Bus.com

Author: Polina Glavatskikh

  • How to Plan the Perfect Multi-Destination Trip

    How to Plan the Perfect Multi-Destination Trip

    Once a group has managed to secure a budget and a few days off to spend traveling, they want to use them to the fullest. This is why multi-destination trips remain popular with Bus.com’s clients and partners

    Business representatives may fill the trips up with client meetings. Students and K-12 groups try to absorb as many sights and experiences as possible. Tour groups rarely limit themselves to the walking distance from the accommodation — instead they use charter buses to pick best-of-the-best experiences and attractions. Non-profits visit multiple destinations to get the most out of their fundraising run.


    With all the perks of an extended itinerary, planning a route with multiple stops might still look intimidating. For that reason, Bus.com has created a user-friendly tool to support trip planners.

    Booking or a multi-destination trip from zero to booked includes just three steps: 1. Build your trip; 2. Review prices; 3. Check out.

    The first step is a one-page dashboard with an intuitive layout and helpful auto-fill. Adding even a complicated itinerary can be done in a few clicks,.

    Play with it as much as you want, and click the “view prices” button. You will see how changes impact your spending — instantly. You can always return to editing your itinerary.

    Once you are satisfied with the itinerary and costs, “check out” to book your trip. Booking early helps to secure the best prices: earlier booking typically yields savings. You can still change your itinerary up to seven days prior to the trip.

    Tips for Booking a Multi-Destination Trip

    Multiplying your destinations means multiplying the fun. But it can also get overwhelming and frustrating if you do not know what to do. Preparation is your best friend! Here are some tips to ensure that your trip runs smoothly:

    • Plan your entire itinerary out ahead of time.
    • Start by choosing one place you absolutely have to get to (i.e., Toronto or Miami) and plan the rest from there. Bus.com has published several guides about each major city’s most relevant attractions: try using them as your sample itineraries.
    • Keep your schedule realistic. Trying to jam too much into a little time might prevent your group from being able to savor each experience.
    • Leave time for the unexpected. Your bus is guaranteed to be where you expect it to, but the rest of the world — including your mind! — is prone to changes. Thick fog falling on the day of the boat trip, or a private event booking out the entire attraction happen. Have alternative options prepared.
    • Plan not only what to see, but also where to eat. Everyone needs to “refuel,” and authentic food can be a big part of your immersion into the local culture.
    • Err on the side of caution when you account for the group’s fitness level. Aching feet are not a desirable memory to make.
    • Make sure your sleeping arrangements are sufficient, and your transportation modes are comfortable. Lack of sleep and unreliable transportation can leave the group too exhausted to appreciate whatever sights you came to see.
    • Consider local weather trends and wildlife cycles: some destinations are impacted by seasonality more than others.
    • Check publication dates of your guide books: imagine arriving at a place of your interest only to find it was replaced with a parking lot five years ago.
    • Create a single document with your full itinerary and share it with your entire group.
    • Group Tours have advantages that individual travelers do not. Contract the attractions on your list and ask if they offer special group discounts.
    • Make sure you explain the logic behind the itinerary choices with the group. When every group member understands why you chose to visit three shops instead of five, they get “on board” with your choices easier.
    • And last but not least, don’t forget to have a great trip!
  • How Technology Can be the Solution to Complex Travel Problems

    How Technology Can be the Solution to Complex Travel Problems

    Buses have been with us for over two centuries. Even with the advances of the 21st century, the pragmatic need to get from one place to another as a group is not likely to go anywhere. 

    But the industry does not settle on just that. Problems evolve with our environment and our societies, and human ingenuity keeps responding to them with solutions we had never imagined in the past.  

    The combination of new business models and technological advancements can have a positive impact on many side effects of the travel industry, such as carbon footprints, safety, costs, comfort, flexibility, and universal accessibility. Buses can now guide themselves to parking, connect to satellites, or kneel to onboard a baby carriage. But what else is there that technology can accomplish?

    Ways Technology Can Solve 7 Different Complex Travel Problems

    Problem 1: the complexity of organizing and managing transportation grows significantly with the number of participants.

    Solution: you are not likely to encounter this problem unless you work for the event industry. Or want your kids to go to a summer camp. Or to arrange a family meetup. Or to go to a conference with a few colleagues. On second thought, maybe it is a pretty common concern!

    The complexity itself remains, but the modern technology of Bus.com simplifies the most daunting parts. Schedules and routes are easier to optimize when they are presented in a single dashboard. And many parts of planning — licenses, insurance, driver vetting, project tracking — are outsourced. It means that only critical decisions have to be made by the client, and they are as simple as choosing which time to leave and which destination to travel to.

    Bus.com’s online booking tool is easy-to-use and comprehensive.

    Problem 2: chaperoning and supporting participants can be complicated and demands constant attention.

    Solution: any trip with minors usually demands one chaperone per three to five kids. But what about trips with adults, such as guided group tours? Adults require more autonomy and freedom, but the unpredictable nature of travel still requires a sync up. Here’s where mobile communication and tracking technology come handy. With apps like TripSpark or Groupstr, not only can participants track the vehicle’s location, but the guides can use location services to assist the participants.

    Apps like Groupstr help teachers and other chaperones keep tabs on their group participants.

    Problem 3: while there might be several local bus shops at any destination, and it is not easy to find, evaluate, and rent from them remotely. 

    Solution: Here’s where Bus.com comes into play again. Bus.com makes it easier than ever to book a bus or van online without directly negotiating with each local supplier. You only have to deal with a single point of contact — Bus.com.

    Problem 4: travel spending can get out of hand and over-budget fast.

    Solution: by this point, most of our wallets are digital, so it makes sense that there are many tools to track and control spending. Many banking apps now offer immediate spending notifications. If you want to save while you spend, apps like Acorns (in the US) and Moko (in Canada) round your purchases to the nearest dollar and invest the spare change in a savings account for you. The amount of self-discipline that you have when it comes to shopping, however, is still up to you! 

    Investing apps like Acorns help you save money without even realizing it.

    Problem 5: the environment is evolving so fast that printed guide books cannot track all the new attractions.

    Solution: the internet is capable of dynamically responding to changes so having access while you travel has become a necessity. New restaurant? Chances are, it was reviewed on social media. Hiking trails revised due to recent flooding? There is probably an update on the website. A mobile hotspot or phone with satellite access can be costly for an individual, but modern charter buses are more likely to have more powerful WiFi hubs on board.

    Problem 6: traveling as a group is significantly cheaper (and more fun), but it is difficult to gather a group large enough on your own.

    Solution: travel withs strangers! Even if you are a very social person and have a vast circle of friends, most adults cannot take vacations simultaneously. Social media with verified profiles and reliable group tour agencies help connect people who aim at the same destination or experience. Some apps like Backpackr or Meetup can help connect you with travelers in your area so you never have to visit the local pub alone if you don’t want to (though if you want to, all the more power to you).

    Travel apps like Backpackr helps connect likeminded solo travelers.

    Problem 7: vehicles have historically not been designed for people with special needs or mobility equipment, which excludes them from many fun travel experiences.

    Solution: the answer to universal inclusion comes from the change in the mindset of our societies. But technology can help to solve the physical accessibility challenge. Low-floor design, “kneeling” mechanism, lifts, and extendable ramps help to onboard wheelchairs. Bus.com can assist in finding and renting a vehicle with specialized equipment, arrange for extra space for a service animal, or help to plan frequent stops.

    Bus.com was created to respond to modern challenges with smart and efficient innovations. We help our clients to travel together, safely, economically, and responsibly. We want you to focus on the purpose, spend your time meaningfully, and pay less mind to paperwork or headcount — because at the end of the day, travel is all about the experiences that you make. 

  • National Parks to Visit in the Western United States

    National Parks to Visit in the Western United States

    It’s clear to anyone that the ways we work and play have evolved in response to the global pandemic. In the United States, this means that national park visits are at all-time high.

    There are more than 60 national parks across the United States, but this article is all about the glory of all of the parks in the west. From Hawaii to Alaska, western US parks offer a diversity of extraordinary experiences.

    Get the Most Out of Your National Park Vacation: Four Tips

    1. Enjoying National Parks is not limited to summer months only. Some parks, like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, remain just as impressive throughout the year. In fact, some experiences are only available in fall or winter, like the vibrance of the autumn foliage colors in Montana to stargazing during the deep Alaskan winter.

    2. Recreate at Great Outdoors responsibly: “observe wildlife rules…but with people!” says National Parks Service.

    3. If you travel as a family, consider getting a National Park Annual Pass. The price might seem steep, but the entrance fees to the popular parks vary, so you are likely to get the cost’s worth in just a few visits.

    4. If you are traveling as a group, consider renting a sprinter van to get you to your destination. Not only does taking one vehicle save you the cost of multiple parking passes, but it is also kinder to the planet — and isn’t that what a visit to a national park is all about? With Bus.com, you can even choose to rent a sprinter van without a driver, which can bring you additional monetary savings.

    Use Bus.com’s intuitive planning tool to arrange drop-off and pick-up times, especially if you visit several parks, or plan to camp overnight. Contact Bus.com 24/7 support if you require to accommodate special needs or medical equipment.

    And now to the fun part!

    National Parks to Visit in the Western US

    Here are just a few of our favorite National Parks in the Western United States. Most of them are family-friendly and excellent for hiking and camping.

    Mount Rainier National Park – Washington

    This national park hosts an active volcano that rises to around 14,000 feet. Summers offer a charming view of wildflower meadows in bloom with the background of glaciers. Mount Rainier National Park is open to camping, hiking, climbing, and mountaineering.

    Olympic National Park – Washington 

    This park has it all: ocean beaches, a marine sanctuary with whales, mountains (including the famous Mt. Olympus), lakes, waterfalls, and the largest temperate rainforest in the US. The park is open for hiking and camping.

    North Cascades National Park – Washington

    The North Cascades National Park is one of the more secluded parks with glaciated peaks, mountain lakes, waterfalls, dams, and waterways. Hiking and boating along this park’s lakes and rivers can be fantastic for families with kids. This park has a free entrance.

    Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – Big Island of Hawaii

    This national park looks like another planet, with wild shorelines, solidified lava flows, the Halema’uma’u Crater, and the Thurston Lava Tube. Mauna Loa is an active volcano – the largest on Earth’s land surface. With some luck, you get to observe glowing lava pouring into the ocean.  

    Crater Lake National Park – Oregon

    This iconic lake with crystal-clear, gemstone-blue waters was formed after the eruption of Mt. Mazama and filled by the melting snow.  This unique attraction alone gives this park a place on this list.

    Redwood National and State Parks – California 

    Fern Canyon and Redwood is a chain of national and state parks that preserve the tallest trees on Earth. Tall Tree Grove is an impressive drive through trees with trunks wider than a car. Enderts beach offers a chance to see marine animals. There is no entrance fee, the park is family-friendly, and you can choose to camp or hike. 

    Yellowstone – Wyoming / Idaho / Montana

    Yellowstone is famous for its active geothermal features like colorful hot springs and giant erupting geysers. However, the park also has many stunning waterfalls and a chance to observe bison, elk, and bears. Mind that Yellowstone is extremely popular: this park might be more crowded than others.

    Arches National Park – Utah

    The park is relatively small but displays over 2000 natural sandstone arches, like Delicate Arch and the Landscape Arch. Fiery Furnace is a thrilling journey through the erosion gaps created by weathering. The nearby city of Moab has lodging options.

    Mesa Verde National Park – Colorado

    This park combines natural and historical elements. Visitors can tour the dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo indigenous tribes who lived in the area from 600 to 1300 CE.

    Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado

    The Trail Ridge Road rises to 12,000 feet above sea level and presents stunning views. Encounters with wildlife are not uncommon. This park suits well for camping with children.

    Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona

    The Colorado River has carved its path over millions of years, creating one of the grandest natural features in the US. The park area is over 277 miles long, and 1 mile deep, so hiking down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon takes several days, some endurance, and equipment. If you have kids, ask your bus driver for a ride along the rim via Hermit Road and Desert View Drive to enjoy breathtaking views in comfort.

    Yosemite – California

    This vast park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains features Giant Sequoia trees of Mariposa Grove and Hetch Hetchy Valley with its untouched wilderness and roaring waterfalls. Like Yellowstone, this park is also immensely popular.

    With the public shuttles being few and far between, a charter bus might be the optimal solution for all your National Park trip needs. Breathtaking and grand nature of the western US produces the most powerful internal experiences. Give yourself and your group a chance to focus on the unforgettable memories instead of worrying about navigating, driving, or taxi expenses.

  • A Brief History of Buses

    A Brief History of Buses

    Over the last two centuries, innovation has completely reshaped the mechanisms and the looks of buses. However, their purpose has remained unchanged: they remain safe, efficient, and comfortable group transportation vehicles.

    Buses have evolved over the years based on society’s needs. In the early history of buses, economic reasons ruled: replicating a single mechanism and running a bus business was so expensive and complicated that creating a more cost-efficient system was the top priority. Nowadays, the pillars of bus progress are sustainability and enhancement of the customer experience. Cities like San Francisco, which pioneered cable cars, and Seattle, where electric trolleybuses remain in operation, showcase the ongoing evolution of public transit. Here’s a brief overview of how we got to this point.

    Periods in History of Buses

    The pioneer public bus of the 1660s: ahead of its time

    The first public ‘bus”  line was launched in France in 1662 when Blaise Pascal developed a system of horse-drawn carriages that ran across Paris streets on schedule. However, the initiative hit the wall we would now call “a failed product-market fit”: the carriages were only available to nobility, and their interest in the novelty, unsupported by a real need, faded within a decade.

    Horse-drawn buses of the 1820s

    It took 150 more years for the idea of public group transportation to come back — but this time, it was to stay. The omnibus, born in 1826, could carry up to 42 passengers with three horses required to pull it. France was, again, the first to test the innovation. This time, both commoners and gentry were allowed onboard. By 1828, cities like Philadelphia and New York City had introduced their first omnibus lines, with many other US cities to follow.

    A ride on the omnibus was bumpy. The roads were mainly paved with cobblestones, and seats had no padding, making it very uncomfortable for longer trips. Ticket prices were also quite high. Luckily enough, the omnibus found its audience in the newly-formed middle class. They could not yet afford a private coach but were ready to pay to avoid the exhaustion of urban walking. It was a combination of factors that meant that omnibuses got their chance to stay around.

    By the way, the term “bus” is a short form of the word “omnibus”. There are two theories of the term origin: one connects it to the Latin word “for many”, or “all”; another to the Paris bus route “Omnes”.

    The rail-based horsecar of the 19th century

    The first significant omnibus improvement was achieved by laying rails over the existing routes. Horse-pulled carriages now offered a much smoother ride. Due to lower friction, it was also easier for horses to pull, so each car could now carry three times more passengers. By the 1880s, the US cities had over 30,000 miles of street rail tracks for horsecars. 

    However, it now became clear that horses as a power source were not sustainable. They could only work for about two hours, so each vehicle required up to ten animals per day. The cost of the feed and the public concerns regarding animal treatment inspired further innovation. 

    A short innovation detour: cable car buses

    Andrew Smith Hallidie created the first cable car in 1873 in San Francisco. Hallidie’s system no longer required using animals. Instead they worked by using a moving cable between the existing rails and securing each vehicle with a bottom clamp. 

    However, the system was unsafe: the cables were notorious for snapping, causing dangerous accidents. For that reason, cable cars were removed from wide operation soon enough after their introduction. The need for a better solution remained.

    The trolleybus: from the 1880s to the 20th century

    During the late 1800s, trolleybuses — also known as trams, trolleys, or electric streetcars — finally replaced horsecars, closing the era of animal-powered omnibuses. They ran on rails and were powered by electric current lines overhead. The switch was easy: trolleybuses used the existing rails and cars while being able to carry more passengers over longer distances for a lower cost. 

    Trolleybuses were one of the most revolutionary and impactful US inventions of its time. Streetcars made daily commuting available and convenient, initiating the suburbanization of the major cities. Streetcar lines in cities like Portland and Seattle helped shape urban expansion, allowing workers to live farther from their jobs while maintaining a reliable commute.

    Densely packed “streetcar suburbs” formed around each line leading to the work areas. Trolleybus lines were in service for a remarkably long time, only replaced in the 1940s for no fault of the technology itself. Some streetcar lines still operate in Seattle, Boston, and Philadelphia, as well as many European countries.

    Contemporary buses: 1950s to nowadays 

    Karl Benz engineered the first motorized bus in 1895. In 1906, France, once again, became the pioneer by opening the first short motorized bus line. 

    Those first buses were a far cry from the modern ones, offering minimal comfort to passengers. The major renovation of the transit system was prompted by the shortages after World War II: the high cost of laying new rails and the need for a more flexible type of vehicle led to converting many streetcar lines to motorized bus lines. The ruling age of the modern bus began.

    In 1951, Mercedes Benz designed a bus model with the combination of the rear-end engine and spacious body. Over time, several specialized types of buses were formed: city transit, suburban, intercity, and school. By this time, cities such as Cleveland and Pittsburgh had developed extensive bus networks, replacing older streetcar systems and adapting to growing commuter demands. They utilize different constructions to serve their specific purposes better.

    Even though private cars also gained popularity around this the, the peaking of fuel costs in the 1990s and 2000s contributed to higher bus ridership across the world. In large cities, personal cars became a less prudent choice: lack of parking and traffic jams turned public transport into a more attractive commute option.

    Electric buses of the 21st century

    Today, buses are the most widely used transportation system across the world. By the 2010s, bus manufacturing was largely globalized, with the same designs used across the world. 

    As the environmental impact has become an important consideration, most modern societies embraced the group and public modes of transportation. Many places in the world, such as the US and Europe, ensure that buses comply with much stricter emission standard requirements. With sustainability in mind, cities like Los Angeles have been leading the transition toward fully electric bus fleets, setting the stage for the future of public transit.  

    Technological innovations similarly focus on sustainability and comfort. Hybrid buses, fuel cell buses, and electric buses are on the way to many US cities. 25 major cities in Europe aim to replace their buses with electric ones by the end of 2020.

    Charter bus service is another advancement that has taken group transportation convenience even further. It combines the flexibility public transport lacks with the affordability that comes along with participating in a shared service.

    At Bus.com, we aim to build a sustainable service that evolves to meet the needs of our passengers. We learn from history to adopt the smartest solutions for a safer, more eco-friendly, user-tailored ride. 

  • Why Rent a Bus With WiFi Connectivity?

    Why Rent a Bus With WiFi Connectivity?

    A charter bus is a large vehicle that you “own” temporarily without any of the downsides of actually owning a bus. In short, you are in full control of your destination, schedule, and vehicle features, but do not need to worry about drivers or insurance.

    Charter buses are the best-loved transportation mode for many types of groups, including corporate travel. They are cost-efficient, eco-friendly, and easily fit a range of purposes. Coach buses are an especially popular choice among our corporate customers, thanks to their extra legroom and ample storage. However, one of the best amenities that the coach bus has to offer is onboard Wifi.

    The Benefits of Onboard Wifi

    Your trip can range from 30 minutes to many hours, and from a regular, five-days-a-week commute to a multi-day business trip. Destination certainly matters, but your time onboard adds up, too.

    The demand for WiFi on-board keeps growing. Why? With the combination of WiFi and portable devices, you have all the tools to spend travel time productively. Plus, the connection expands your options for trip enrichment.

    Save on Data Usage

    On-board WiFi comes with the coach bus package, so every passenger on board can use it for free. It is a great way to save on mobile data bills, especially if your job requires you to travel via charter buses often.

    Stay connected even when you are going through areas with spotty reception

    Losing connection in the middle of a call or halfway through a document upload can disrupt our workflow, and get on our nerves. This problem is more likely to occur on long trips, crossing state boundaries, or passing through rural areas. Charter bus WiFi might also lose connection at times, but it typically has more powerful LTE or satellite uplink than any personal device.

    Stay connected to your team

    Gone are the times when you had to wait until you get to the hotel to reconnect to your team, only to find desperately blocked colleagues craving your replies. With internet access, you still set the boundaries yourself: it is up to you whether you stay present for your team, or opt for a quiet time. Most importantly, you now have a choice.

    Catch up on your personal emails

    Getting up, going to work, coming home to spend time with your family. Trying to find a few minutes to catch up with friends and book dentist appointments in between. If it sounds familiar, you will love to have on-board WiFi. Many professionals use their commute hours to stay on top of personal correspondence. 

    More work done during the commute = fewer hours in the office

    When you live in the suburbs and commute to work every day, it is not unlikely to spend up to two hours on your commute. With the on-board WiFi’s office-like performance, many employers will let you count that time into your working hours.

    The best travel guide right in your pocket

    The world is changing by the year, and the Internet is the most up-to-date source of information that we have. It is a lot of fun to instantly find information on all the curiosities you see out of the window. What is that cloud on the horizon? What is the animal I just saw? When was this bridge we are passing built? What is the weather like at my destination right now? 

    Gamify the trip 

    When the trip’s purpose is to help your team connect and bond, the travel time can add to the experience. Both offline and online games count. Gaming is also a popular way to unwind on the commute back from work.

    No more “mobile hotspot” juggling

    Do all of your devices connect to mobile networks on their own? If going through the routine of “setting up your mobile hotspot just to provide the internet connection for your laptop” is something you have to deal with, an on-board WiFi is something you have been craving for a while. 

    Share the trip with your loved ones — or your followers

    Occasionally, our family and friends cannot join us on the journey. With on-board WiFi, you can include them in your experience via video calls or instant messaging. They will not have to worry if the trip takes you very far from home. For avid bloggers or popular social network personas, streaming the trip is an excellent way of keeping your audience engaged.

    Simply more fun!

    Dark or rainy outside, or the regular commute route you have seen many times before? Travel companions chose to rest during the trip? Or do you simply prefer to have your “me-time”? A stable and free internet connection adds a few more options for those hours.

    Whether you are booking a charter bus for leisure or work, having a WiFi aboard expands your on-board options for both business and leisure. This amenity is just another factor that contributes to the comfort of your bus rental.