How To Prepare For A Long Bus Ride

Going on a long bus ride may not always be the most comfortable journey. If you’ve never been on one, you probably wouldn’t want to try it. You might also find it boring. But if you prepare well for it, it can be pretty fun. It’ll give you time to relax, take in beautiful views, get some work done, and even meet new people.

Here are some tips on how to prepare yourself for the ride:

 

• Wear Comfortable Clothes

A long bus ride can be uncomfortable, especially if you’re not dressed properly. The key to a pleasant ride is to wear loose-fitting, soft clothes made of natural materials. For instance, you can put on a cotton shirt and pair it with trousers or tracksuit pants. Avoid wearing clothing with tight elastic cuffs or waistbands, which can cause chafing and irritation. So, before your journey, make sure to wear appropriate clothes.

Aside from wearing comfortable attire, take the travel time and weather into consideration. For instance, if you live or are staying in the English capital and plan to visit the second largest city in the country, the travel time of a bus from London to Birmingham is about 2 hours and 15 minutes. A two-hour bus ride may feel hot or cold, depending on the time of year you’ll be traveling. One great tip is to layer your clothes or bring a cardigan or a jacket, so you can adjust your outfit as needed.

 

• Bring Some Snacks And Drinks

Since you’re bound to get hungry while on the road, bring snacks. Some snacks you can bring are nuts, chocolates, or granola bars. They’re easy to carry around and will keep your hunger at bay until you reach your destination.

Bringing drinks, such as water and energy drinks, is also just as important because you need to stay hydrated. The bus might not make a stop at a place where there are shops or fast food joints or it might have a few stops that are far between. Thus, it may be difficult for you to grab some refreshments. Hence, it’s better to have supplies ready.

 

• Choose Your Seat Carefully

Choosing the right seat is essential when traveling by bus, particularly a long one. You want to ensure that you have access to power outlets and that the seats are comfortable enough to sleep on. You may want to avoid the front and back of the bus. These seats are often near bathrooms and may be more prone to being bumped by other passengers.

If available, pick a seat in the middle of the bus. This place is where the slightest movement from bumps on the road or turns is felt. If you’re traveling with someone, ask for two aisle seats next to each other, so you can share your food and drinks during your trip. Unlike staying in the middle, sitting near the front or back of the bus may lead you to feel every bump on the road, which will be uncomfortable.

 

• Carry A Travel Pillow

During a long trip, you need to stay as comfortable as possible, so you’ll have a pleasant experience. In that case, a travel pillow will come in handy. Travel pillows are designed specifically for travel and can help support your head and neck as you sleep. They also keep your neck from being stiff after sitting in one position for an extended period.

They come in different styles, shapes and sizes, so there’s something for everyone. For instance, some travel pillows feature a neck wrap style while others come with a cushioned foam section that can be adjusted anywhere around your neck. Others have features like memory foam or padded backs that make them more comfortable than traditional pillows. 

You can even buy a travel pillow that’s perfect for side sleepers, one that’s shaped like a large apostrophe when inflated. Tucked right above your right shoulder and across your body, it has a strap that you can put around your body like a guitar’s to keep it in place

 

• Bring A Blanket

Bring a small blanket as well. Long bus rides can get cold, especially during chilly weather. You can also use the blanket to cover your face if you don’t want anyone to see you sleeping on the bus.

 

• Use Earplugs And An Eye Mask

Along with a travel pillow and a blanket, a pair of earplugs and an eye mask will be useful. Other passengers may be noisy during the ride, and some might prefer to keep their lights on throughout the trip. With earplugs and an eye mask on, you’ll be able to rest or sleep well.

 

• Bring Tissue, Wipes And A Sanitizer

Other essentials you have to pack include tissue, wipes, and sanitizer. Disinfect items or surfaces, such as armrests and seats, with wipes or sanitizer. You can also use wet wipes to clean the public toilet seat when you’re at a stopover, as well as freshen up during the ride. Lastly, remember to sanitize your hands before you eat

 

• Listen To Music

Some bus lines boast wonderful amenities, such as Wi-Fi and TVs with movies to choose from. But not all buses may have them, so it’ll be wise to provide your own form of entertainment. You can listen to music. This will help you block out the noise of other people talking and make you feel more relaxed. You can listen to podcasts or audiobooks and use apps to watch movies offline too. All you need is your smartphone and power bank

 

• Take Advantage Of Free Wi-Fi

If the bus you’re taking does offer free Wi-Fi, go and take advantage of it. You can catch up on or binge-watch your favorite series on your phone or tablet. But remember to bring your earphones, so you won’t disturb the others.

 

• Take The Overnight Bus

You can consider hopping on an overnight bus if the travel duration takes a day or two. An advantage of an overnight bus is that it’s cheaper. Additionally, it makes it easier and less stressful to go through several locations during your journey since you won’t have to change buses.

• Stretch Your Legs

Just like when traveling by plane, stretch your legs every now and then. This way, you’ll avoid having a stiff back and sore neck. Moreover, doing stretches will keep you from experiencing cramps in your legs. 

 

Final Thoughts

Long bus rides seem uncomfortable and unbearable, but they aren’t as long as you prepare yourself well for it. The key is to stay as comfortable as possible and entertain yourself.