Bus Travel Tips for Thanksgiving
Surviving the drama of Thanksgiving travel can be a tricky task. If you choose to travel by bus to your destination, know that you’ll be accompanied by several thousand others who favor ground travel over taking flight or rail. It makes a lot of sense: You don’t have to spend ages in line waiting to board; you can simply relax and enjoy the journey instead of worrying about bumps and jostles along the way.
But adding the Thanksgiving holiday to the equation does, admittedly, make things a little bit more challenging. What’s the best way to make sense of the holiday crowds while maintaining your sanity on the bus? Here are some bus travel tips for Thanksgiving that will help you enjoy every minute of your trek.
Consider Your Comfort
Some people love sitting at the back of the bus because it provides them with a comfortable space to recline, relax, and take a nap without disturbance. You also don’t have to worry about people moving past you in a hurry to get to the bathroom.
But for others, it’s the front seat that provides the best view. These travelers might prefer to be closer to the driver’s seat for their own personal comfort. People who get dizzy or carsick, for example, are better off near the front, where they can look out the window and focus on a distant point to help ward off those unpleasant sensations.
Don’t neglect to choose comfortable clothes, either! It’s Thanksgiving, after all, and now is not the time to wear something tight that restricts your movements or holds your belly so tightly that you can’t wait to unbutton it. Think comfort and stretchiness. Yoga pants, leggings, and joggers are all great choices that will keep you comfortable during your meal, too.
Bring Some Entertainment
Among the most important bus travel tips for Thanksgiving? Don’t get caught on the bus without sufficient entertainment sources to keep you occupied during the ride! Load several books, movies, television shows, and games onto your tablet, bring along your favorite music, and stash a few magazines into your bag. Don’t forget to bring along your charger and your headphones so that you can stay quietly connected throughout the trip.
Do some research beforehand, too. Many charter coaches offer complete tech packages that provide you with everything from dedicated electrical outlets to complimentary Internet access to your own television. If there’s something in particular that you want — which might be important if you’re going to be on the road for a while — make sure that you inspect the bus options closely before you book.
Pack the Essentials
It’s not worth feeling chilly during any stage of your trip. Although the bus will undoubtedly be comfortable, if you’re the type who gets cold easily, you’ll be glad that you thought ahead and packed some essentials. Just as you might prepare for a flight, treat your bus trip the same way by stashing a cozy scarf or shawl inside your bag.
Other essentials include travel pillows to support your neck, a cardigan or hoodie that you can easily slip on or off, and your jacket or coat, depending on just how brisk it is in late November. Pay attention to the forecast at your arrival point, too. If it’s relatively mild in your town but alarmingly cold there, you’ll need to be prepared. Finally, don’t forget to toss a first aid kit in your bag, along with some hand cream and lip balm to ward off cold-weather dryness.
Don’t Forget Snacks
This might be the best of our bus travel tips for Thanksgiving. It’s easy to underestimate your need for sustenance when you’re traveling. You might toss a bottle of water and a package of nuts into your bag and think that it’s enough, but in reality, you’ll probably go through those very quickly. First, take into account that it’s Thanksgiving. If you’re traveling on the actual day itself and don’t have a very long trip ahead of you, then you can probably get away with a light snack before you arrive and dig into a hearty meal.
But if there are hours of travel time blocked off on your schedule, you should be ready with at least a few snack options. Keep something protein-rich handy to fuel you in case you need an energy boost, and make sure that you have at least a couple bottles of water on you. Packing enough snacks and water will ensure that you don’t overspend at vending machines. Don’t forget to bring something to calm your gut and aid digestion like anti-acid tablets, probiotics or enzymes. Motion sickness, eating different foods, and family drama can upset your gut and put a damper on the fun.
Show up Early
If nothing else, make sure that you arrive at the bus station on time. No, you won’t be overwhelmed by the same types of crowds you’d encounter at the airport, but there will be lines. Aim for at least half an hour in advance so that you can plant yourself ahead of everyone else and make sure that you get the seat of your choice and have an easy time placing your luggage overhead.
Book Your Thanksgiving Bus Trip Today
If you’re inspired by these bus travel tips for Thanksgiving and are ready to prepare for your getaway, head to BusTickets.com today to find an extensive selection of affordable tickets to your destination.
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