Did you know tourism spending in Canada reached $80.8 billion in 2018? People are travelling more than ever. Are you taking an overnight bus somewhere? Not to worry! In this guide, we’ll go over ten tips to get the most out of your overnight bus travel. Travelling overnight may seem daunting, but after this guide, we hope you’ll feel prepared.
1. Show Up Early
Does your ticket have a designated seat number? If it doesn’t, try and arrive at the bus station ahead of time. This way you’ll have more options on where to sit. You don’t want to spend a lengthy bus ride near the onboard toilet or the front if it’s winter time.
2. Pick Your Seat
When picking your seat, there are several things to consider. You’ll want to decide if you prefer an aisle or window seat. Some people feel they sleep better near the window. They can create a pillow with a sweater or scarf. Others like an aisle seat better because they have more room to stretch out.
Try and find a spot where you’ll feel comfortable. Some people prefer to sit alone, while others don’t mind sitting next to travellers. State your preference of sitting next to a man or woman when you buy a ticket with assigned seating. If you sit in the far back, the ride will feel bumpy. You might not want to sit right in the front either. Try and find a seat in the middle if possible. If you’re a woman and travelling on your own, check out this guide.
3. Keep Valuables Hidden
When travelling for an extended period, you might want to use your laptop at some point. Make sure to stash it out of sight when it’s not in use. People might not steal your clothing but may snag a camera, phone, or laptop. Stash your luggage out of sight, so travelers don’t rifle through your bag.
If you want to keep your laptop on you, put your big bag in the luggage area. Keep your guard up even though you’re sitting next to other travellers.
4. Layer Your Clothing
Depending on the season, you may wear lighter clothing in the summer or heavier clothes in the winter. Most buses have air-conditioning units so it can get cold overnight. Consider layering your clothes, so you’re able to shed a few layers or add some. Pack a warm jumper and a scarf. You can bundle the scarf into a pillow when you’re ready to sleep. Bring a pair of jeans if you’re wearing shorts in case the temperature cools down.
5. Pack Snacks and Water
You may have stops along the way during your trip, but there isn’t a guarantee. Stock up on your favorite snacks and drinks before you go. You’ll save some money and have options during the trip. If you have allergies, try and pack lunches. If the driver does stop, the shop might not sell food you can consume.
Try and stay hydrated while you’re on the bus. Keep a bottle of water in your overnight bag. Most overnight buses have a bathroom in the back. Drink water, so you don’t get dehydrated.
6. Know Your Bus Number
If your bus driver does make a stop, make sure you know which bus is yours. If you doze off and wake up from a slumber, you could confuse buses. Before getting off your bus, make sure you have your valuables and identify your coach. You don’t want to board the wrong bus in the middle of the night after getting your snacks.
7. Pick Up Earplugs
On a overnight bus, the driver might have music playing over the speakers. Someone two seats up might listen to music all night. You’ll hear people talking, phones beeping, and squeaking brakes. Consider picking up a pair of earplugs so you can have a peaceful trip.
8. Bring Something Fun to Do
The benefit of an overnight bus is you don’t have to pay for a hotel. The downside is you’ll have a long trip ahead of you. That’s why you’ll want to pack a few things like a phone or iPod to keep you entertained. You could listen to a favorite playlist or load a book on a reading app on your phone.
If you’re with a small or large group needing bus rental services, contact a company that has a history of service and safety. In this way, you can guarantee your group’s safety while still having fun.
9. Check Your GPS
Depending on where you’re headed, it’s helpful to know how close you are to your stop. If you’re travelling abroad, announcements for upcoming stops are in different languages. Open up your favorite navigation app to see where you are. You can see how far away you are from the city center or attraction. This will help you work out how far away your next stop is.
10. Think About the End Result
The road may be bumpy along the way, and you might feel tired. Remember that your bus trip will come to an end. Think about who you’re going to visit or what you’ll do when you arrive.
