Booking a tour bus for travel is convenient in several ways; it is affordable, comfortable, and accessible to different locations. Moreover, booking a tour bus through apps and websites is now possible at one’s fingertips. While booking bus tickets, one must consider the seat type, ticket prices, the approximate time duration to reach the destination, and other factors. In addition, here are some mistakes to avoid while booking a tour bus:

1. Booking a ticket at the last minute
Many bus companies and contractors hike bus ticket prices a few days before the travel date. Therefore, the ticket may be priced much higher than usual if one books it two or three days before the date they would like to travel. Moreover, the best seats are typically grabbed by passengers who book early, leaving only the uncomfortable seats for those who book their tickets late. As a rule of thumb, booking one’s bus tickets at least two weeks in advance is best to avoid last-minute hassles.

2. Failing to check baggage policy
Bus companies typically have specific rules on the number of checked bags one may carry and the maximum weight of each checked bag. Checking these rules allows one to pack their bags strategically. One might carry fragile items, gadgets, toiletries, valuables, and other necessary belongings in checked bags and pack clothes and other goods in the luggage to be placed in the cargo compartment. It also helps passengers pack light, ensuring that the weight of each checked bag does not exceed the specified weight limit.

3. Missing out on the bus driver’s or conductor’s instructions
Bus drivers and conductors of interstate buses typically make announcements in the course of the journey. These important pieces of information can help passengers ensure a seamless, hassle-free journey. Some topics drivers or conductors may touch upon while addressing passengers are the duration of travel, whether the bus is running as scheduled or is delayed to reach the destination, where the bus is headed for a meal break and certain disciplinary rules that passengers must follow on board. Ignoring these instructions may cause one to miss essential travel details; therefore, passengers should pay close attention to the bus driver and conductor’s instructions.

4. Arriving just before departure time
A common mistake passengers make while boarding travel buses is to arrive just before the time of departure. Even if one’s seats have been booked in advance, it is always better to be there in time to avoid the panic and stress of rushing to the boarding point at the last minute. Moreover, there are chances of getting stuck in traffic or in some other untoward situation on the way to the depot. Leaving for the boarding point before time ensures that one has enough time, even in such situations.

5. Drinking too many fluids before or while traveling
Long-distance travel buses may be comfortable, but their toilets are typically unclean and poorly maintained, primarily because cleaning them while the bus is in transit is difficult. Therefore, it helps reduce fluid intake just before or while traveling. At the same time, it is vital to stay hydrated during travel, so taking small sips of water now and then is a good idea. One may use the washrooms at the eateries where the bus may stop for meals or at bus stations, which are usually cleaner than the onboard bus washrooms.

6. Failing to check out discounts on bus tickets
Reputed bus companies offer significant discounts to passengers just for traveling by their buses. Some of them even offer discounts on the next bus ticket purchase. Certain companies may also offer promo codes and coupons for booking bus tickets online. Hence, before booking bus tickets, one should check out any such discounts available to them and search for coupons and promo codes offered by the bus company. Such discounts can help passengers save a considerable amount on their long-distance travels.

7. Forgetting to carry a neck pillow
Neck pillows are passengers’ best companions for long-distance travel. Neck pain is common during travel, as one has to be sedentary for long hours at a stretch. A neck pillow enables the muscles and ligaments on one’s neck to relax while they doze off or rest during the journey. Thus, one should remember to carry a soft, comfortable neck pillow while traveling by bus.

8. Not carrying a hand sanitizer
Long-distance travel by a tour bus implies touching various surfaces. Moreover, soap dispensers in public restrooms may not always work. Therefore, it is best to carry an antibacterial gel or hand sanitizer to ensure one’s hands are clean, particularly before and after meals.

9. Buying snacks at the bus station
Snacks sold at bus stations are usually pricier than in regular stores and supermarkets. Moreover, the choices available may be highly limited. Hence, it makes more sense to carry one’s snacks, either prepared at home or bought from a local supermarket. It is best to avoid processed and fried foods during travel. Protein bars, popcorn, roasted fox nuts, and nuts and dried fruits are better alternatives.

References

https://www.wanderlustingk.com/travel-blog/bus-travel-usa

https://discover.hubpages.com/travel/10-Mistakes-You-Dont-Want-To-Make-When-Riding-The-Greyhound-Bus

https://wanderwisdom.com/transportation/11-Mistakes-Greyhound-Passengers-Make-How-To-Travel-By-Bus

https://www.goabroad.com/articles/common-travel-problems-and-solutions