How to Survive a Long Bus Ride

Choose a reliable carrier

Before buying tickets, do some research and check out the carrier’s reputation. Find out about the level of transport safety and service standards, and read reviews from other passengers.

Assess the safety of the route

Try to find out about the route you are about to travel using any available sources of information. If buses regularly fall off the cliff, are robbed, or have other accidents, then you may want to consider safer options. Or at least choose a daytime departure time.

Choose first class

When choosing a transport class, give preference to first class. Several transport companies with significant differences in prices may operate on the same route in different countries. But such savings are often achieved at the expense of poor bus maintenance, old tires, or lack of air conditioning.

Also, cheap routes often employ only one driver, who will work without a shift for a long time. This is not far from an accident. Think about whether the small savings are worth your comfort, peace of mind and safety.

Download movies, books and a map of the area in advance

Keep in mind that you may not have internet access: not all buses have onboard Wi-Fi. So prepare a playlist of your favorite music in advance and download movies, TV series, podcasts and audiobooks to your device.

In addition, it will be very useful to download a map of the area to your smartphone. GPS is available almost everywhere, but the connection for downloading data is not, so an application with maps that work offline will be very useful. And write down the addresses, coordinates and names of your guides in local notes that are accessible without an Internet connection.

Pack a bag with essential things

Pack things in such a way that the most necessary items are easy to get. For example, it is better to place food and drinks closer to the top so that you do not have to unpack your entire bag at every snack. Place your most valuable items, such as money, documents, and electronics, in a small purse, wallet, or backpack and keep them with you at all times, never leaving them unattended.

Hygiene products. Bring along products for freshness and comfort: wet wipes or spray for refreshing your hands and face. This is especially useful if you are traveling in a hot country. Also, don’t forget toilet paper, deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush.

A sleep mask and earplugs. They help you get a good night’s sleep even in the noisiest environment. Give preference to silicone earplugs rather than polyurethane ones: they are more expensive, but they are easier to insert and disinfect. And take several masks to replace them if they become soaked with sweat.

Slippers. Keeping your feet in hiking boots for a long time can be simply excruciating. Therefore, it is better to ensure that you can change into slippers or other comfortable shoes on the bus in advance.

A pillow and a blanket. They are needed to create more comfortable conditions for rest and sleep. It is always nice to be able to cover yourself if it is cold on the bus. And it is better to choose a special pillow – for traveling. It looks like a collar and provides support for the neck when sitting.

First aid kit. It is important to have medicines, patches and other necessary medications in case of emergency. Get a supply of pills if you take something on a regular basis.

Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen. If you are traveling in the sun, take sunglasses and a hat or cap. Cream will also not hurt if you have to get out at stops often.
Food and drink. Don’t forget to take a sufficient supply of water and, if necessary, something to snack on – nuts, energy bars, biscuits and other snacks. You can also make sandwiches and pack them in plastic.