There’s nothing more exciting than travel. Whether you’re only venturing to a neighboring state or going a bit further afield, checking out the wonders and sights this country has to offer can truly broaden your horizons. Getting to experience new cultures, taking in breathtaking views, and meeting new people can leave you with life-long memories that you’ll treasure forever.
When it comes to getting from A to B, many people hop on a plane. However, that isn’t the only transportation option available. What you’ll find is more and more Americans are choosing buses to travel the length and breadth of the country. Here we will explore why bus travel has become increasingly popular and why it may make sense to get on board one for your next vacation getaway.
More Affordable
One of the major pluses of bus travel is that it works out considerably cheaper than flying. As long as you don’t mind a long travel journey, you could end up saving a fortune! For budget-conscious travelers who don’t want to blow their money on flying, the money you save from bus travel can be spent on other important things, like accommodation, food, and attraction tickets. Obviously, if you’re venturing far, the idea of being on a bus for endless hours may not be worth the money. However, if you’re only going to the next state, opting for bus travel is a no-brainer.
More Comfortable Seats
However you travel, comfort should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re going from the east coast to the west coast or venturing overseas, you’ll want to feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your journey. When it comes to modern buses, they are equipped with comfortable seats and provide ample legroom. Unfortunately, many airlines are known for their less-than-desirable legroom which can cause all kinds of issues when you’re 37,500ft in the air! When you travel comfortably, there’s less chance of getting back pain and neck pain that can hinder your experience.
More Flexibility
There’s so much more flexibility with bus travel when compared to flying. It all comes down to scheduling. Unlike flights that have fixed departure and arrival times, you’ll find buses run far more frequently. This means as a passenger, you’ve got more options for when you’d like to depart. There are also night buses you can embark on that are great for long-distance rides, meaning you can catch some sleep while you travel across America. Once you wake up in the morning, you’ll be at your destination ready and raring to go!
Shorter Travel Routes
Sure, you can hop on a plane to travel somewhere close by. However, when you add on having to arrive at the airport 2 hours before and getting to and from the airport, you may just find taking the bus takes the same amount of time! Also, many bus stations are conveniently located within the heart of a town or city. With airports, many are situated far out of the center. For example, why not use Wanderu and take the bus from Houston to Austin rather than fly? They partner with over 500 carriers to find you the best bus options. Also, they can help seek out the cheapest bus tickets, so you aren’t paying a fortune.
No Baggage Fees
Speaking of money, we all know how much of a hassle and annoyance it can be to pull up at the airport and find unexpected expenses to fork out on, like baggage fees. With bus travel, there aren’t any hidden costs to worry about. You can carry your luggage on board without having to shell out extra money for the privilege. This means for passengers who are taking a load of things on board, you can be assured you won’t have to dig into your wallet or purse – bliss!
Eco-Friendlier
More and more Americans are trying to be eco-conscious. If you care about the planet and want to do your bit in reducing your carbon footprint, it just makes sense to take a bus ride in favor of flying. Bus travel is far more environmentally friendly. The reason for it is simple – buses produce fewer carbon emissions per passenger. This is especially true if you’re going a short distance. When you take a bus ride, you can be happy in the knowledge you’re actually helping the environment, rather than adding to the climate change problem.
Scenic Views
Some travelers like to dose off and speed up the time, whereas others love sitting by the window and taking in the views. While we’re not doubting the excitement of taking off and landing that flying brings, a large chunk of time is spent looking at cloud after cloud after cloud which can get a little monotonous. If you opt to travel via bus, there are all kinds of scenic routes you can enjoy as you travel from A to B. Whether you pass through a bustling city, go along the coastline, or see the wonders of the countryside, bus rides are an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the journey and see parts of America you never thought were possible!
Less Stress
Airports – most travelers hate them (and for good reason!). There’s nothing worse than being crammed in a busy airport and finding your flight is delayed. If you’re prone to high-stress levels, you may find a bus journey more cathartic and enjoyable. What’s more, bus travel doesn’t involve the thorough security procedures that flying is known for. This means you won’t have the added stress of having to take off belts and shoes or get rid of liquids, which can make the process more stressful.
With all the benefits mentioned, it’s clear to see why millions of Americans are ditching their plane tickets in favor of bus travel. Rather than having to rock up at the airport hours in advance, go through security, face the prospect of delays and all the other nuisances flying brings, hopping on board a bus to get from A to B may be the answer instead.
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