bus trip

Mar 24
0

Charleston, SC – Something For Everyone In The Group!

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The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page – Saint Augustine

So your group is ready to get together for charter bus tour this spring, but where should you go?  You don’t want anything too hot and you certainly don’t want anything too cold which leaves Charleston, SC as the perfect destination.

Charleston is the oldest city in South Carolina and is certainly the most historic.  The city’s residents pride themselves on their hospitality and welcome visitors with open arms.  It is the kind of place where you will never meet a stranger.

Quite simply, the best place to start any visit to Charleston is with a carriage ride in the historic district.  There are several good companies to go with, but I have found the Old South Carriage Company to be the best.  The drivers are courteous and incredibly knowledgeable and will tell you more about the city than you ever expected.  All tour companies get busy, so an early start is recommended.  All carriage tours begin and end in downtown Charleston and due to the unique system the city uses to direct carriage traffic; no two tours are exactly the same.  Just sit back, relax and let the horse do all the work as you see beautiful homes, gardens and places of worship in The Holy City.  After your tour be sure to take a moment to pose for a photo with your horse.

IMG_2236While on your carriage tour you would have passed by several restaurants, most of which are beautiful homes that have been converted to dining establishments.  One such place is Poogan’s Porch.  Located on Queen Street in a Victorian home built in 1888, Poogan’s Porch has been serving delicious meals since 1976.  The restaurant is named after a dog that used to visit all the porches in the neighborhood looking for table scraps and served as the official greeter until his death in 1979.  As far as the food goes you may never want to leave.  The buttermilk fried chicken is a big favorite and so is the Ribs & Mac, but to me there is nothing better than the Chicken & Waffles.  Crispy chicken breasts served over waffles with blueberry Texas Pete maple syrup?  Yes please!  Best of all, Poogan’s offers group dining so you can keep your group together for a special brunch.

Take a stroll to the Charleston City Market for some unique shopping.  There you will find just about anything you can imagine including antiques, toys, artwork and plenty of souvenirs.  The market is quite large and has many vendors, but be sure and take a few moments to watch the ladies weave the Sweetgrass Baskets.  Originally used on plantations to free dirt from rice, the baskets are now works of art and make a fantastic collectible from your trip.  You will be amazed at the artistry of these baskets and as many times as I’ve seen them made, I still can’t figure out how they do it.

You could literally spend days exploring the beauty of the homes and gardens of Charleston’s historic district, but what if you want to get away and see some other things?   Not far from downtown is Fort Sumter, the site where the Civil War began.  Just take the ferry to the island and start your tour.  You can stand right there on the site where the first shot was fired.  If that is not enough history for you, take your group to Patriot’s Point where groups of all sizes are welcome.  Tour the USS Yorktown, visit the Medal of Honors Museum or see vintage aircraft all in one place.

More history can be seen in the many plantations that surround Charleston. The Boone Hall Plantation, the McLeod Plantation and the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens are three of the best.  All of them are great for tour groups and present a living history of the past.  The Boone Hall Farms Market offers a variety of items including their famous jams and jellies plus they have a delightful café where you can enjoy what may be the best Chicken & Sausage Gumbo ever served.  The signature sandwich at the café is Crab & Pimento Cheese Melt served with a fried green tomato on whole wheat bread.

If you’re looking for a great burger and a cold beer after that long day of sightseeing then stop in to one of the three locations of Sesame Burgers & Beer.  Sesame serves up the best onion rings and hush puppies in all of Charleston, but the burgers are not to be missed.  They have about a dozen burgers on the menu, but feel free to design your own delicious concoction.  And for the vegetarian out there they serve up a black bean burger just for you.

The spring weather in Charleston cannot be beat.  Take your group, hop on that charter bus and make your memories.

Mar 11
0

Go Motorcoach this Spring in San Antonio, TX

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All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware – Martin Buber

Getting a group together and deciding on where to travel can be a daunting task.  In the spring the general consensus among many is to hit the beach, but this may not be the best for everyone.  While it may not be foremost in everyone’s mind, one place that is ideal for groups and has plenty to offer is San Antonio, TX.  San Antonio is a large city and there is a lot to see so taking your group via a charter bus is a very viable way to go.

Just about everyone has heard of The Alamo, but many are surprised to learn that is right in the heart of downtown and that it was founded in 1718 as the first mission in San Antonio.   Four other Spanish colonial missions were eventually built; Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan and Espada.  A journey along this mission trail is not only historical, but fascinating as well.  Begin with the visitor’s center located in Mission San Jose and travel the trail visiting all of the missions until ultimately ending up at The Alamo.  Your bus driver can easily make the stops at each destination allowing adequate time to enjoy them all.

Once you are back downtown you can take in the sights of the world famous River Walk.  The River Walk is filled with restaurants, shops, sidewalks and stone bridges.  One thing that makes it unique is its location below street level.  Riding the Rio San Antonio Cruiser is the best way to get acquainted with the area.  The boat ride is 35 minutes long and your tour guide will immerse you in the history of the River Walk and provide a plethora of information.

One of the best times to visit in the spring is during the annual Fiesta San Antonio, which takes place over 11 days each April.  The festival consists of over 100 events and with that many to choose from there will most certainly be something the entire group can agree upon.   Parades, live music and a 10k run are just some of the many activities taking place.

But what if you want to take your group away from downtown and explore other parts of the area?  Have no fear because a multitude of places await your arrival and all of them are well-suited for groups arriving by bus.  Just northeast of downtown is the San Antonio Zoo which features over 3500 animals and the Zoo Eagle Train which has been a favorite of children and adults since 1956.  A little bit further north is the McNay Art Museum; the first modern art museum in the state of Texas and featuring works from such masters as Picasso and Rivera.  The Spanish Colonial style home that is the heart of the museum is a sight unto itself.

If exploring caverns sound like a fun way to spend a few hours with your group then the Natural Bridge Caverns are for you.  The caverns are a 30 minute drive north of downtown and contain fascinating geological formations and are a constant 70 degrees inside.  They have several tours to choose from, but whichever you choose be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

No trip would be complete without sampling the culinary delights of the region and San Antonio is no exception.  When you’re in Texas three items come to mind; barbecue, steaks and my personal favorite, Tex-Mex.

There are several great dining choices on the River Walk where dining outside is the preference.  The County Line BBQ is an exceptional choice on the river for real Texas BBQ.  Smoked sausage, brisket, ribs and chicken are the specialties of the house and with the large portions you will never leave hungry.  Add in the peach cobbler for dessert and you have one spectacular meal.

If a steak is what you are after then head to The Barn Door which has been a San Antonio classic for over 60 years.  Using only the finest, aged beef this place is a favorite of both locals and visitors.  The chicken fried ribeye is a one of a kind experience and the homemade hot rolls are to die for.

But no visit would be complete without a taste of Tex-Mex and there is no shortage of excellent choices.  However two stand out above the rest; La Hacienda de Los Barrios and Los Barrios Continental Mexican Cuisine.  Both are owned by the Barrios family, but each has a distinct menu.  At La Hacienda be sure to go for the fajitas or try the puffy tacos.  At Los Barrios the Classic Enchilada Assortment, featuring five different enchiladas, is simply fantastic.

No matter what sights your group chooses to see or where they choose to dine your San Antonio vacation will be one to remember.

Feb 24
0

Amtrak encouraging passengers to Go Motorcoach

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Snow, snow and more snow.  Snow is a word we are sure our friends on the East Coast or tired of hearing.  Commuters and travelers via Amtrak were encouraged to take charter buses instead.

According to ABC News10.com, “travelers going to and from Boston on the Lake Shore line wouldn’t be boarding a train at all.  “Because of some equipment issues there we have had to replace the trains with bus service,” Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz said.  Schulz said train 448 and 449 between Chicago and Boston was stuck frozen in the Boston Railyard which is why Amtrak substituted charter buster for the Boston to Albany leg. “It’s been a rough winter no question,” Schulz said.  Despite services being disrupted and trains being delayed, Schulz said Amtrak works hard to get passengers where they need to be as safely as possible.”

Amtrak Passengers Facing Delays After Winter Storm

Recently, there have been many instances where charter bus companies have been called upon to get travelers and commuters in and around the Northeast.  A Yankee Lines of Boston, Mass. is one of many companies that have braved the snow and ice.  Charter buses are often called upon when Mother Nature decides to throw a weather party.  They are the most versatile, economical way to get people from Point A to Point B and can go virtually anywhere there is a roadway.

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Jan 20
0

Who Needs A Treat?

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Every great adventure requires great snacks.  Everybody has their favorites, some being healthier than others, but with so many snacks out there, it’s difficult to choose just one.  Here are a few of our favorites!

Salty:

Potato chips are always a good snack.  Quick and easy, tasty and crunchy, they will give your taste buds exactly what they are asking for.  With literally hundreds of flavors to choose from, you can be assured that this snack is one that everyone will enjoy.

Most motor coaches have DVD systems with multiple television screens for playing movies.  What goes well with movies?  Popcorn!  Popcorn is a snack that is not only delicious, it’s cheap!  Pop some at home in the microwave before you leave and Voilà!  You have a yummy, inexpensive, filling snack to go!

Trail mixes offer something for everyone.  Most mixes include nuts, dried berries and chocolate or yogurt candies.  Be aware of other travelers who may have nut allergies.

Sweet:

Fruit is “natures candy.”  It’s easy to pack and filled with good fiber that will keep hungry travelers feeling fuller longer.  Fruit is a great go-to snack that anyone can feel good about indulging in!

If your sweet tooth needs a bit more than an apple, you can always choose candy.  Yep, we went there and although we don’t recommend gorging yourself on candy, a few pieces here and there won’t hurt.  Whether you enjoy chocolate candies or fruity ones, there are plenty to choose from.

Traveling by motorcoach is a great experience and the snacks you choose will only add to that goodness!

Jan 08
0

How To Find Group Friendly Hotels

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Hotel RoomFinding a hotel is easier than ever these days when you consider all of the technology we have at our fingertips.  Gone are the days of calling a travel agent and taking their word for it that you are getting a great deal at a great property.

Now you can read reviews, compare locations, amenities and room details.  Everything you need to make an informed decision is available – but why is it still so difficult?

Choosing a hotel for a large group is very different from choosing a hotel for an individual or family.  One has to think of all the group members wants and needs.  Some members may be elderly and need main floor rooms or access to elevators, some group members may be young and require some kind of entertainment like a pool or game room.  All group members will need to eat at some point – will the hotel offer breakfast or does it have a restaurant on site or nearby?

Remember three keys when choosing a hotel for your group: Location, Amenities & Group Friendliness.  If you keep these at the forefront of your mind – you will be in good shape!

One site we found that makes selecting a hotel easy is BusRates.com.  It’s not your typical directory site.  The team at BusRates has personally made connections with group sales leaders at many hotels throughout the nation.  This not only give you an advantage over the typical directory one-price-fits-all sites, it gives you a real, live human being to speak to.  A person who is on property and can give your group the individualized attention it deserves.

The site doesn’t stop there!  It has tons of attractions, events and restaurants they have determined are group friendly – and have the knowledge and ability to properly take care of large and small groups.  It’s basically a one-stop group-travel-planning stop!

Dec 10
0

Holiday Travel…Wings or Wheels?

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Go Motorcoach The holiday season is around us, with all its glory! We find ourselves running frantically here and there to get the perfect gifts. We force our family to take the once-a-year holiday photo for our cards that are sent out to those we love. We bake goodies, we wrap presents, and then we hit the road… Traveling and the holidays go hand in hand. Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go – is reality for many of us. This year, more people traveled during the Thanksgiving holiday since 2007!

Many people will be flying the friendly skies…or are they so friendly? Long lines, delayed flights, cancellations and on top of that, there are so many changing rules about what you can and cannot have with you in your carry-on .

Now imagine this: A calm you, relaxed and not worried about long lines or delays. You have a large suitcase, a carry-on and your laptop. Your vehicle arrives and as you board you notice the plush reclining seats, the panoramic views out the large windows and the outlets…..OUTLETS? Yes, you read that correctly, outlets. Many of today’s modern motorcoaches have 110 outlets available for you to power up your computers, iPods and cell phones. Many more coach companies also have Wi-Fi available on their buses – and you can use it the entire ride, not just above 10,000ft!

Along the way, you are able to enjoy the view out of large panoramic windows and when you do arrive at your destination, you don’t have to worry about finding the luggage carousel, or if you bags made it – they have been with you the entire trip.

That’s the motorcoach difference. Most people think that flying is the only way to go, and they are wrong. When you travel by motorcoach, you travel together, you travel safely, you travel smart. GoMotorcoach!

Nov 22
0

Oh The Weather Outside Is…

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Weather, the great equalizer. It can’t be controlled. It can’t be told what to do, and no matter how much we want to, no one has been able to come up with a weather machine. We can complain that it’s too cold, too hot, too rainy, too snowy. We can wish it would stay like this forever. We can hope it’s going to be nice out – but in the end, we have no say in what Mother Nature dishes out for us.

NYsnowTransportation is greatly affected by the weather. Flights are delayed for all kinds of reasons, but the weather is number one. If it’s too foggy – DELAYED, if it’s too stormy – DELAYED, if it’s too snowy – CANCELLED. No amount of wishing can get those planes off the ground if the weather isn’t cooperating. It has the ability to create lines of stranded passengers a mile long, who just want to get to their destinations. Motorcoaches and cars seem to have an easier time dealing with poor weather conditions. Road conditions can change from hour to hour.

Recently, snow storms blanketed the Buffalo, NY area, and motorists were stranded for days. Feet of snow, not inches, feet of snow, fell on the city and it accumulated fast. Cars were stranded everywhere and homes were covered to their rooftops. It was during this same storm that a women’s college basketball team was making their way home, when the motorcoach they were riding on got stuck. The team had a few snacks that they shared, a working bathroom, plenty of room and even though the conditions were not ideal, they were livable for the twenty-four plus hours they were stuck. The driver of the bus kept it running the entire time, which allowed for heat and electricity and was more than most people experienced that snowy night.

Nobody wants to be late. Drivers try their hardest to get their passengers to and from their destinations safely and on-time, but sometimes it’s just not possible. When the weather is poor, expect delays – just like at the airport, only we promise to not keep you on the tarmac for hours without giving you an explanation, or letting you out. Most of the time, a motorcoach will have the ability to pull off, wait it out, get you to a hotel, a restaurant or another facility that may not be on the itinerary, just to keep the group from having to sit on the bus for longer than necessary. It’s a more flexible method of travel, during a time when flexibility is a must!

So remember, when Mother Nature decides to show us who’s boss, GoMotorcoach and leave the driving to us!

Nov 10
0

Holiday Shopping Made Easy!

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TeenHolidayShoppingHave you ever thought to yourself “Man, I wish I had more room in my car so that I could fit XYZ gift in it.”  OR, “It would be so cool if I could go to ABC Mall, but I am unsure of the way and I don’t have anyone to join me.”

Have you ever thought of joining a shopping tour?  Many motorcoach companies around the country offer shopping tours during the holiday season.  For a small fee, passengers can enjoy worry-free transportation to and from a very large, very awesome shopping destination.  The best part?  No space limitations!  That’s right!  You can literally shop ’til you drop and don’t have to worry about getting all those packages, boxes and bags on board!

  • What else can you expect?
  • Coupon books with loads of savings!
  • Some tour operators provide lunch for the group.
  • Multiple stops – including specialty boutiques.
  • Holiday light tours.

The list is endless!  Contact your local motorcoach company today and ask them what shopping trips they have available!  You might wonder, why you have never done this before!

Oct 30
0

Ghosts, Goblins & More!

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ghostHalloween is the perfect time to experience a haunted tour.  Across the country, motorcoach tour companies are offering up this once in a lifetime (or past lifetime…) experience for you and your friends.  Below are a few of our favorite tours to consider.

  • LaZoom, Haunted Comedy Bus Tour (Asheville, NC): ‘Get on the Bus’ after dark and explore Asheville’s strange and sordid past with LaZoom.   Laugh and scream along as your adventurous tour guide uncovers mysteries, tells tales of murder, deceit, scandals, and ghosts, spilling Asheville’s blood right before your very eyes.
  • Ursula Bielski’s Chicago Hauntings Tours (Chicago, IL) Chicago Hauntings offers fully narrated, historically based ghost and paranormal tours to haunted spots throughout Chicago – some of our most common stops include murder sites, disaster sites, a serial killer’s body dump, gang sites, haunted houses, and abandoned graveyards. Passengers get off the bus to look for ghosts several times per tour – and sometimes they find them!
  • Banjo Billy’s Bus Tours (Boulder, CO): Banjo Billy’s gives history tours of Boulder and Denver, as well as brewery tours in Denver, from an old school bus tricked out to look like a traveling hillbilly shack.  Hear ghost tales, crime stories, and history while sitting on a couch, recliner or saddle as the bus rolls through the core of the cities.  You won’t forget this bus tour!
  • Gray Line Tours (New Orleans, LA): New Orleans has been referred to as “The most haunted city in America.” After this tour, we’ll let you be the judge! You’ll visit several haunted sites and hear about the stories featured on The History Channel and The Discovery Channel. Hear ghostly stories about our haunted hotels and the courthouse where our state supreme court is based. We even visit a former slave exchange. Each guide has researched these “other spirits” of the Vieux Carre, so no two tours are exactly alike.
Oct 11
1

Common Questions

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Unless you are a meeting planner or tour coordinator, chances are you aren’t ordering charter buses on a regular basis.  There are some questions that you should remember to ask, before you book your motorcoach with a company.

1. Years in business.  This is important simply because companies who have been in business for a long time, know the ropes.  You can better trust that they won’t take your money and run, or unexpectedly close their doors.

2. What is their safety record?  Companies who have good safety records tend to brag about them, and they should.  Knowing the company’s safety record is like viewing a snapshot on how they conduct business.  Do they have driver’s hours violations?  If so, that could indicate they don’t take the hours of service laws seriously.  Driver fatigue is a real issue and has the potential of causing a terrible accident.  Better to be safe than sorry.

3.  Maintenance and cleaning.   Imagine this: You schedule a motorcoach for a large business function.  The bus shows up dirty, and half-way through the trip it breaks down.  Ask your sales person about how they maintain the buses, from cleaning to oil changes, it all makes a huge difference.

4.  Cancellation and deposit policy.  What if you change your mind?  What if you don’t have as many people RSVP to your event that you thought?  Most companies understand that things happen and have cancellations policies in place to help you out.  Some operators may require a deposit to hold the buses.  This most likely would be refunded if you cancel within the time frame.

5.  Rates.  Each company figures their services on different factors.  Some may add a fuel tax, some a clean-up charge.  Rates can range from a hourly minimum to a daily charge.  Ask you sales person to break down the costs per bus and per passenger.  It can make it easier to understand the cost savings of traveling together when you see it broken down in that way.

Just asking  a few key questions can make or break your trip.  Your sales person will be there every step of the way, helping create a positive experience for your group.