plaid or jacket, inflatable pillow.
- Entertainment: smartphone, book, player, tablet PC.
- Medical facilities that can be useful for you when you are sick, poisoned or prescribed by your doctor.
- Water and, if necessary, a small snack: nuts, energy bars, candy.
- Toilet paper!
If you have something to add to this list or share your survival experience during long bus trips, then you are welcome to do it in the comments below. We hope they will be useful for every traveller who will read this article.