Tips to Travel Overnight by Bus like a Pro

Gone are the days when the passenger needs to stand in long queues on ticket counters of the bus stand. Or, you need to come two or three hours earlier than the bus departure time to grab your favorite window seats. With the involvements of bus tickets booking online websites, anyone can get the tickets hassle-free. Generally, people prefer to take an overnight bus as it saves more of their time traveling. Plus, you’ll also able to save a night’s accommodation by sleeping during the journey.

No doubt spending a night in a bus is really a new experience for backpackers. But there are a few things that you can do to make the journey run smoothly and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed. Here are the things that you need to consider for surviving on an overnight bus journey.

1.Book tickets in advance

These days, a large number of travelers prefer to travel by bus. This could be because it is affordable and online traveling sites also offer amazing discounts and deals on booking. If you want to travel by bus comfortably, then you must book in advance. This would also help you secure a comfortable sitting space where you could enjoy beautiful views. Also, advance booking will make you save more than the last minute bookings. 

2. Travel light

Always plan a bus trip with a lighter luggage. Heavy luggage could impede your movement and even could become a burden. Moreover, try to load your luggage last. The benefit of loading the luggage, at last, is to make it easier and faster for you to disembark from the bus when you reach your destination. Because, if you wait for the passengers to offload their luggage before you, it would consume your lots of time. 

3. Stock up on food and water

There are usually breaks along the way, but there’s no assurance that the roadside stop favored by your driver will have many options in the terms of food. So, stock up with drinks and snacks before you leave, and even if there’s no stop at all, at least there is no scarcity of food. And try to eat healthy to avoid road sickness. 

4. Pack earplugs

You might be tired but the bus driver(quite obvious) wants to stay awake. He might listen to local pop music or some badly dubbed action films played at ear-shattering volume, through the night. Add in the noise from screeching brakes, ringing phones, and other passengers’ conversations. So, it's better to listen to some light soft music at night while sitting at the window seat and the serene breeze touching all over your face. Earplugs is worth to keep in your backpack.

5. Keep blanket and neck pillow 

A blanket and neck pillow will help you get cozy and sleep during your overnight bus ride. Thanks to the air conditioner, it becomes quite cold on the bus, in that case, the blanket will really a lifesaver for you. Keeping a neck pillow is also a worth, as it will make you feel comfortable whether you’re reading or resting.

6. Pack some energy drinks

Pack some energy drinks with you to stay hydrated throughout the journey. These energy drinks will definitely keep your thirst quenched and your bladder empty. This means you won’t have to use the bathroom as often. That’s a good thing since there may be or may not be washroom compartment and those at rest stops may be atrocious.

7. Bring something to do

Charge up your phone before departure, so you can enjoy your favorite movie or drama series while traveling by bus. If you’re a less techie than pack a book because it will be the best escape from the overnight boredom. Besides this, check online bus booking offers to save your money on traveling expenses.

8. Use GPS

Announcements about upcoming bus stops aren’t always very obvious- or even in a language you’ll not able to get that. So, when you think you might be reaching your destination, open google navigating map. This’ll make you see how close you’re to the city center and can work out whether close to your desired destination. Also, you can check is another stop will be more close to your hotel. Checking out the google maps is helpful in several aspects when you’re traveling to an unknown place. 

Ultimately the most important is to have a sense of adventure, travelers patience and desire to explore new things. No doubt, the above-given considerations or things will definitely help to survive comfortably on an overnight bus journey.