Travel is certainly a human activity that is among the most sought even by people of modest incomes and students. To those who want to go on tours on a small budget, it is good to consider bus travel tours which are cheaper. While long-distance travel may not be as comfortable as first-class tours, bus tours are certainly a good option to students and those who are able-bodied but with lesser means. The current boom in bus ridership is instigated by the improved amenities, outstanding convenience and relatively cheaper bus fares that are made cheaper by the discounts and passes especially for students.
Traveling by bus is not as bad as it seems. It is true that it is not the best mode of transport for traveling tourists but it serves its purpose for travelers living on a budget. For a long-distance bus tour to bear positive experience, one must prepare for it just like when embarking in any travel. What are most salient points that a bus tourist must prepare for in bracing up for long days of land travel?
1. Decide on where you want to go based on your budget. It may cost you some huge bucks taking a plane going to a destination where you can take bus travel tours. Research and based on the merits of the different places that are great to see by bus and decide on which destinations to tour. Some great places to tour by bus are the South Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Fiji); Europe (Spain, London, Italy, France, Switzerland); Latin America (Mexico, Guatemala, Belize); Canada and North America ( Vancouver, Montreal; and Toronto, the U.S. and every state in between).
2. Find out about the buses, routes, fares, itinerary, schedules, terminals and stations and other details. Give this a good deal of thought and planning. Gather information from the Internet and make bookings once you are ready with a plan. There is no need to rush when the details have not been mapped out with finality yet because there are too many trips that you can get. Bus passes and discounts can spell huge savings so find it about the details. It is also important to know the standards and scope out the buses first before buying the ticket as you may happen to buy tickets for old buses without air condition and with little leg room.
3. Pack light by taking only what you need and what you might need. You need traveling bags that can fit in the overhead compartments and under the seats. Take note of the weather conditions and take clothes that are versatile. Female travelers may want to bring sarong that can serve more than one purpose. Dress comfortably and without much fanfare like flashy jewelry. A moneybag is good to carry for all important travel documents, credit cards and cash close to the body.
4. Bring water and foods that are light, compact but can nourish you when stranded in case of unlikely events. Basic toiletries in small containers are good to keep as well as toilet papers. Do not embark on a tour without taking your life essentials with you such as personal medicines, cell phone and money. Bring something that can take away your mind off the hours especially when traveling on long and wide expanse of barren areas – playing cards, iPod, magazines, books or a friend who has the time like you do.
5. Keep your body moving whenever the bus stops to gas up or stop for other reasons. Walk around the bus but do not wander off without letting the driver know because you might get abandoned unintentionally. If there is a need to go inside convenience stores, make sure to inform the driver or at least a fellow passenger about what you intend to do. Getting the contact numbers of the bus driver or some fellow passenger is a good idea.
Enjoy the pleasures of bus touring to get around popular destinations by bus travel tours. It may not be as luxurious the other forms of travel but who cares when you are young and eager. Meet other travelers of your age and take pleasure in swapping stories and cultural exchanges. You are going top be young and free all the time; this can be a once in a lifetime experience that you can treasure for the rest of the days.