Traveling by bus

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

For cheap travel throughout the world, an often-overlooked option is bus travel. In many countries, bus lines provide quick, inexpensive transportation between almost any two points. Unlike the plane, which is affordable only between high-traffic locations and city centers, buses can reach almost every corner of a country, including rural areas and little-known getaways. Like the train, a bus lets you enjoy the passing countryside during the day, but buses also give you more flexibility with routes and destinations.

Finding cheap bus fares is as easy as asking at the local bus station, and you may find that there are more frequent trips between two points than for rail or air travel. So for student, youth, and budget travelers alike, think twice the next time you decide to travel through a foreign country. Maybe you'll find that the bus is a cheaper and easier option.

Cheap Bus Fares:

The easiest way to find cheap fares is to go directly to the central bus station and ask. Often, bus companies will have cheap fares at the desk that may not be advertised. Students and youth travelers can often get discounts on ticket prices as well, and for multiple-destination travel there may be an option to buy a longer pass at a cheaper price. Also, for last-minute travel, you may find that buses are the cheapest fares. Unlike planes, bus ticket prices do not change the closer you get to departure time.

Bus Travel Drawbacks:

Although bus lines are usually cheaper than similar train or airplane fares, you have to know which voyages are suited for bus travel and which kinds of trips you are probably better off taking a train or airplane. Similarly, there is a limit to the number of comfortable hours one can spend on a bus, so keep this in mind when planning your trip. If the bus ride will be a few hours between cities, you should be fine, and you'll have the chance to watch the scenery go by. But unlike trains, there is no place to walk around on buses, and the occasional rest stops might not be enough of a stretch. A lot depends on the type of bus however, which is why you should always check out your transportation ahead of time.

Know what you're dealing with:

Depending on what country you're in, buses can range from tiny old vans crammed full of people, to massive 5-star liners with reclining seats and in-trip movies. If you are thinking about taking the bus it is often a good idea to swing by the bus station ahead of time and see what you will be dealing with. Don't trust the picture on the bus company front desk either, you never know what you'll get until you go and see for yourself. So before you purchase a ticket, go and take a look at the buses lined up in the station, and ask yourself how comfortable you'd be on them.

On Board Amenities:

Most large bus companies have a number of in-trip amenities, to keep you comfortable and happy on your bus trips. Some buses have bathrooms, others make bathroom stops every few hours or so. If the bus does come equipped with a bathroom, make sure you are not seated near it, to avoid any unpleasant smells. In addition, some buses will play movies during the evening. And while few buses have a meal plan or snack bar, almost all with have regularly-scheduled stops for passengers to get out, stretch their legs, and buy food at a nearby restaurant.

When to Avoid the Bus:

Clearly, there are times when a long bus ride is not the best option. Now, with the increase in cheap airfare, there are more reasons the budget-conscious traveler can choose an airplane for the cheapest travel option. For travel between major destinations, or cities that are a significant distance, the speed of a plane and the low fares may make more sense than a long bus ride. However, travelers carrying a significant amount of luggage may find that budget airlines only allow a very small amount of weight, and that the fees for extra bags are quite high. Similarly, for small journeys during the day, a bus might afford a better chance to take in the scenery and landscape that you might miss in a plane.