I have traveled on Greyhound, Megabus, PeterPan, and Bolt. When I mean traveled, I do not mean little 2 hour or 5 hour trips on these buses. I have traveled in some cases 34 hours on bus. If it can be avoided, I suggest that you don't take a 34 hr. bus ride in order to get from point A to point B in the United States unless you REALLY LOVE a scenic route (which even then is limited due to the use of highways in order to decrease travel times). However, if you are looking for a low cost way of getting from point A to point B and the ability to book the day of and you can't seem to find the airline that matches your price point, then the bus is for you my friend. After being improperly informed on bus service in the United States, I decided it may be nice to post a nice little guide for first time travelers.
Rule #1: Obtaining Food & Drinks while traveling the bus route is hard to do and very expensive when the opportunity presents itself. For example, a bottle of juice is $2.00 while a proper sand-which is $4.00. If you are eating a proper three times a day, this can quickly add up to almost $20 in food expenses alone (which in some cases is the cost of your bus ticket). However, unlike airplanes, you are allowed to bring and consume food and beverages on buses. Therefore, I suggest bringing a lunchbox from home with pre-made sandwiches, bottles of water (also $2.00 and are usually not name brand), juices, snacks, etc. This will save you a ton of money on the road. Also it will save you from hunger, many buses do not have rest stops which not only have food and beverages available but rarely stop long enough for one to explore this possibility. So take my warning: BRING FOOD & BEVERAGES!
Rule #2: You are allowed a carry-on bag (weighing less than 25 pounds) and one check-in bag (weighing less than 50 pounds) are free of charge. Make sure your valuables are on the carry-on bag and not in the checked in bag.
Your checked luggage is placed beneath the bus. There isn't much protection down there for your checked bag. Anything from rain seeping through the cracks to other bags down below breaking your precious cargo. Also considering that your first checked bag is free (in comparison so $25 on airlines, excluding some like JetBlue), you can use the bus to your full benefit by having your clothes be completely in your check-in luggage without worrying about losing your clothing. This is because your check-in bag is on the bus as soon as you are on the bus unlike on an airplane. Therefore, you can use your carry-on luggage to carry your precious cargo.
Rule #3: Pick your departure cities carefully, the more popular the departure cities the higher likelihood you will be riding a new or upgraded bus (hopefully with WiFi, Power Outlets, Extra Legroom, etc.).
Try to avoid little country towns as much as possible (e.g. Tallahassee, FL or Fayetteville, NC) because they are usually given the old and heavily used buses despite the fact you are paying the same price as those on newer buses. If you are departing a small country town, then make sure your route transfers at a big city in order to increase your level of comfort on your ride.
Rule #4: A Blanket and a Pillow are a must for any bus trip! Even if your trip is only an hour long, you never know what can happen that can leave you on the bus for an extended period of time.
I have been on a bus when a drunk truck driver hit it and my time on the bus was extended from 5 hours to 10 hours. Luckily, I was able to sleep off a good 7-8 hours of that time by simply sleeping it off on my stuffed animal (which I treat as a travel pillow, a Pillow Pet is also a great substitution if your sibling has already outgrown theirs) and my throw.
Rule #5: Take anything that think you may need (hygiene, extra pair of clothes, medication, vitamins, etc.). I know you have heard of the whole rule 'less is more', but on the bus there is nowhere to get more. There are usually no shops in bus stations where you can purchase a toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. So you are pretty much on your own if you are missing anything. Your fellow bus patrons maybe willing to help, but just like any human being, they can be fickle. So its best to have it and not need it than not have it and need it. However, do not take this rule to mean you should take everything but the kitchen sink. You only have your carry-on bag during the majority of your trip, so after your personal items are accounted for then use the motto 'less is more'.
Rule #6: When it comes to electronics, be careful what you bring and what you leave home. Try to bring items that serve more than one purchase which can reduce your carry-on cargo.
This rule is one of the most important things when traveling and you wish to be in your own world. For example, if I am on a very short bus ride to go interview someone for the podcast and I need a computer for internet access and video editing, an Mp3 Player, a camera, video camera, etc. I would pack the video camera since it has a camera mode and therefore replaces a conventional camera. My phone with its Mp3 player can replaced a traditional Mp3 Player. If I didn't need the computer for video editing on the road, I would use my Mp3 Player (which it may be important to reveal is an iPod Touch) as my main device to access the internet on the go. Especially if a free WiFi zone is available on the bus, bus terminal, or an establishment nearby (e.g. McDonald’s, Starbucks, etc.). Trust me, your back will be thanking your for it.
Rule #7: Whatever medication you need to get through the day when you are not traveling, make sure you take with you.
This rule is pretty self explanatory.
Rule #8: Do not depend on the bus or the terminal for a power outlet. Some bus stations are upgrading and including a number more bus stations, however most (including New York City) only have 8 outlets in the entire terminal. So CHARGE before you GO!
If necessary charge another battery as back-up for your cell phone if your cell phone is notorious for having a low battery time. It is amazing how some people run from the bus to the charge outlet station with only 6 outlets. If you have access to solar cells, make a solar panel and you can charge on the bus. However, if you are riding the bus, you may not be able to afford a solar panel so follow my earlier advice.
Rule #9: If you don't have electronic gadgets to occupy your time, then bring reading materials or even homework. You will thank you lucky stars for some form of distraction.
If you have a Dollar Store nearby, invest the $1 in a portable FM Radio. It is one way to distract yourself if you are faced with a horrible bus-mate.
Rule #10: LISTEN!
No one is going to send you a message on your cell phone saying that your bus has arrived and is about to depart. If you miss your bus, you may be stranded for as much as 12 hours. Pay attention anytime you hear the PA system come on at the terminal or even when you are riding the bus. The employee only uses this system to rely important information to you the passenger.
I hope this guide helps you in your Nerd travels! If you have some rules that you find helpful for bus travel, please feel free to email us at info@mbadika.org.
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