If you are going on a lengthy bus trip, it’s important to prepare. Without the proper comfort and entertainment, your trip can stretch and stretch, and you may arrive at your destination bored and exhausted. It might even affect your feelings about the trip as a whole.
Travel is not just a means to an end — it’s a tone-setter. When you embark on your journey, you depart from your normal life. Transforming your bus ride into a joyride can be the first step of a wonderful getaway, one that is energizing rather than draining. Preparation is at the heart of this transformation, so consider bringing these bus trip must-haves to unleash the fun and comfort waiting for you on the bus!
Bus Trip Basics
Whether your trip is two hours or 10 hours long, some items are always useful. While they may not make your trip a blast in and of themselves, these packing essentials will make the whole trip easier:
Personal bag: Alongside your suitcase or duffel, pack a backpack or drawstring bag to keep on your person. You can pack everything from your phone to hand sanitizer so that you’re all set for your time aboard the bus. You can also keep toiletries, medications, books, headphones and other essentials in your carry-on.
Bag for the kids: If you’re traveling with kids, pack a bag complete with an extra change of clothes, extra wipes, first-aid items, small toys and extra diapers.
Snacks: Depending on the length of the trip, your bus may have stops where you can get off and buy food. There might also be a dining car onboard. However, it is still a good idea to come prepared with your own snacks. If you get hungry, you can eat, even if the bus driver isn’t ready to stop or you don’t feel like making your way to the dining car.
Cash: Bringing cash is a smart move, no matter where you’re going. While most destinations support cards and digital wallets, you might need cash for tipping, public transportation fares and instances when card readers malfunction. Carrying a small amount of cash will help you avoid these problems and make sure you can take care of yourself during your trip.
Portable charger: Not every bus has outlets, so it’s best to play it safe and bring a power bank. This handy device charges your phone, laptop and other devices so that you can stay up to date with arrival times and even get work done while you travel.
Comfortable clothes: Packing for the weather is essential no matter where you’re headed. Dressing for the bus is likewise important. Rather than wearing tight or stiff clothing, opt for looser, breezier outfits that will give you a full range of motion. If it’s cold outside or you tend to get chilly, wear extra layers so that you can take them off or on as necessary.
Comfort Considerations
Your comfort is perhaps the most important thing to consider when planning a bus trip. If you’re sick or sore the whole trip, it’s going to be difficult to relax and enjoy yourself. If you bring the items below, you’ve got comfortable bus travel in your future:
Antacids and aspirins: Few things are as miserable as feeling queasy or achy while traveling. With nowhere to go and no way to stop, you might feel like your headache or upset stomach is inescapable. Bringing antacids and aspirins can free you from this all-too-common affliction, especially if you often experience motion sickness or other issues while traveling. You might even be able to help out another passenger in their hour of need.
Pillow: Sometimes, a bus trip goes overnight, and other times, you just need a nap. Either way, you shouldn’t have to deal with a sore neck or back just because you got tired. A small pillow or neck pillow can make it easier to doze and ease the discomfort you might otherwise experience.
Thin blanket: A blanket can make you feel at home, even on a bus of strangers. Wrap yourself up, enjoy a nap or a movie, and watch the trip pass by in no time.
Eye mask and earplugs: If you want to take your bus sleep to the next level, pack an eye mask and earplugs to block out light and noise while you nap.
Entertainment Essentials
Sitting in place for hours and hours can be dreary, but it won’t be if you know how to stay entertained on a bus trip. You can turn your seat into a mini entertainment center if you bring the right things along for the ride:
Headphones: A solid pair of headphones allows you to enter your own world, something that’s especially nice if the bus becomes louder than you’re comfortable with. They also mean you can watch a favorite show or listen to an album without bothering other passengers. With bus travel becoming more popular after a dip due to COVID-19, this is especially kind.
Movies and TV shows: No matter what streaming service you use, having something to watch while you travel can make the time fly by. Some buses are equipped with Wi-Fi, but if yours does not provide internet access, you can try downloading a movie or a few episodes of a show.
Music and podcasts: Audio content can enhance your travel experience, especially if you have your favorite albums or podcast episodes downloaded.It’s also a great option if you easily get motion sickness because you can listen to your favorites with your eyes closed.
Book: A good read can make time and the world disappear. While some may struggle to stay focused with so many distractions, the right book can give your eyes some rest from digital screens and engage your mind.
Puzzle games: When was the last time you played sudoku or did a crossword? Your bus trip can be a chance to flex those old muscles and maybe even collaborate with your neighbor. You might find that the conversation is even more enjoyable than the game.
Trust Executive Coach to Get You Where You Need to Go
Now that you’ve learned what to bring on a bus trip, you can look for the bus charter company that is right for you. Whether you’re going on a day trip or a multiday vacation, Executive Coach offers kind, professional service. Our 40- and 56-passenger motorcoaches feature onboard restrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi and other amenities so that your trip is smooth and fun.
