While perhaps one of the most widely spread and widely used, you're usually not limited to just "Going Greyhound", there are many other, often even more economical options! If you're in the Northeastern Corridor, most major and some medium sized cities have a "Chinatown" bus. These smaller, privately operated bus lines often offer more, if not the most competitive pricing of your options. Also, there are budget lines like Boltbus an Megabus operating out of major cities. Though sometimes more expensive than the Chinatown lines, they frequently offer amenities like Wifi.
2) Approach the bus-trip experience with the right attitude
Recognize that bus travel is not always the chicest or fastest mode of transport. What you lose in time, you save in cost and so vice versa. Also, with more and more people trying to save money these days, the bus can get pretty crowded.
That doesn't mean riding the bus has to be awful! It can be a good way to get a better look at the scenery of the area you're traveling.
This weekend I got a great view of the green fields and forests of.... NEW JERSEY
3) Come early, but expect delays
It's always best to arrive early, so that you are certain to make your
bus. Also, this allows you the chance to get a better seat and make
sure that there is room for your luggage.
However, buses may often be delayed due to things like engine breakdowns, inspections, inclement weather and heavy traffic. This can be endlessly frustrating, but simply being aware that delays are possible makes the occurrence itself much more bearable.
4) Don't sit too close to the bathroom
Just trust me on this one.
5) Remember your manners
Sitting down next to a stranger can be awkward, but it's generally much less awkward if you first ask "may I sit here" or even just "is anyone else sitting here?". It's rare anyone will say no, especially without reason (such as their friend who happened to be behind you in the boarding line, will be sitting there). Remember being mannered doesn't mean being a doormat; being mannered may not even mean being nice. Still, basic manners and civilities often make any social situation more bearable if not more pleasant, and many will appreciate the effort.
6) Pack a snack
This is especially important if you have a long journey! You never know how long the distance between stops at rest areas may be. Also, if you have any dietary needs or restrictions there may not be anything you are able or willing to eat available, even if your bus does make a rest stop. Finally, though bus breakdowns are hardly an everyday occurrence, they still happen! If you have to wait for repairs to be made or another bus to arrive to continue your journey, the wait will be much more bearable if you have something to eat in the mean time.
7) Bring something to do
It is much easier to deal with sitting in one space for a few to several hours if you have something to do. Using the time on the bus to be productive can not only reduce boredom but may also alleviate the feeling that time that could be spent at your destination, is wasted traveling. As mentioned previously, the bus is not the fastest or most stylish way to travel. However, with a little forethought, the time in transit may be put to good use by getting some paper work for home or office taken care of, or engaging in a portable craft such as knitting, or reading.
8) Bring some tunes
Number 8 is similar to item number 7 in that bringing along a personal music player, or headphones for your super fancy phone that apparently plays MP3s, helps to alleviate boredom. Headphones great and small can also save you some unwanted conversations; people are less likely to approach you for small talk about the wonders of where you're going/current events/sex tourism, if your ears are otherwise already engaged.
9) Don't reward aggressive behavior by responding to it
In the event that another passenger or passengers behave aggressively or belligerently towards you, do not respond and move. Move, and alert the driver. It is incredibly tempting to repay such jack-assery in kind, but nothing gives the jerk in question more satisfaction than seeing you riled. This is yet another good reason to bring along some headphones that go to 11. Moving and alerting the driver are not actually required, but I would highly recommend doing both if you genuinely feel threatened or endangered.
10) Be cool and keep calm
The most important thing to remember when making that leisurely journey down the highway, is to keep cool and roll with the punches.
Odds are good that there will be something that does not go quite right. The bus might be on the late side; the bathroom might be broken. However, simply knowing that these mishaps are a possibility, you are already prepared to deal with them on some level. It is always a good idea to consider the things that may go awry during travel, and prepare a course of action. Thinking about such issues ahead of time will also help you to identify and accept the situations that you can do little more than wait out.
Remember, all travel involves some kind of cost, and some kind of risk! All things considered, especially when costs are considered, the bus is not so bad so long as you can spend the time on the road. With some small preparations you may ensure an agreeable, pleasant, and relatively comfortable journey!
THIS WEEKEND: A PERSONAL ACCOUNT
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