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Jul 22
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Colorado Springs, CO – More than you can imagine!

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DSCF8625Located near the base of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is one amazing city.  It is a big city with a uniquely small town feel and is the perfect destination for your next charter bus outing.  It is often overshadowed by Denver, the ski resorts and Rocky Mountain National Park; however Colorado Springs is an ideal place to relax and unwind this summer.

Your bus driver can get you safely to one of the most beautiful places in all of Colorado; the Garden of the Gods.  DSCF8688The Garden is a public park and a National Natural Landmark.  The red rock formations that make up the park were created millions of years ago and to this day they astound and amaze every visitor.  The park is used extensively for hiking, rock climbing and horseback riding.  Most people though enjoy taking a day to wander through the natural formations.  Start with a visit to the Visitor’s and Nature Center and then explore at your leisure.  Kissing camels, Gateway Rock and Balanced Rock are some of the more famous geological formations within the park.  Spectacular views of Pike’s Peak are available throughout The Springs (as the locals call it) but are particularly beautiful from the Gardens.

Since Pike’s Peak is right there near The Springs then why not go straight to the top?  Well, your charter bus probably does not want to make that trip, but your bus can easily get you to the Manitou and Pike’s Peak Railway, better known as the Cog Train.  The Cog Railway has been in operation since 1889 and is the highest railroad in the United States.  Your charter coach can drop you off at the Cog Depot and you can take the leisurely climb to over 14000 feet above sea level.  While you ride you will be able to see the splendor and beauty of the mountains.

Depending on when you go you are likely to see various forms of wildlife from the comfort and safety of the train.  Be sure to bring some warm clothes because it will be cold when you reach the top.  And while at the top be sure to enjoy one of the world famous Pike’s Peak donuts at the Summit House.

Now that you have explored two of the most beautiful natural landmarks in the area it is time to take in something uniquely American; the United States Air Force Academy.  The campus is located just north of The Springs and is highlighted by the Cadet Chapel.  When it first opened the design was considered controversial, but now the familiar spires and modernist architecture have become a symbol of the academy.  Let the bus do all the work of getting you there and then enjoy a self-guided tour of the chapel and the nearby visitor’s center.

Well that is a lot to take in and by now if you have not had a good meal you definitely are in need of one.  A great place for groups is the Phantom Canyon Brewing Company.  Not only is this the oldest brewery in The Springs, but Phantom Canyon is known for fantastic meals and big portions.  You can rustle up some really good grub here by starting with the house made pretzel bites served with beer cheese and whole grain beer mustard.  For the main course you cannot go wrong no matter what you choose, but be daring and try the Lemon Tabasco Fried Chicken or the Lamb Belly Tacos.  OF course, Colorado Bison Burgers are available and also delicious.  If you have saved room for dessert the Goat Cheese Cheesecake is to die for.  There is a full billiard room on the second floor and savvy guests know that pool is free on Monday nights with any food purchase.

DSCF8739Of course when a lot of people visit Colorado they want a good steak and there is no place better in The Springs than The Famous Steak House.  The USDA Prime New York Strip with onion rings may well be the greatest steak you have ever tried.  Tender and juicy, it is the steak that put famous in the restaurant’s name.  Filet mignon is also available and also amazing.  Surf and turf options a4re on the menu as well as the rack of lamb.  Reservations are accepted and
necessary.

So when it comes time to charter a bus and head to the great state of Colorado be sure and make a stop for a few days in The Springs.  The beauty of the land, the friendliness of the   people and the dining options are among the best in the nation.  Enjoy!

Jul 06
0

GoMotorcoach to Comic Con? Why not?

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comicconThe days of a simple convention for comic book fans are long gone.  With the increased popularity of comics, science fiction, gaming and the like, the comic con has become a huge spectacle across the country.  Allow me to share a story of once comic con experience and let you know why we should have chartered a bus.

If you have ever attended a Con you know that they tend to be quite crowded with all sorts of people.  People enjoy dressing up in imaginative costumes based on their favorite characters, books, movies, etc.  This is known in the industry as Cosplay and the costumes can get very elaborate.

It was not all that long ago when my friends and I decided we wanted to attend a Con that was about a four hour drive from us.  Since none of us owned a vehicle large enough for everyone we looked at two options; charter a bus or rent a large van.  I can tell you now we made the wrong choice with the van.  If only we had spent a few dollars more we’d have had a much better experience.

First of all the gas was expensive and the fuel economy was awful in that van.  A charter bus would have alleviated our need to fork out all that cash each time we had to stop for fuel.  Although the charter would have needed to stop as well, it most certainly would have done so while we were inside and enjoying the festivities.

But that really was not even the main concern.  When we arrived the line to get into any of the nearby parking lots was longer than the lines inside to see an actor that once played a villain on an old Star Trek episode.  We arrived in what we thought was plenty of time to park, get our costumes together and start enjoying ourselves.  Instead we spent almost 90 minutes trying to park this huge van.  Nearby we could see busses pulling up to the entrance to the convention center and dropping off their guests while we sat idle.  It was frustrating to be sure, but at the end of the night the frustration was at its peak when we tried to leave and go to our hotel.  Had we just chartered a bus like some of those other groups we’d have been well rested for the second day of the Con.

However parking was not the only reason the bus would have been better.  Inside the bus there was room to move around thus giving riders plenty of room and time to get their costumes and make up done.   Instead, we had to wait in line to get into the restrooms to take care of that.  So before we could ever get started in enjoying the show and meeting the stars we had to impatiently wait for our turn in the bathroom.

A typical Comic Con can cost a lot of money to attend especially if you are the type to gather autographs and memorabilia.  And just where is everyone going to find a place for all of that in the van?  Unfortunately Dalek and R2D2 replicas takes up substantially more space than you’d think.

The charter bus experience is perfect for your group to attend a Comic Con.  You’ll have plenty of room to walk around and get ready, you’ll get dropped off right at the front door and there will be plenty of room for a few extra friends on the way home.  Add in the fact that if you have chartered a bus you can partake in a few adult beverages while enjoying the con and you have a win-win situation.  So the next time you and your friends decide to travel across the state to see 100 people dressed like Doctor Who; take the bus.  You’ll be very happy you did.

Apr 16
0

Stop the Bus and Smell the Roses – Portland, OR

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100_2512Whether you realize it or not, one of the greenest and most economical ways to see the USA is via a charter bus.  And whether you want to travel near or far the motorcoach can take you there.  So with a wink and a smile it is time to literally stop and smell the roses in Portland Oregon.

Portland is known as the “City of Roses” and it has been given this name for a very good reason; Portland is home to the International Rose Test Garden.  The Rose Garden, located in Washington Park, is home to over 7000 rose plants of some 550 varieties.  Your motorcoach can drop you off at the entrance so you can walk through the gardens on paved paths, enjoy the beauty of the flowers and get an outstanding view of the Portland skyline.  There are fountains, statues, plenty of photo opportunities and the park has access ramps so no one is left out.  Public tours are offered free of charge daily at 1:00 PM, but self-guided tours are always available.  Groups of 11 or more can arrange for guided tours in advance.

Each year Portland is home to the annual Rose Festival from late May to early June.  The festival includes activities for all ages.  There are several parades including the nighttime Starlight Parade and the centerpiece of the festival, the Grand Floral Parade.  But the fun does not stop there; concerts, golf tournaments and a rose show are also great activities to enjoy.  A dragon boat race takes place every year on the Willamette River where over 80 teams compete for the title of champion.  However, what may be the most enjoyable activity of the festival is the Milk Carton Boat Race.   Both children and adults enter their homemade human powered boats that float only by recycled milk cartons and milk jugs to vie for the coveted Best in Show Milk Can.  And yes, sometimes they sink.

Located right next to the Rose Garden is the beautiful and tranquil Portland Japanese Garden.  It is a traditional Japanese Garden consisting of five sub-gardens spread over five and ½ acres.  Be sure to put away your cell phones because they are not allowed in this land of peace and harmony.  A stroll through these gardens will give everyone a deep connection with nature. 100_2498

If animals are more of your liking the Oregon Zoo is about two miles away from the Rose and Japanese Gardens and features over 260 species to admire and enjoy.  And right next to the zoo is the Portland Children’s Museum; the sixth oldest children’s museum in the world.  Although designed for children, the museum is a joy for families of all ages.

One of the other benefits of visiting Portland is their unique light rail system known as MAX.  Sometimes getting downtown in a large city is not always easy for a bus and that is where MAX comes in.  MAX has four lines; Blue, Green, Red and Yellow, and all of them run through downtown Portland.  So if you are up in the Washington Park area and want a bite to eat downtown you can easily hop aboard the Red or Green line and find yourself a great meal.

100_2497And speaking of great meals there is no shortage of delicious places to dine in Portland.  Have you ever wanted to try a bison or elk burger?  Well then Deschutes Brewery is where you want to go.  It is a great place for large groups and the food and atmosphere all have a distinctive Portland flair.  Start your meal off with the Fried Pickled Cauliflower and then just try and decide what you should have for your main course.  If you are a fan of beer you will most definitely find several here to your liking.

If a little Italian food is what you are craving and you are not afraid of ghosts then Old Town Pizza is a fantastic place to din  .  Old Town Pizza sits in the original lobby of the old Merchant Hotel.  You place your order at the hotel’s original reception desk.  There is an old legend that tells us this place has been haunted for well over 100 years.  Go for yourself, hear the story and enjoy the food.  The pizza is all natural, local and handmade.  The sauce is made from scratch daily and is indescribably delicious.  If pizza is not your favorite then dive into a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, but whatever you do, do not leave without trying an order of garlic knots.

So why not get your family or maybe those old friends you’ve been meaning to get together with and charter a bus to Portland.  The roses are waiting for you.

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.

Feb 10
0

Get out of town with this mix of indie, pop, and rock songs for a road trip.

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The 2015 Grammy Awards were last week, and that got us thinking. How can we get new riders to “Stay With Me?”   Do you ride because you are so “Fancy”?  Or perhaps it’s because you are “All About That Bass” and enjoy the rumble of the diesel engines.  Maybe you need to just “Shake It Off” and have some free-time while commuting back and forth to work at your “Chandelier” shop.    Whatever your motivation to ride, we have your playlist.

1. Road To Nowhere by Talking Heads

2. Can’t Hold Us (feat. Ray Dalton) by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

3.  The Walker by Fitz & Tantrums

4. Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People

5. The High Road by Broken Bells

6.  Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen

7. Treasure by Bruno Mars

8.  Ho Hey by The Lumineers

9. Fader by The Temper Trap

10. Life In The Fast Lane by Eagles

These ten great songs are sure to be the beginning of a great playlist for your next motorcoach trip, whether that be to and from work – or across the country!

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!

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.

Sep 11
0

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!!

Aug 22
0

Fantastic Fall Foliage!

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fall-intro

Spring isn’t the only time for new beginnings!  Autumn boasts many changes, including the beginning of a new school year, football season, and of course the beautifully colored leaves.

We are blessed in the United States with an abundance of beautiful places to see the view the fall foliage.  From sea to shining sea, here are a few of our favorite locations for your groups to view the changing leaves!

North:
Wisconsin: Door County boasts over 300 miles of shoreline has it all when it comes to fall beauty.  Lake Michigan, miles of hiking, biking and great views of the leaves.

East:
Vermont:  Vermont’s Route 100 is a major north-south route, winding its way from Stamford to Newport.  The farther north you travel, the less crowded you will find it, leaving you and the leaves with peace and beauty.

West:
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon:  With breathtaking scenery year-round, adding in fall colors is the icing on the cake.  You will have beautiful views by following either I-84 or the old Historic Columbia River Highway.

South:
Ellijay, Georgia:  Located 80 miles north of Atlanta on the edge of the Chattahoochee National Forest.  Celebrate fall in the Apple Capitol of Georgia with 10 apple orchards.

An easy, affordable and enjoyable way to see all of these sites is by motorcoach.  Motorcoaches offer panoramic views of the landscape, without worrying about directions.  Many companies offer tours during the fall season that highlight their specific geographic areas.  Call your locate motorcoach operators for details and tour information.

Apr 22
0

Green Group Travel: It’s Easy Being Green!

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There is a benefit to traveling with a group.  Private rooms in restaurants, special behind-the-scenes tours only available to groups, and awesome experiences with friends just to name a few, but did you know that when your group travels by motorcoach, you are also being green?Kermitbanjorainbow

That’s right!  Today’s motorcoaches are the greenest, most efficient mode of ground transportation available – and it’s not close!

One full sized motorcoach removes up to 57 single passenger cars off our already crowded highways.  That single motorcoach is 475% more efficient than a hybrid vehicle in regards to the amount of fuel used per passenger.  That same coach provides over 206 passenger miles per gallon of fuel compared to 92 MPG for commuter rail, 44 MPG for air travel and 27 MPG to single passenger cars.

Not convinced? A single passenger car emits up to 400 pounds of CO2 per four hour trip –a motorcoach on the same trip only emits approximately 150 pounds.  Now that’s GREEN!

Motorcoach companies nationwide are excited and proud to be the greenest transportation option for group travel. If your group is interested in going green, a motorocoach is the best choice.