good times

Take Us Out To The Ballgame!

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27c90790c9b1c977b9457e260c576eb2There are often times when group gets together and they want nothing more than to get away  for a day.  If you say “let’s take a charter bus” your family will probably give you a look as if you’d lost your mind.  In reality they should look at you, thank you profusely and heartily agree with your wise decision.  Taking a charter bus on your next day trip may be one of the wisest decisions you have ever made.

Let’s say, for example, that you and some friends and family members all want to take in a baseball game to see your favorite team.  But the ballpark is a solid three hour drive away.   Does it really make sense to pile into four different cars, get four different designated drivers and end up spending half your time at the game trying to stay awake after all that work?  I didn’t think so.  You should charter a bus and here’s why:

First of all the charter bus industry is regulated by the US Department of Transportation.  This means that your driver is a professional and must adhere to certain guidelines in order to keep his/her job.  Statistically, taking the bus is safer than driving your own car.  Many charter companies will allow guests to be picked up in different locations.  The bus has to start somewhere, but can easily make arrangements for a quick stop along the way to pick up your sister, your uncle or that friend from college that always makes everyone laugh.  With this benefit at your disposal you will definitely gain a few brownie points.  What if you made that three hour drive yourself?  How easy is it to find parking at a major  league baseball stadium if you’re not one of the season ticket holders?  It is usually not easy at all.  You not only have to leave your car in a lot where you have no idea if it will be safe, but then you have to trek through the elements just to get to the gate.  The bus will get you there and leave you just mere steps from the gate before leaving for that area reserved for bus parking.

You’re in the stadium now.  You can feel the excitement and you would like to have a few adult beverages.  Go for it.  You’re not driving home so any need to worry about having a couple of beverages has disappeared.  But please do not overdo it; you should always drink responsibly.  At the end of the day you’re tired.  You just sat in a small, cramped stadium seat and the last think you want to do is get into your cramped little car.  But you were smart and chartered a bus. Now all you need to do is walk out that gate and your charter bus is just waiting for you a few steps away.  You hop on, sit down and recline in a comfortable chair and start talking about the game you just witnessed.  No need to think about the traffic mess.  You let the driver be concerned with the traffic.  You never have to sit there with your foot on the brake wondering if someone will be nice enough to let you into the exit lane.  Nope.  Your driver has all of that covered so you can sit back and regale your friends with stories about how you would have made that diving play in the outfield.

But the ride isn’t over.  Many charters now are equipped with Wi-Fi.  So you can get online and check out the box score of the game and see how your rivals did as well.  Then you can take a few moments and find a great place to stop for dinner or a late night snack before saying goodbye for the day.

With all of those benefits, plus the fact that taking a charter bus is economical and friendlier to the environment, why would you go any other way?  Get your friends together, charter that bus and go enjoy America’s pastime.  Play ball!

The Benefits of Charter Bus Travel

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For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move. – Robert Louis Stevenson

Sometimes the best part of traveling is not the destination, but the journey itself.  I have often traveled with my family and found myself missing out on things.  I cannot recall how many times I heard someone say “wow, look at that” or “that is absolutely beautiful” and there I am with my eyes glued to the road and missing all the beauty.  However, it does not have to be that way.  Traveling by charter bus is an excellent way to see America and all she has to offer.  No matter where you are headed, there is beauty to be found.  Let’s take a few minutes and look at some of the benefits of charter bus travel.

As I mentioned the most obvious reason to go by bus is so that you can enjoy the journey. Whether it is the mountains, the plains, the wildlife or the stunning architecture of the big cities, you won’t have to miss a thing.  Leaving the driving to someone else leaves you all the time to take in everything if you so choose.  Just relax, sit back and enjoy the views. Don’t be in a hurry to get somewhere, but take the time to appreciate the odyssey.

Naturally weather can be a factor as well.  Leaving the driving to someone else who happens to be a professional bus driver can give one incredible peace of mind.  You see that driving rainstorm coming up ahead?  No need to worry because your driver has everything under control.  He/she has been trained to handle all sorts of situations and you can leave your worries to him/her. Plus there is very little chance of getting lost as your driver has likely taken this same trip many times.

It’s economical as well.  Just add up what you would spend to rent a car and purchase fuel and you will see that going via charter bus will save you money.  Once you stop somewhere for the night your lodging is often already included with what you paid for the tour so no worries in that department either.  You’re not going to have to think about those no vacancy signs because your room is ready and waiting.  In addition it is substantially more economical than airline travel.

When you leave the driving to someone else you have more time for yourself.  Maybe you finally want to start reading that novel you’ve had to put off for so long.  Well, by taking the bus you have plenty of time.  Maybe you have a movie on your tablet you have been dying to see or a series you just want to binge watch.  You certainly can’t do that if you’re sitting in the driver’s seat.

These days there are a lot of people that travel alone, not because they particularly want to do so, but rather by necessity.   Once you’ve chosen your destination you can hop on that bus and suddenly you are not feeling like you are by yourself.  What a great time to meet new people and make new friends.  You’re obviously not going to be the only person on that bus and that is a good thing.  Everyone has a story and just about everyone loves showing off photos of their family. You will have the opportunity to meet people you never would have met otherwise.  I can say for myself that I have made lifelong friends from strangers sitting across the aisle.  Maybe you’ll even want to travel together again one day.

Since chartering a bus is less expensive than you probably realize, it is also a fantastic way to get your family together for a special occasion.  Whether you are looking to have a family reunion or to celebrate mom & dad’s 50th wedding anniversary, you can all pitch in together and make chartering a bus your own private party.  Pick a destination, pick a starting point and off you go.  From a personal standpoint, I have to say that doing this was one of the best ideas we ever had.  There is a very good possibility that your driver will become an honorary member of your family as well.

So don’t fear the charter bus.  Yes, like everything in this life, it has its pros and cons.  But just think of the memories you will bring home after a long journey on the road with someone else doing all the work.  I can’t think of a more relaxing way to travel.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

Must-Have Trip Essentials

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Getting ready for a trip is almost as fun as going.  Everyone has those essentials, things they can’t live without, even for a few days.  We have taken the liberty to put together a short list of items that every road trip must not be without!

1.  SNACKsnackS

Snacks are a must for any good road trip, and there are many ways that groups go about planning their snacks.  Some groups plan a snack pot-luck.  Group members each bring a different treat to share so that everyone can enjoy.  Other groups like to create a snack theme to go along with their trip destination.  Even more groups have an “every man (woman or kid) for themselves” where you eat what you bring and trading with your seat mate is an option only if you both agree it’s a good trade.  No matter how your group decides to handle the snacks we know they are a must-have.

 

2.  ENTERTAINMENT

Every good bus trip needs good movies and music.  Ever get excited to watch a movie on a long plane ride only to be disappointed that you can’t see the tiny video monitor five rows ahead?  This won’t happen on a motorcoach.  New coaches offer large, flat screen monitors, making viewing easy.  Pass the popcorn – it’s time for the show to start!  Do you need any ideas on what movies to show?  Check out our list of great group movies HERE  for ideas.setra

Music is also a necessity for any great bus ride.  It’s easy to lose yourself in thought while looking out the windows and listening to your favorite music.  We have created a great playlist for your next motorcoacch trip.  Click HERE to check it out!

 

3.  CAMERA

cameraThey say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Snapping a few photos and telling your story are a great way to keep the trip going long after you return home.  With a camera on every cell phone, it’s easy to edit and share pictures all along the way.  Make sure you let people know where you were, why this was a great photo opp. and any other important details you can think of.  Don’t forget to take a few good selfies as well!

Although it’s important to take lots of great photos, don’t forget to look up once in a while and just see things with your eyes.  Create photos in your mind.  This is an important part of the travel experience!

Incorporating these few must have items to your trip will not only help make it a success, but also a memory to last a lifetime.  Happy Travels!!

Road-Trip Ultimate Playlist – 20 Songs to add to your trip!

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Every good journey deserves a great playlist to go along with it.  Each time you hear one of these songs, you will be reminded of the good times you had on your trip with your friends.  Below you will find a collection of music that will bring your group closer, keep your memories fresh and have everyone dancing and singing along!nTXk7aMTB

1. On the Road Again – Willie Nelson

2.  I’ve Been Everywhere – Johnny Cash

3.  Holiday – Madonna

4.  Are You Gonna Go My Way – Lenny Kravitz

5.  Life Is A Highway – Rascal Flatts

6.  Come Away With Me – Norah Jones

7.  Kokomo – The Beach Boys

8.  Born To Run – Bruce Springsteen

9.  (I’m Gonna Be) 500 Miles – The Proclaimers

10.  Runnin’ Down A Dream – Tom Petty

11.  Drive My Car – The Beatles

12.  No Sleep ’til Brooklyn – The Beastie Boys

13.  Country Road – James Taylor

14.  Closer to Fine – Indigo Girls

15.  Crazy – Gnarls Barkley

16.  Everyday Is A Winding Road – Sheryl Crow

17.  End Of The Line – Traveling Wilburys

18.  Shake It Out – Florence & the Machine

19.  We Gotta Get Out of This Place – The Animals

20.  Traveling Band – Creedence Clearwater Revival

Two Must-Haves for Itineraries

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A good itinerary has two things.  First and foremost, addresses for the driver.  If your group is traveling to a large city, there may be multiple hotels with the same name.  Having addresses for the driver saves time, questions and headaches for everyone on the trip.

The second is activities that appeal to everyone.  Sound impossible?  It isn’t.  With a little research and pre-planning, even the pickiest group can have a great travel experience!

One way you can help make everyone – no matter what their age or interests – excited about the itinerary is to have multiple choices.  You could have two to three different activities planned at the same time.  Participants would be able to choose what activities they wanted attend, making it easy for everyone to have a good time.

Here are some great ideas of multiple choice activities:

  • ShoppingGroups-and-Parties-Red-Kart
  • Brewery Tour
  • Historical Site visit
  • Museum tour
  • Zoo trip
  • Winery Tour
  • Concert
  • Go Kart Racing
  • Ropes Course
  • Cooking class
  • Craft class

The list can go on and on.  You dream it, you can add it to an itinerary if it’s available in the area you plan on traveling!  Ask members of your group for ideas of what they may want.

On a trip to Atlanta, GA, our group planner had an array of stops planned – both to and from our destination.  We had groups who went whitewater rafting, one group stopped at a race track, and we all enjoyed visiting the Coca-Cola museum.  It was a fun trip, with lots of activities to choose from and that made it special.

Planning a large group trip may seem like an impossible task.  Don’t fret!  Ask your motorcoach sales associate for help!  He or she is an expert at group travel and chances are, your group isn’t the first to travel to that destination.  Your sales representative may have lots of ideas and area knowledge and can help plan your itinerary.