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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.

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!

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!!

Top Movies to Watch on your next Charter Bus Trip.

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2013-04-25 16.17.25Nothing says road trip, like an awesome iPod playlist (stay tuned) and great movies to watch while on the motorcoach.  Young and old alike can enjoy these great feature films.

1.  The Muppet Movie: Nobody does a road trip like Jim Henson’s Muppets.  Music, mayhem and all kinds of silliness,  this classic movie is fun for the entire family.

2. Dumb and Dumber: Clearly not the smartest film on the list, but if you can keep a straight face as Lloyd and Harry bumble through America in their dog-shaped “shaggin’ wagon”, you need to pull over and have your funny sensor checked.

3. RV:  Who says you can’t road trip and work at the same time?  This hilarious movie starring Robin Williams will leave you laughing all the way to your destination – let’s just hope you leave your bus in better shape than they leave their RV.

4. Disney’s Frozen:  The newest hit movie from the Disney company, the film tells the story of a fearless princess who sets off on an epic journey alongside a rugged, thrill-seeking mountain man, his loyal pet reindeer, and a hapless snowman to find her estranged sister, whose icy powers have inadvertently trapped the kingdom in eternal winter.

5. National Lampoon’s Vacation:  Need we say more?  Wanting to spend more time with his wife Ellen and their children, Clark Griswold decides to lead the family on a cross-country expedition from Chicago to the Los Angeles amusement park Walley World, billed as “America’s Favorite Family Fun Park”.

6. Rudy:  What’s better than a feel good, sports movie where the underdog wins?  Not. Much.  That’s why Rudy earned a spot on our list.  It is an account of the life of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, who harbored dreams of playing football at the University of Notre Dame despite significant obstacles.

7. Princess Bride:  This classic movie has everything.  True love, sword fighting, giants, comedy, torture, screaming eels and a beautiful princess.

8.  Finding Nemo:  It tells the story of the over-protective clown fish named Marlin who, along with his friend, Dory search for his abducted son Nemo all the way to Sydney Harbor.  Along the way, Marlin learns to take risks and let Nemo take care of himself.

9.  Mary Poppins:  Disney at its best.  The film, which combines live-action and animation, stars Julie Andrews as a magical nanny who visits a dysfunctional family in London and employs her unique brand of lifestyle to improve the family’s dynamic.

10.  Tommy Boy:  Knock, Knock…”Housekeeping, you need towel?” This movie is not only fun to watch, but you will be quoting it the rest of your trip.  Chris Farley and David Spade make a great team when they join up to save the Tommy’s family’s factory.