Overnight Bus or Motorcoach Travel: 4 Tips for Safety, Survival, and Sleep

Bus travel lets your group see more, go farther, and bond longer for a smaller investment than other travel methods.

Renting a charter bus also gives you more control over your itinerary. However, group bus travel also comes with a unique set of challenges that can compromise the safety and comfort of your members.

Use these four tips to keep everyone happy, healthy, and relaxed on your next group bus trip.

Invest in Your Bus

Resist the urge to choose a bus with the bare minimum. Take advantage of available amenities to guarantee the success of the travel portion of your trip.

• Choose a bus with a bathroom to eliminate the need for frequent overnight stops that can disrupt sleeping passengers.
• Pick a bus that’s large enough to allow extra seats for toddlers to stretch out comfortably without sitting in an adult’s lap.
• Ensure your bus has WiFi to provide overnight entertainment for those who can’t sleep. Encourage passengers to bring earplugs.

Safeguard the Group from Theft

Keep your group safe from pickpockets and thieves with these simple habits.

• Bring along a safe for storing high-value items. Only two people should have access.
• Encourage members to stay in groups of at least 2 people at all times.
• Advise travelers to split up valuables between their bag, wallet, sock, pockets, etc. If a theft does occur, they won’t lose everything.

Indulge in Entertainment

Boredom is the biggest danger on long road trips. This is especially true for those traveling with youngsters. Use these tips to keep boredom at bay.

• Opt for a coach with a DVD player and television combo to display movies for everyone to enjoy.
• Buses equipped with PA systems let you take part in fun group games like karaoke, trivia, and charades.
• Create a quiet zone near the front of the bus. Those who aren’t ready to settle down can go in the back and leave space for others to rest.

Pack for Comfort

Ask your fellow travelers to bring these things along for a cushier ride.

• Ear plugs and eye masks help travelers sleep while others are on their phones or holding conversations.
• A neck pillow makes it easier to find a comfortable sleeping position in less-than-optimal conditions. A regular pillow helps those with spinal issues avoid irritating aches and pains.
• Two light blankets are better than one heavy blanket for travel. The extra blanket can be used to provide cushioning in strategic areas when the coach is warm enough.

Bus travel is always the best option for your group trip. These four simple tips will make your next group bus trip even better.

Take the sting out of group bus travel with these four simple tips.