All budget travelers eventually have to
learn to love the night bus. It's not the quickest or most comfortable mode of
transportation, but often it's the most sensible. Buses are a lot cheaper than
flying and roads go many places that planes and trains are not able to. Plus,
there's something so cool and convenient about being lulled to sleep by the
wheels of the bus only to wake up at your final destination.
Unfortunately the reality is not usually so
pleasant. Cramped quarters, bizarre midnight stops and petty theft are all
night bus hallmarks. Depending on where you're going your night might be spent
on a bed or a hard bench, sleeping soundly or bracing for your life as a
half-awake driver hurdles around steep corners. There's a pretty good chance
you will arrive at your destination exhausted, barely having slept a wink.
Luckily, there are some things you can do
to make your night bus experience more comfortable:
1. Spring for the Better
Bus
The cheap bus might sound like a good idea
early on when you are well rested and energetic, but it will feel very
different when you are exhausted at 3 am. It's almost always worth it to spend
the few extra dollars and upgrade to the bus with reclining seats or even
actual beds. Some nicer buses will distribute blankets and pillows and
sometimes even meals. A nicer bus gives you are far better chance of actually
sleeping on your long ride.
2. Prepare some Rations
For 6 hour-plus rides you are bound to get
hungry at some point and it's often impossible to know when the next stop will
be (or what kind of food might be available). Have a personal supply of snacks
that you can tap into when the hunger pangs get to be too much. Dry, non-smelly
things like crackers and chips are a good bet.
The caveat here is liquids. Nothing, I mean
nothing, is worse than being stuck on a bumpy road with a full bladder and no
working bathroom. Don't do this to yourself, ration your water intake.
3. Dress for Cold Weather
I don't know why this happens, but ever night
bus all over the world likes to treat passengers like refrigerated cargo. It
can be tropical outside but inside the bus, prepare for arctic weather. Come
prepared with some warm socks, long pants and a sweater. A long scarf or sarong
is easily converted into a thin blanket.
4. Bring (or make) a Friend
On most buses you're going to have a
seatmate (or bed mate). This can lead to becoming very intimately acquainted
with someone you may have just met (particularly in country's with a different
definition of personal space). If you're not already traveling in a pair, it
might be a good idea to befriend another friendly-looking solo traveler to be
your bunk buddy for the night.
5. Bring Headphones
It is almost certain that around 4 am
everyone on the bus will be sleeping soundly and you will be wide awake,
counting headlights and bored senseless. This is when it helps to have some
stimulation in the form of an ipod (be sure to be discreet with it though).
Occasionally you will stumble onto a night
bus where sleep isn't an option. In Asia night buses often like to show local
movies at top volume late into the night. Sometimes the buses will blare loud
music or even have karaoke. This is another time it's nice to tune out to the
music of your choice.
6. Watch Your Stuff
People do occasionally get robbed on night
buses so it's important to always have an eye on your valuables. Anything
expensive or irreplaceable should be in your seat with you- not below the bus.
Things like money, electronics and passports should be on you at all times: if
you need to get off the bus for any reason, take your possessions with you.
When you sleep, cuddle your purse or day bag so that no enterprising passengers
can rifle through your stuff.
7. Remember, it will all be over in the morning
When you are wide awake at 3 am in a
freezing cold bus full of snoring passengers, it's easy to despair. The morning will come, your
bus will arrive at it's destination and you can look forward to exploring a new
place (and sleeping in a real bed).
Related Articles:
On the Rails in India - Tips for Surviving Train Travel
Taxis in Vietnam; Avoid the Scams
About the Author
Stephanie is a girl who can't sit still! She's
lived, worked and traveled through Europe, Asia, Australia and now South
America. She blogs about her adventures, tips and photos at Twenty-Something Travel.
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