How To Survive A Bus Trip

Choosing to take a bus always sounds like a good, cost-effective idea, until you actually do it. Suddenly, the extra bucks it would have cost you to take the train seem a mere pittance compared with the cost of smelly bathrooms, loud passengers and shoulder-dozing seatmates. But there is hope for us bus-bound mortals, it just takes a little planning.

The location of your seat can greatly influence your bus experience. The farther back you go, the bumpier the ride. If the bus is a single-decker, the bathroom will also be in the back, which is something you’ll want to account for. Sitting toward the front may seem more preferable, but remember you’ll typically be close to the driver, and he or she might play music to stay awake or stave off boredom. The middle is your safest bet.

If it’s a particularly long bus ride, travel at night so you’ll be able to sleep through most of it. But sleeping on a bus can be challenging. It’s hard to get comfortable, and other passengers may prove distracting. If you can, pack noise-canceling headphones or earplugs. Also think about bringing a neck pillow. If you don’t have a neck pillow, try to sit in the window seat. At the very least you’ll be able to bunch up a sweatshirt and lean your head against the window.

If you’re traveling in another country and don’t have a firm grasp on the geography, check the route before booking a ticket. Some roads may not be safe, and have a history of accidents or robberies. You should also do some preliminary research on the bus companies themselves. Weed out the ones with poor safety and health records. You might need to cough up a few extra bucks for buses with better credentials, but in some cases, it really is worth it.

And finally, dress in layers. A bus’s climate might go from Arctic to Amazon before you’re on the highway, so come prepared with shed-able layers, and go for comfort over style. This isn’t a Milan runway, it’s a giant metal rectangle of dubious conditions. Sweatpants are encouraged.