Bus travel provides an affordable travel option to locations all over the country. But if you’re already planning a trip, why would you settle for just one destination? By booking multiple stops along your journey, you can fit in a variety of activities and events without breaking the bank. Find out how to go about planning stress-free, multi-stop bus travel below.
Start With a Final Destination
With so many possibilities, it’s challenging for most travelers to decide where to begin. The easiest way to start the multi-stop process is by choosing a final destination. In many cases, the location you decide on today will change as your bus travel plans evolve. If you’re not sure exactly where you want to end up, try limiting your focus to a region or state.
It’s important to remember that nothing is set in stone at this point. Instead, this step is designed to help you begin the process by narrowing down the scope of your trip. For many individuals, simply having a rough idea of their endgame is enough to inspire them to create more concrete plans. But don’t hesitate to change up the arrangement as you go to ensure that the end result matches your needs.
Research Potential Stops
After selecting a possible endpoint, it’s time to figure out your other multi stops. An easy way to accomplish this is by looking at a map. Draw a line between your departure spot and destination, and then review the sites in semi-close proximity to the line. For a wider selection, use the beginning and end points to create a circle around the travel area.
If there are cities outside of the immediate bus travel path, simply add them to your list. For example, a bus trip from Maine to Rochester is likely to include stops in Syracuse, Albany, and Buffalo. Yet, if you follow the guide to a tee, you’ll miss out on bus travel to New York City. As a result, it’s important to remember that this step serves as a guide, not a rulebook.
As you choose potential stops, delve further into each location’s offerings. Just because a town looks gorgeous in photographs doesn’t mean that you’ll enjoy it. Avoid ending up disappointed by putting in the legwork now with extensive research. Find out what the area is known for, as well as the attractions, landmarks, and events that it offers. If it ends up sounding like a great match to your tastes, then add it to the travel plan.
Determine Time Frames
With research in hand, it’s time to consider how much time you’ll need at each spot. The results will vary drastically depending on your available travel time, the type and number of attractions you’re interested in, and the trip budget. Each layover is totally dependent on your situation. For instance, hitting a bookstore and trying out a famous eatery will take a few hours at most. Yet, planning a hike through Echo Lake Park or up to Diana’s Baths requires that you leave at least a full day for Conway, NH, bus travel.
To ensure you don’t overpack your schedule, allow extra time for each excursion on your list. It’s better to be overcautious with your time frames than risk missed bus connections or must-see attractions. If you’re unsure of the approximate amount of time needed for each activity, reach out to the organization or locals in the area for a more accurate estimate.
Compare Carrier Stops, Schedules, and Prices
Now that you know where you want to go, what you want to do, and how long you need to do it, it’s time to start looking at your options. The first step in this planning phase is finding out which carriers service the locations you’re visiting.Next, review their schedules to identify options that meet your time frame. Finally, compare prices to ensure you don’t go over your budget.
There are a variety of bus providers to choose from. For long trips, consider utilizing both national carriers and regional operations. For example, if you’re booking bus tickets from Portland to New York, you may want to start with a big company, like Greyhound, and then transfer to a local provider, like Barons Bus, once you reach the northeast. Such an arrangement offers more travel options, as well as potential cost savings.
After comparing all of your options, it’s time to create a solid itinerary. Be sure to review every stop and cross-check your plan with your notes to ensure you’ve covered everything. When you’re satisfied with the layout, finalize your schedule and begin preparing for your trip.
Book Bus Travel to New York, Portland, and Everywhere In-Between
Once you’ve locked in your plans, it’s time to book your bus travel with BusTickets.com. Our easy-to-use online service allows you to create a multi-stop trip with ease. Choose your travel destinations, compare prices among carriers, and finalize your itinerary all with a click of a button. We also offer a group travel service to match your party with the right charter bus. Transform your dream cross-country trip into a reality by buying your cheap bus tickets today!
