Tag: field trips

  • Your Packing Guide for Short/Medium/Long Bus Rides

    Your Packing Guide for Short/Medium/Long Bus Rides

    A little planning can go a long way towards a pleasant and efficient ride. That means booking the right bus for your trip, scheduling the ultimate itinerary, and having all your documents in order. These are pretty big items on your travel checklist, but there are many small choices you can make to better your bus experience. We suggest packing smart, making sure you have the best snacks, placing your essentials so they are handy when you need them, and choosing entertainment that is appropriate for the length of your trip.

    What to pack for a short trip

    If you’re hopping on a minibus or school bus for a trip of less than one hour, you may not think that hard about your luggage choices. Depending on the length of your stay at your destination, you might limit your luggage to a single carry-on or backpack. (Check out our Carry-On Packing Guide for more tips and tricks).

    Packing your food

    Keep it light and handy. Don’t pack anything that will be too crumbly or require assembly. We suggest trail mix, dried fruit, cut up vegetables, and berries. When choosing fruit, prep ahead to avoid carrying garbage. A few minutes in the kitchen will help you avoid awkwardly carrying banana peels and apple cores to the trash when you disembark.

    Entertainment on the Road

    If your trip is short, you won’t have to put too much thought into entertainment. Grab whatever book you’re reading, download a good podcast, or put on some music and stare out the window. Stick to one or two entertainment items to avoid taking up valuable backpack space.

    Listen to podcasts on your bus trip.

    Packing Pro Tips

    To make your short trip as quick and painless as possible, follow these packing tips:

    Tip 1

    Keep your devices accessible—at the top of your bag, in dedicated padded pockets, or in outside pockets. By doing so you won’t be stuck in the aisle fumbling with your bag while other passengers try to find their seats.

    Tip 2

    Layer your clothing so you are dressed for all weather without over-stuffing your bag. Wear your luggage!

    Tip 3

    Take out your book, devices, and snacks as soon as you board the bus so you don’t have to leave your seat when you’re on the road.

    What to pack for your bus ride.

    What to pack for medium trips

    Usually trips of one to three hours are serviced by mini coach buses or coach buses. These bus types can be equipped with more amenities than the minibus or school bus. You might have more space for luggage, more entertainment opportunities (like A/V equipment), and on-board restrooms where you can refresh your look. If you’re traveling on a coach bus, take advantage of the undercarriage to split your personal items between a large luggage piece and a carry-on.

    Packing your food

    For trips of medium length, packing the right lunch container is essential. Be kind to the planet and choose something reusable. We recommend using a Bento box-style container with compartments for pasta salad, sandwiches, and snacks. And don’t forget a reusable water bottle to avoid unnecessary plastic. You’ll save money and the Earth!

    Entertainment on the Road

    Hit subscribe on a new podcast then get out on the open road with a fresh season on your feed. Check out our post, “How to Make your Bus Trip a Fun and Comfortable Experience,” to see a few of our favorite shows. If you’re traveling on a bus with television screens, pick a crowd-pleaser movie to keep the whole group entertained. You can also use the time to get some work done. Finish editing that article, prep those slides, or study for that big exam.

    Bring a book for your long bus ride.

    Packing Pro Tips

    Make your medium-length trip exceptional by following these packing tips from seasoned bus travelers:

    Tip 1

    Pack fragile items in your carry-on to avoid damage. Luggage gets juggled in the undercarriage.

    Tip 2

    Put a sweater in your carry-on, and pack the rest of your clothes under the bus.

    Tip 3

    Dress in something comfortable, even if you’re heading to a conference or trade show. Choose wrinkle-resistant fabric, take off your blazer, and loosen your belt. There’s nothing wrong with undoing that top button when you’re on the road. Just remember to rebutton before you disembark.

    Tip 4

    Put sunscreen in that carry-on, especially if you’re going somewhere sunny (lookin’ at you, LA).

    What to bring on long bus trips.

    What to pack for long trips

    Traveling for more than three hours? Going across state lines, out into the woods, or on a cross-country tour? You’ll definitely be set up with a coach bus, so you’ll have loads of amenities to make your trip more comfortable. Go the extra mile for comfort by packing efficiently. Get yourself a good sized carry-on that still fits into a standard overhead compartment. The idea is to limit the times you access your luggage in the undercarriage to zero.

    Packing your Food

    The biggest mistake that bus travelers make when packing food for long bus trips is to pile on the chocolate, chips, carbs, and candy. Junk food doesn’t sit well on regular days when you’re not on a bus for hours at a time. Go healthy instead. We’re not saying don’t treat yourself, but lean more towards salads than burgers. When it comes to beverages, choose water over everything else. And if you must drink coffee, put it in a thermos and don’t go overboard.

    Entertainment on the Road

    Most coach buses can be outfitted with wifi. Take advantage of those bars to get work done, upload pics from the road, and binge those shows. But, be aware that reception can be spotty in remote areas. Prep for those off-the-grid moments by downloading your podcasts in advance, bringing DVDs and books, and preparing to play some group games with your friends onboard. In the mood for a movie marathon? Check out “Crowd-Pleaser Movies For Long Bus Rides“.

    Packing tips for long bus rides.

    Packing Pro Tips

    When you’re on the road for this long, you have to be on top of your packing game. Here are our final tips:

    Tip 1

    Include nap supplies in your carry-on. Bring a light blanket (they fit better in bags), a travel pillow, an eye mask, and ear plugs.

    Tip 2

    If you have an e-reader, bring that along instead of a book. Lad up on reading material without weighing down your backpack.

    Tip 3

    Chargers! Bring your chargers onboard! Coach buses often have outlets so you can fill those batteries on the road.

    Tip 4

    Finally, bring a refillable water bottle. We cannot stress this enough. Water over soda. Reusable over disposable.

  • New York City Theme Parks for Large Groups

    New York City Theme Parks for Large Groups

    Ah, the nostalgia. Whether it was part of a school field trip, a summer camp outing, or just a fun impromptu day with friends, a visit to the amusement park was and is always a memorable event. You may be inspired to pass on your experience to your own kids, but theme parks aren’t only for the young! They’re awesome team building excursions for companies, unique bachelor(ette) party locations, and fun family destinations for children and parents. For NYC locals, or travelers visiting the Big Apple, these epic amusement parks are just a coach bus, school bus, minibus, or shuttle ride away — some short enough for a day trip, others requiring an overnight stay.

    Choose the best charter bus to get to NYC theme parks

    First things first: which amusement park are you going to tackle? As you browse our list of New York area parks, pick the one that’s right for you. Your bus selection — and the amenities you’ll want — will depend on your trip distance and group size. If you’re road-tripping practically to Canada, destination Rochester, with a group of 20, you’d be wise to choose a coach bus with plenty of comfortable seating, storage, and Wifi. Heading just down the road to Brooklyn with a family or two? You’ll probably be okay with a no-frills minibus.

    If your theme park group is a bit smaller this year, it may be the right time to consider a sprinter van rental. If you have not been acquainted, a sprinter van is a type of passenger van that can fit up to 15 passengers. Bus.com is happy to offer sprinter van rentals in New York.

    Coney Island (Brooklyn, NY)

    The Drive: 30 minutes from the Empire State Building

    Let’s start with an American landmark: Brooklyn’s iconic Coney Island. The centuries-old entertainment area is just 30 minutes by bus from Manhattan, making it a favorite for New Yorkers and visitors alike. Coney Island itself isn’t a theme park — it’s a collection of amusement parks, beaches, and commercial developments where you could easily spend your entire day without ever getting bored. Coney Island is home to the original Nathan’s Famous restaurant, Deno’s Wonder Wheel, and the famous Cyclone, Scream Zone, and Thunderbolt attractions. Labelled the birthplace of the amusement park, Coney Island doesn’t rest on its laurels. This summer, a brand new 4,000-capacity concert venue, called Amuse, will open at the Art Walls museum.

    Charter bus rentals for NYC theme parks.

    Enchanted Forest Water Safari (Old Forge, NY)

    The Drive: 4 hours, 51 minutes from the Empire State Building

    If you’re willing to leave the Greater New York area, here’s a fantasy for waterpark fanatics: Enchanted Forest Water Safari. It’s a cool five hours from Manhattan, but it’s worth its weight in water. With an impressive collection of tube rides, lazy rivers, and body slides, this Old Forge water park satisfies the young and old, daring and cautious. Looking to stay dry? The Forest has a carousel, ferris wheel, and kiddie rides for youngsters. Plus, the adjacent Calypso Cove park has go-karts, an arcade, zip lines, and rock climbing. The Enchanted Forest resort includes an inn and a campground, and for the VIP experience, you can rent a private cabana for up to eight people for the day.

    Rye Playland Park (Rye, NY)

    The Drive: 40 minutes from the Empire State Building

    Oft-cited in pop culture, Playland Amusement Park in Rye, NY is America’s only Art Deco-style theme park. Registered as a National Historic Landmark, there’s more to Playland than just its rides. Its Kiddyland dance-, sports-, and fairy tale-themed parties, plus an array of kiddie and family-oriented rides make it a destination for young families. Playland’s annual free concert series attracts notable musical talents each year; past acts include Joan Jett, Cheap Trick, and Plain White T’s. Just a 40-minute bus ride from Manhattan, a few miles shy of the Connecticut border, it’s worth making a day of your visit to Rye by pairing it with some nearby activities in town, namely the neighbouring Rye Town Park and Beach, and the next-door Westchester Children’s Museum.

    Seabreeze Amusement Park (Rochester, NY)

    The Drive: 5 hours, 30 minutes from the Empire State Building

    This throwback up the I-81 takes us back to a bygone era. It is one of 13 trolley parks still in operation in the U.S. What’s a trolley park, you ask? It was the 19th-century predecessor to the modern amusement park, a recreation area along a streetcar line in large cities. Seabreeze, opened in 1879, still stands today outside Rochester on the shores of Lake Ontario. Its famed Jack Rabbit roller coaster, an “out and back” wooden model circa 1920, is the fourth-oldest coaster in the world. Modern additions include the Whirlwind steel spinner, and a tower ride called Great Balloon Race. Of course, classics like Twirlin’ Tea Cups and Tilt-a-Whirl are ever-present at Seabreeze.

    Rent a charter bus to Seabreeze Amusement Park NYC.

    Credit: Seabreeze

    Adventureland (Farmingdale, NY)

    The Drive: 45 minutes from the Empire State Building

    A staple for New Yorkers in nearby Farmingdale since 1962, Adventureland lives up to its name. One of your first stops should be Turbulence, a twirling, flipping fun ride that is Long Island’s only spinning roller coaster. Just 45 minutes from Manhattan, the more the merrier at Adventureland, which specializes in group trips. So load up a charter bus for the 35-mile ride — their team can facilitate class field trips (browse our school bus rentals), company team building outings (browse our corporate bus rentals), and summer camp day visits. Side note: While it was the setting of the 2009 Kristen Stewart/Jesse Eisenberg flick Adventureland, the theme park wasn’t actually used for filming. The crew instead used a park called Kennywood near Pittsburgh to portray it. Still, Adventureland is the real deal.

    NYC charter bus rentals to Adventureland theme park.

    Credit: Groupon

    Six Flags Darien Lake (Darien Center, NY)

    The Drive: 6 hours from the Empire State Building

    When it comes time to plan the Bachelor(ette) Party for your bestie, keep Darien Lake on your radar. The Theme Park Resort has everything you need to throw an epic weekend getaway: a Six Flags-operated amusement park, a wide array of lodging options, and a packed events calendar all summer long. Your rowdy gang could easily spend a few hours or more at the major amusement park, which has a roster of thrilling rides that includes the tallest and fastest roller coaster in New York State, Ride of Steel. At night, plan to catch one of the A-list shows rolling into town this summer, which include Dierks Bentley, Bryan Adams, Billy Idol, KISS, Florida Georgia Line, Beck, Thomas Rhett, Wiz Khalifa, and more. As for accommodations, you could rent a private cabin or guest house, book up a few rooms in the resort hotel, or opt for camping — or even glamping. The party starts as soon as you leave New York City on your charter bus, so check out all your group bus options here.

  • Guide to Miami College Campus Bus Tours

    Guide to Miami College Campus Bus Tours

    Miami may be known for its nightclubs and beaches, but in truth, there is so much more to this Floridian city than that. Case in point: its abundance of higher academic institutions. From the University of Miami to Miami International Institute of Art & Design, there is a campus for every student, no matter their academic interests.

    Whether one of your kids is starting to think about university or you’re organizing a field trip for graduating high schoolers, the best way for them to weigh out their options is to load them and their peers onto a charter bus rental. Time for a Miami university campus bus tour!

    Decide on your group size

    Depending on how many students are interested in a university campus tour around Miami, there are a few things that you’ll want to keep in mind in terms of group transportation and visits.

    Less than 10 people

    If your tour group is just a handful of people, opt for a minibus or sprinter van rental. A minibus rentals typically runs at $98/hour and seats 21 people, and has the option of extra features that you probably want to consider, like air conditioning. In the middle of a Miami heatwave, you’ll be glad you have A/C.

    10 to 29 people

    For smaller groups, a mini coach bus would suit you just fine. A mini coach bus typically costs $475–$900/day and seats up to 32 people. If you’re feeling fancy, you even have the option to request additional amenities like air conditioning and a DVD/TV setup.

    30 people or more

    For larger groups, a school bus rental or coach bus rental would best accommodate your students. A school bus costs $81/hour and seats up to 47 people, whereas a coach bus costs $115/hour and seats up to 55 people. If you divide the cost of the bus between all bus riders, you’ll find that a coach bus won’t set you back that much more than a school bus. And if you’re on the road for an entire day or weekend, trust us – a comfy coach bus with all the works (A/C, DVD player, reclining seats) is hands-down the way to go.

    Charter bus rentals for your Miami university campus tour.

    Plan for chaperones

    It’s important to keep in mind that since you’ll be travelling with students under the age of 18, the presence of chaperones will be required throughout your Miami campus tour experience. While university campus tours tend to be rather tame, at the end of the day it’s always best to have adult supervision to keep an eye on minors. We recommend having at least two chaperones per bus.

    Decide on when to visit

    No matter which time of year you organize your campus visits, Miami and its weather is always beautiful. However, what you should keep in mind when planning your Miami university campus tours is whether or not classes will be in session. To get an accurate portrayal of campus life, we recommend planning your visit during late summer or early September. Many universities and colleges start classes mid-August, so future students can get a better sense of whether or not they can see themselves studying in that environment.

    Map out your itinerary

    Academia has a larger presence in Miami than you probably would have guessed. Read through our suggested list of universities and colleges in and surrounding Miami to plan out your university campus bus tour itinerary. Some of these are located a bit outside of Miami, but are entirely accessible with a group bus rental.

    University of Miami

    Located near the very core of downtown Miami, University of Miami offers a variety of different schools and programs. They’re well recognized for their School of Architecture, College of Arts and Sciences, Business School, School of Communication, School of Engineering, and their specialized Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. UM also upholds a respectable reputation in student athletics. Go Hurricanes!

    Miami Dade College

    Marketing themselves as an ‘affordable’ collegiate option, Miami Dade College offers in-class programs as well as virtual options. They offer everything from Architecture and Interior Design to Nursing to Aviation to Business programs, attracting students with all sorts of different academic interests. They’re located in the heart of the city, promising to give any student an exciting university experience.

    Miami International Institute of Art & Design

    For students who want to hone their creative and design skills, Miami International Institute of Art & Design could be their answer. Offering programs in Visual Design, Interior Design, Marketing, Animation & Effects, Film & Production, and Fashion, this is the be-all-end-all Miami institution for any aspiring creative mind.

    Keiser University

    If you want to take a bit of a drive outside of Miami, check out Keiser University. Located in Fort Lauderdale, this campus is situated just under an hour’s bus ride away from downtown Miami. Featuring various undergraduate programs, including Accounting, Cinematic Arts, Criminal Justice, Healthcare, Nursing, Psychology, and more, there’s likely to be a program to interest every student onboard your Miami university campus tour.

    Florida Atlantic University

    While its main campus is located in Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University also has five satellite campuses spread out throughout the state of Florida, including a location in Fort Lauderdale – only an hour’s bus ride from Miami. This institution offers plenty of different undergraduate programs and schools that draw students from all over the country, most notably the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters and their College of Business. If you’re a student athlete, you’re in good hands here. The FAU Owls sports teams are known for having brought home gold on a number of occasions, including winning the 2018 Conference USA-Regular Season Championship in Softball.

    Now that you’ve got an idea of the universities you can visit in and around Miami, it’s time to gather your peers and book your charter bus rental. After all, the university you choose to attend will be the setting of four of the most formative years of your life – you should definitely make time to visit your future school beforehand!

  • Guide to New York City College Campus Tours

    Guide to New York City College Campus Tours

    The competition for seats in New York universities is tough! But that doesn’t mean students don’t have a choice of schools. In fact, NYC and the surrounding areas are chock-full of higher ed institutions. From the big names like Columbia to the smaller stars like John Jay—there is a long list of schools to add to your college tour itinerary. Choosing a college is a major step in a student’s academic journey, and it can be expensive and time consuming. Join forces with other parents or plan an NYC trip for your students. Rent a bus or shuttle to keep everyone together, save on transportation by splitting the costs, and have fun when you’re on the road.

    What’s the best bus for your student group?

    Whether you’re a group of parents planning a tour for your teens, a guidance counsellor organizing a school trip, or a student representative taking your club to an NYC university, there’s a bus for you. Use these tips below and check out our Quick Guide to Choosing a Bus.

    Groups of 2-15

    Chances are, you are discovering the different campuses in the New York area with a relatively small group of like-minded peers. If you are traveling with fewer than 15 passengers, it may be worthwhile to consider a sprinter van rental. Bus.com offers sprinter van rentals in New York where the vehicle can either be driven by a professional chauffeur or a member of your group.

    Groups of 15-29

    Opt for a mini coach bus or a minibus if you’re traveling with a small group. The difference between these buses is the level of comfort. Mini coach buses have more amenities and minibuses are more budget-friendly. Either bus is good for special interest clubs like a debate team or model UN.

    Mini coach buses can accommodate up to 32 people. You’ll need all those seats to fit your group and their chaperones. Mini coach buses can also be equipped with air conditioning and wifi, essential add-ons for longer rides.

    Charter bus rentals for your NYC university campus bus tour.

    Groups of more than 30

    Depending on the length of your trip, rent a coach bus or school bus for big groups. Since you can fit more than one school into a day and you might have your bus over a couple of days, spring for the coach bus. The biggest portion of your bus rental cost is the driver’s time, so the price difference between a school bus and a luxury coach bus isn’t that big.

    Make sure you’ve got enough chaperones

    Most universities require chaperones for group tours geared towards high school seniors. The majority of hotels and hostels require chaperones for minors. So do many of our bus operator partners. In other words, you need chaperones. We recommend having two chaperones per bus.

    Map out your itinerary

    To reiterate: There is a lot of choice when it comes to NYC colleges. It’ll take a while – a long while – to see every last one. Pick your favourites, poll your group’s interests, and add one or two of the most popular schools. Then choose a week and hit up as many as you can. We recommend planning visits to a maximum of two schools per day.

    Schools to Visit

    NYU

    NYU has campuses around the world, but the main school is located in Greenwich Village. Known first and foremost for being the home of Tisch School of the Arts, it’s the first stop for students headed to Hollywood after college. It’s also got very well-regarded business and social work schools. To book a tour with an NYU Ambassador you’ll need a minimum of fifteen participants. NYU is right downtown and a great starting point for a Manhattan tour.

    Rent a charter bus to NYU on your NYC university campus bus tour.

    Credit: NYU Local

    Wagner College

    A Staten Island staple, Wagner College is a classic college campus with old flowering trees and historic buildings. Take a 40 minute bus ride over the Manhattan Bridge to stroll this leafy green scholarly wonderland. Wagner is known for its business administration, nursing, and theatre majors. Contact the school directly to book your group tour.

    Fordham University

    A Jesuit University in the Bronx, Fordham is big on community service, basketball, and the law. It’s known for its law school where you can specialize in fashion law. It’s got a few campuses in the New York City area, but the main campus is still in its original Bronx home. Accounting for NYC traffic, the bus ride from lower Manhattan can take up to an hour. And don’t forget to bring along your chaperones. They’re required by this uni.

    Columbia University

    Rated number three in the Nation’s university rankings, Columbia is a dream school. Its School of Law, School of Medicine, and School of Journalism are sure fire ways of skyrocketing your career. Rent an NYC charter bus, fill out a group tour request form, then head out to this famous university. 45 minutes from downtown Manhattan, Columbia’s campus borders three neighborhoods: The Upper West Side, Harlem, and Morning Heights.

    John Jay College of Criminal Justice

    John Jay is part of the CUNY (City University of New York) system. Of course its criminal justice program is its main draw, but JJCCJ also offers solid forensic psychology and criminology programs. Schedule a group tour to its modern Hell’s Kitchen campus, just steps away from Central Park.

    Rent a charter bus to John Jay College of Criminal Justice on your NYC uni campus bus tour.

    Credit: SOM

    Baruch College

    Also part of the CUNY system, Baruch is best known as being home to the Zicklin School of Business and the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences. Like John Jay, its campus is right downtown. Use the form on their website to organize a group tour of Baruch.

    City College of New York

    Make it a trilogy and stop at three CUNY colleges in one day. Known for its Gothic Architecture, the City College of New York is well worth the trip, even if you’re not into physics. But if you are, CCNY offers a very well respected physics program that educated several Nobel Laureates. Located in Harlem, CCNY is about 35 minutes from downtown Manhattan.

    Pace University

    Made up of two campuses, one in NYC’s Financial District and one an hour away in Pleasantville, Pace is a fantastic school if you’re into environmental law. It also boasts a robust network of Greek organizations and tons of financial aid options. Take a day to visit both campuses or select one to visit with your group.

    St. John’s University

    Known for its Greek culture and excellent performing arts programs (especially music), St. John’s is a great stop for young artists. It’s a private Catholic university with two campuses, one in Queens and one in Staten Island. If you’re taking the one hour bus ride to Queens, keep in mind that there are no tours on Sunday. Staten Island’s campus is 45 minutes away and does not host tours on weekends.

    Rent a charter bus to St. John's University on your NYC university campus bus tour.

    Credit: ABC7 NY

    Juilliard

    Juilliard has a global reputation, but it’s actually pretty small. This exclusive school of the arts only teaches 800 students across all disciplines. It’s the location of the hit ‘90s teen drama Save the Last Dance, and could be the site of your students’ artistic education. Visit its Upper West Side campus for a general tour or a discipline-specific tour.

    Hot tip: Juilliard regularly puts on shows open to the public. Treat your students to a show at the end of your NYC tour.

    Berkeley College

    Berkeley College is actually a massive network of campuses in New York and New Jersey, with at least four campuses in each state. Planning a trip to Berkeley will take some research. You’ll first want to find out which programs you’re interested in (management, justice studies, nursing, and graphic design are very popular). We recommend calling an advisor at the college to help you select the campuses you’d like to visit.

    Manhattan College

    This Lasallian Catholic College is lauded for its civil engineering, communications, and finance programs, but it is perhaps best known for being the birthplace of the 7th inning stretch. It even holds a place in Baseball Hall of Fame. Located in the Bronx, Manhattan College offers group tours every day and is an hour from the NYC downtown core.

    Pratt Institute

    Pratt Institute attracts students from across America to its library, art, and design programs, but it is best known for its architecture school. This school produced the great William Van Alen whose work can be seen all over the NYC skyline. Pratt has campuses in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Utica, NY (a four and a half hour bus ride from downtown New York). The NYC campuses only offer group tours for ten to twelve students on Wednesdays.

    Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

    As expected, NYC is home to many schools with a focus on design. The Fashion Institute of Technology is obviously best known for its fashion programs—especially menswear, marketing, and merchandising—but FIT is also known for its toy design and computer animation programs. Located 20 minutes from downtown, FIT holds group tours on Mondays and Thursdays.

    Parsons

    Part of the New School of New York, Parsons is perhaps the most famous fashion design school in NYC. If you’re traveling with design-savvy students, organize a tour of Pratt, FIT, and Parsons. Located in Greenwich Village, Parsons hosts tours everyday except Sunday. If you’d like to visit the dorms, you’ll have to schedule a separate tour as they aren’t included in the generic tour.

    Don’t forget the fun!

    Charter your NYC bus rental and get started planning your whirlwind tour of New York campuses. But don’t forget to add an NYC must-see to your itinerary. We recommend the MET, Broadway, and Citi Field.

  • Guide to Montreal University Campus Tours

    Guide to Montreal University Campus Tours

    ’Tis the season to choose your next adventure! For graduating high school and CEGEP students, the question now is: Where to next?

    For Quebecers, Canadians, and Americans in the northeast especially, Montreal is a top university destination. Its four world-class schools and vibrant and diverse culture put it on par with just about any North American city for college-bound students, and its vast array of academic programs make it a good fit for any student. And within just two hours of the big city, there are several other can’t-miss campuses throughout La Belle Province. Time to plan your Montreal university campus bus tour!

    Why do you need a bus for your Montreal university campus tour?

    If you’ve ever been to Montreal, you know that Canada’s second largest city is a metropolis to marvel at. Yes, there are skyscrapers, but there’s also the cobblestone roads of the Old Port of Montreal, the Lachine Canal running along the city’s southern rim, and of course Mount Royal, visible from nearly anywhere in the city. For all its beauty, the locals will tell you that driving in Montreal is no Sunday picnic on the mountain. (Side note: Work a Sunday Mount Royal picnic into your itinerary!) From the city’s dense traffic to its legendary potholes to the orange construction cones that have become synonymous with city life in the 514, navigating Montreal is best left to an expert driver.

    Read on to learn the easiest way to rent a bus in Montreal for your tour of the city’s four major university campuses, as well as five other higher education institutions throughout Quebec.

    Rent a charter bus for your student Montreal university campus tour.

    Decide on your group size

    Depending on how many people you’re travelling with, your transportation options will change. Each bus caters to a particular group, and it’s not just your group size you should be thinking about — the length of your trip, required amenities, and budget will all factor in.

    For any group larger than a single family, chartering a bus for your tour makes perfect sense. Driving through a foreign city in a fleet of cars hoping no one gets lost on route? That sounds like a recipe for disaster. Instead, gather your group in one vehicle and make the most of your time on the road. In a bus, not only does everyone get to sightsee during the drive, family members get a chance to chat, bond, and compare notes on the different schools between trips.

    For a group of 20 or fewer taking a school tour together, a minibus is the best option. Like a school bus but cozier, our minibuses are built for hop on hop off style itineraries — and since Montreal’s four major universities are relatively close in proximity, that will be the nature that part of your trip. For longer trips, you may want to upgrade to a mini coach bus for some added features, such as Wifi, leather seats, and an audio system.

    If you are looking to check out one of Montreal’s amazing post secondary institutions with a small group of peers, it may make sense to rent a sprinter van instead of an entire bus. Bus.com offers sprinter van rentals in Montreal for small groups of under 15 individuals.

    For tour operators registering large student and family groups, look at our bigger group bus rental options: the school bus and the coach bus. Nothing says ‘field trip’ quite like a big yellow four-wheeler, and our school buses are best for local groups looking for a simple way to get from one school to the next. For long-distance trips from, say, Toronto, Ottawa, or Quebec City, a coach bus rental is the popular choice, outfitted with storage, a bathroom, and added comfort for all.

    The easiest way to do a Montreal univrsity campus tour is with a charter bus rental.

    Plan for chaperones

    Certain universities require a chaperone to be present during student campus tours. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to have an adult onboard for long road trips with high school or CEGEP students.

    When travelling with minors, keep in mind there is specific documentation, like permission slips, you’ll need depending on what country or state you’re coming from. Chaperones in attendance will have to sign papers to signify they accept responsibility for the minors travelling in the group.

    Prior to the trip, the group organizer will want to make sure to book their group’s school visits ahead of time so that there are no surprises on either end. For groups of less than 10, scheduling a visit may not be necessary. For groups larger than 30, the school may require you to split your group in two to meet their maximum. Do your research and adjust accordingly!

    Chaperones should keep an eye on the itinerary the whole way through, making sure each member of the group — including, or especially, the bus driver — respects it and sticks to it. Communication will also be key, and the group leader should ensure, for big groups in particular, there is an easy, reliable mode of communication, whether a WhatsApp group or otherwise.

    Charter bus rentals for your Montreal university campus tour.

    Decide on when to visit

    Montreal is a tale of two cities: Its long winters and short summers each carry a completely different vibe. This noticeable difference in the city’s energy makes for two completely different experiences depending on the season.

    Since the school year takes place primarily during the winter, it may be a good idea to get a taste of what you’ll be living during your university career in Montreal and its surrounding areas. The harsh winters — we’re talking freezing temperatures and an abundance of snow and ice — may seem brutal during a weekend visit, but you have to look deeper. Montreal’s winters are when the city’s hockey team, the Montreal Canadiens, takes over. Plus, as a cold-weather town, MTL knows how to embrace the season, from winter festivals like Igloofest and Montreal En Lumiere to the Underground City and Metro system.

    In the summer, the locals come out of hibernation, filling the Downtown streets, parks, and terraces and flocking to globally-attended events like the Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs, Grand Prix, and Osheaga.

    Map out your itinerary

    If you’ve already decided on Montreal as your future university town, then you’ll have four schools to choose from. Outside the big city limits, the province of Quebec offers several more. But if you know which academic path you’re likely to go down, perhaps you can narrow the focus of your visit.

    Universities in Montreal

    McGill University

    McGill ranks as one of Canada’s top universities year after year, having held down a top 25 QS World University Ranking 12 years in a row. It has, after all, produced eight Nobel Laureates, one hundred and thirty-two Rhodes Scholars, and two Canadian prime ministers. McGill’s beautiful, almost 200-year-old campus is found behind the Roddick Gates nestled between Sherbrooke and Mount Royal.

    Rent a charter bus for your McGill University campus tour.

    Credit: Maclean’s

    Concordia University

    Concordia‘s main downtown campus — which includes its world-renowned John Molson School of Business — sprawls over several blocks in the heart of Montreal between Guy and Bishop, Sherbrooke and St-Catherine. The school accepts visits all year long of up to 30 people with an optional trip to the Loyola Campus which houses the Journalism program and many of the school’s sports facilities.

    Rent a charter bus for your Concordia University campus tour.

    Credit: Wordcamp Montreal

    Université de Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

    UQAM brings with it an international flair thanks to high-ranking joint MBA programs as well as one of Canada’s top business schools, ESG. UQAM’s large city campus straddles Downtown’s east in the city’s Entertainment District at the famed Rue St-Denis. No other school in Quebec invests more in research than does UQAM.

    Université de Montréal (UdeM)

    The French-language UdeM attracts top students with its Polytechnique Montreal engineering school. Unlike Montreal’s other three schools, Université de Montréal’s sprawling campus sits on the north side of Mount Royal in the Côte-Des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-De-Grâce borough. U de M proudly ranks 7th in the world for its performance against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

    HEC Montréal

    An extension of Université de Montréal, the HEC business school is one of the country’s finest. The graduate level program is offered bilingually, and in 1907 was the first management school established in Canada. It is across the street from the main campus.

    Universities East of Montreal

    Université de Sherbrooke

    With three campuses to visit, a University of Sherbrooke tour will certainly require a bus. From west to east: The Longueuil campus is just across the Jacques-Cartier Bridge from Montreal on the city’s South Shore. One hundred and forty kilometres to the east in Sherbrooke, the grassy main campus houses seven faculties, loads of green space, and bike paths. A 20-minute drive gets you to the Health Campus, where Medicine and Health Sciences students spend their time.

    Bishop’s University

    Roughly two hours from Montreal and slightly southeast of Sherbrooke, in the small town of Lennoxville, you’ll find the small liberal arts-focused Bishop’s. Along with McGill and Concordia, Bishop’s is one of three primarily English-language universities in the province of Quebec. MacLean’s Magazine currently has Bishop’s ranked as the top school in Canada for student satisfaction.

    University of Quebec in Trois-Rivieres

    After a rural 100-km drive north from Sherbrooke, you’ll wind up in the small town of Victoriaville, a town with an impressive list of notable residents that includes hockey legend Jean Beliveau and former Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier. UQTR boasts strong programs in Medicine, Chiropractic Education, and Engineering.

    Rent a charter bus for your university campus tour of Universite du Quebec a Trois Rivieres.

    Credit: Maclean’s

    Laval University

    While it is often assumed this university is just north of Montreal in the city of Laval, Laval University is actually 250 km to the east in Quebec City. Founded in 1852 but with roots dating back to the 17th century, Laval is Canada’s oldest centre of higher education. Its alumni include three Canadian prime ministers and eight Quebec premiers. Its famed Rouge et Or football team has won a record 10 national championships.

    Universities West of Montreal

    Université de Québec en Outaouais

    Two hours west of Montreal, UQO is close to the banks of the Ottawa River, just north of the nation’s capital. Students looking for a unique specialization might find a home at Université de Québec en Outaouais, the only school in Canada offering French degrees in Comic strip design, Graphic design, and Museology and heritage.

    Rent a charter bus for your university campus tour of Universite du Quebec en Outaouais.

    Credit: Radio-Canada

    Next stop: university! Make sure that you coordinate properly with all of your peers to make the most of your charter bus rental by packing as many future uni students onto your rental as possible. Good luck!

  • Guide to Toronto University Campus Bus Tours

    Guide to Toronto University Campus Bus Tours

    Southern Ontario is a hub for esteemed universities, with a variety of highly respected programs attracting students from around the world. If you’re a guidance counsellor, student organizer, or parent, you can help grads make the big post-secondary decision by planning a tour of universities in the Toronto area. Coordinate with other parents and students to organize a group tour that’s cost-effective, fun, and fuelled by school spirit. Charter a bus in Toronto to start planning your Southern Ontario university tour.

    Steps to planning your campus tour

    Before you pack the bus with a gaggle of grads, you’ll have to make a few decisions. Follow these steps to make the planning process simple and efficient.

    Compile your passenger list and select the best Toronto charter bus

    The first thing you’ll need to do is compile a list of all the students who will join you on your tour. Once you know how many passengers you’ll transport, it’s time to select the appropriate bus. A good rule of thumb: If you’re traveling with fewer than 20 people, rent a minibus or mini coach bus. If you’re traveling with more, select a coach bus or school bus. You’ll also want to consider the level of comfort you’d like to provide. The longer students are expected to sit on a bus, the more amenities they’ll want. Book a bus with wifi (great for exam cramming), air-conditioning, power outlets, and audio-visual equipment.

    If you’re traveling in a small group, it may be worth your while to look into renting a passenger van. Bus.com offers sprinter van rentals for groups of up to 15 passengers. It’s even possible to drive the sprinter van yourself provided you have a standard driver’s license.

    Organize your chaperones

    When traveling with minors, you need to incorporate an extra step into your travel planning: chaperone organization. We recommend having at least two chaperones per bus-load of students. Obviously, teens don’t need the same level of supervision as kids, but they might get a little too excited to leave home. Chaperones should be a watchful eye, but should also give students their space and be a friend to approach if something goes wrong. For more chaperoning information, check out the Bus.com Student Travel Guide.

    Experience college life by chartering a bus for your Toronto university campus tour.

    Decide when to go

    You’ll first want to choose the time of year for your trip. But stay flexible until you select which universities you’d like to visit. Every school is different, and many will have predetermined times for tours.

    Pro tip: Keep an eye out for open houses in September and March.

    Plan your itinerary

    Begin by surveying the interests of your students. If you’re planning a trip for a specialized group, like a sports team or model UN, this step will be easier. If your group has diverse interests, plan on an extended trip over a long weekend to visit as many schools as possible. Use the following list of Toronto universities to start planning your itinerary.

    Universities in Toronto

    York University

    Made up of two campuses — Keele and Glendon — York University is 40 minutes from Toronto’s downtown core, but it still feels like an urban campus. It boasts the largest Liberal Arts program and the only Space Engineering program in Canada. It’s also the proud home of Schulich School of Business and Osgoode Hall Law School. For group tours, contact the school by phone.

    Rent a charter bus rental for your Toronto university campus tour to York University.

    Credit: Maclean’s

    Ryerson University

    Ranked number two in the Canadian Universities ratings, Ryerson is a world-renowned leader in research. It’s known for its Biomedical Engineering, Nutrition and Food, and Creative Industries programs. Ryerson is right downtown and benefits from all the luxuries of being in a major metropolis. Tours take around two hours and do not include the residence. If you’d like to see the dorms, you’ll need to add a special residence tour to your schedule.

    Take a tour of Ryerson University with a Toronto charter bus rental.

    Credit: Maclean’s

    University of Toronto

    The University of Toronto is a major player in the world’s higher education scene. It ranks in the top ten world-wide universities for Computer Science, Medicine, English Literature, Biology, History, Psychology, Philosophy, and Education. The main campus is downtown and features a mix of Gothic and Modern architecture. Depending on your group’s interests, you might want to add tours of U of T’s Mississauga and Scarborough campuses. University of Toronto also offers program-specific tours for groups touring with special interests.

    Rent a bus to the University of Toronto for your Toronto university campus tour.

    Credit: UToronto

    Universities East of Toronto

    Queen’s University

    Make a special trip just for Queen’s. It’s nearly three hours in the opposite direction of the other Southern Ontario schools, but its prestige is well worth the bus ride. Established in 1841, Queen’s is known for its law school, business program, and Indigenous studies department. Call in advance to coordinate a tour. Keep in mind that tours of the residences are not offered during exam time (December and April).

    Rent a bus to Queen's university on your Toronto university campus tour.

    Credit: The Observer

    Universities West of Toronto

    McMaster University

    A classic green quad in the heart of Hamilton, a.k.a Steeltown, McMaster is a destination for innovative STEM-oriented students. Charter a Toronto bus to visit the campus Planetarium or tour the facilities dedicated to Commerce, Engineering, and Political Philosophy. Just an hour bus ride from downtown Toronto, a visit to McMaster pairs well with any of the universities west of the 6ix.

    Rent a bus to McMaster University on your Toronto university campus tour.

    Credit: Mcmaster.ca

    University of Western Ontario

    Two and a half hours west of TO, University of Western Ontario is a great first stop on your tour. Book a bus in Toronto, drive along Lake Ontario to Western, then double back to hit up Guelph or Waterloo. Western is lauded for its Business Administration, Engineering and Medical Sciences, and Media and Public Interests programs. Campus tours book extremely fast, so reserve months in advance!

    University of Guelph

    Over the years Guelph has grown into a respected university town, attracting some major names in Canadian literature like Lawrence Hill and Jane Urquhart. But the University of Guelph isn’t just a campus for wandering writers. Its Food Science, Veterinary Medicine, and Biomedical Engineering programs make for a diverse student body. Guelph is just an hour and a half from Toronto, and easy to visit. Call two weeks in advance to hold your spot.

    University of Waterloo

    Located at the center of Canada’s technology hub (Kitchener/Waterloo), the University of Waterloo is famous for producing ground-breaking research. With renowned Engineering and Digital Arts programs, Waterloo is serious about STEM. Call to book a tour then charter a Toronto bus rental for two hour trip to Waterloo.

    Rent a bus for your University of Waterloo university campus tour.

    Credit: 570 News

    Picking the right university is an integral step in shaping your future. Be certain that you make the right decision by visiting all of these institutions to see what each has to offer! Renting a bus is the best way to hit all of these universities in an efficient way.

  • 3 Easy Ways to Finance Your Bus Rental [INFOGRAPHIC]

    3 Easy Ways to Finance Your Bus Rental [INFOGRAPHIC]

    Whether you’re planning a field trip, taking your sports team on the road, booking group transportation for your wedding guests, or organizing a private group tour, there are no shortage of bus rental options to meet your needs. Of course, bus rentals prices can vary according to a number of factors, such as group size, travel requirements, and regional availability. Which is precisely why we built our bus rental Quote Tool, so you can get the best price on a bus rental based on your specific group travel needs.

    That being said, charter bus rentals are one of the most affordable group transportations options available. It’s so cost-effective, in fact, that we’ve teamed up with JustFundraising.com to show how easily you can finance your next bus rental.

    Specifically, we looked at the average hourly price for school bus, minibus, and coach bus rentals, and figured out how many candy bars*, cookie dough**, or candles*** your school, sports team, or church group might have to sell to finance their next bus rental.

    And as you can see in the Infographic below, your next bus rental is well within your group’s reach.

    How to finance your charter bus rental with

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    Notes

    • Bus prices will vary depending on regional availability group size, and travel requirements. Please refer to our Quote Tool for more details.
    • * Candy Products: 50% profit (based on each child selling 60 bars and the school ordering enough volume to hit 50% profit, they would profit $0.50 per bar sold OR $30 per 60 bars sold)
    • ** Candles: 50% profit at $7 per unit sold = $3.50 profit
    • *** Cookie Dough: 40% profit at $6.40 per unit sold = $2.56 profit
  • Why Don’t School Buses Require Seat Belts?

    Why Don’t School Buses Require Seat Belts?

    When transporting a sizeable amount of people, school buses are often one of most common and most cost-efficient forms of wheels on the road. While they may be hulking machines, the rare occurrence has shown that they’re not without accidents, and that’s drawn the ire of the public.

    Since their passengers are usually school children, the question of why school buses continue to go without seat belts persists to the day. However, there are many reasons as to why there are no seat belts in school buses, with measures in place to keep passengers big and small safe from accidents.

    Read on to find out more about the built-in features that keep school buses passengers big and small safe, and what standard safety tips you can ask your group to follow the next time you rent a school bus!

  • How to Plan your East Coast College Bus Tour

    How to Plan your East Coast College Bus Tour

    Campus visits are probably the most (if not the only!) fun part of the college application process. But, they can also be daunting for parents with limited time and budget to shuttle their teens around the country.

    Planned bus tours can help parents manage their kids’ Boston college tour schedule by allowing them to clump several schools together. More importantly, fewer chaperones means that teens will be able to picture what their campus experience will be like as an independent young adult!

    If you’re thinking of planning a college and university bus tour for a group of prospective students, here are a few tips to get you started.

    Planning a college bus tour in the Boston area? Learn more about Boston bus rentals and minibus rentals.

    Decide on your group size

    The amount of teens you’re moving is a very important factor for college bus tours. As a rule of thumb, assume that the bigger your group gets, the more complicated it will become to organize your itinerary.

    5 to 15 people

    If you are simply traveling in a small group made up of close friends and peers, then it might make more sense to rent a passenger van. Bus.com offers sprinter van rentals that can be either driven by a member of your group or by a professional chauffeur.

    15 to 29 People

    Planning your itinerary will be fairly simple, as some universities don’t even require reservations for a group this size! (But verify on each school’s website to be safe.) To keep your trip economical, we suggest looking into renting a school bus or a mini-bus.

    With any group bigger than 10 people, you will need to make sure you book every single visit ahead of time. Consider renting a school bus for shorter trips and a mini coach bus for longer ones.

    30 People or More

    Once your group hits 30 students, you might run into scheduling challenges. Some schools like North Eastern won’t let you schedule a visit for a group of 50 people, and will suggest that the group split up and register to tours campus visits separately. Harvard only allows you to register visitors 5 at a time for information sessions, and have limited of spots per time slot.

    If you are organizing a tour for a large group of students, we suggest renting two vehicles and staggering your groups’ college visit itineraries.

    Plan for chaperones

    Some schools like Boston University require that there be a chaperone present for every 15 students, so make sure you plan the proper adult-to-teen ratio ahead of time.

    As for any group trip involving unaccompanied minors, you will need to make sure that each teen has a legal guardian fill out a permission slip detailing which adult is legally responsible for them during their travels, and make sure that the chaperones also accept legal responsibility for the group in writing.

    Decide on when to visit

    The ideal moment to visit a college would be a high-school holiday during which colleges are still in session.

    Most campuses don’t accept visits on the weekends, making the summer slightly more practical for extensive college touring itineraries. However, fall and winter months are great to get a better idea of college life, and avoid unrealistic expectations of eternal good weather on campus.

    Map out your itinerary

    New England might seem small, but mapping your trip out and being aware of commute time will ensure you can make all of your appointments.

    To create your itinerary, map out all your stops, and then arrange your itinerary in a “loop” with as little double-backs as possible. We recommend keeping it to 6 stops or less, and limiting yourself to 2 colleges per day to keep the trip manageable.

    Planning your Boston Metropolitan Area College Bus Tour

    Boston city is the perfect starting point to your East Coast college bus tour. And, with Boston University, MIT, and Harvard in such close proximity, it will be easy for you to plan several visits in one day, or to split up your group based on the students’ interests. If the weather permits it, we suggest docking the bus and making your way between schools afoot for your students to get a better idea of what student life in Boston can be like.

    Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Harvard University

    Planning your Rhode Island College Bus Tour

    Rhode Island is a two hour bus ride from Boston, making Brown University your next logical stop on the East Coast college campus circuit. Depending on how many schools you want to visit in the area, you might end up pairing this visit with a campus in Providence or New Hampshire.

    Organize a visit of Brown's university in Rhode Island, and get there by charter bus rental.

    Brown’s campus in Rhode Island

    Planning your Connecticut & New Hampshire College Bus Tour

    This is a three hour bus ride from Boston, so we suggest blocking a full day for visits to Yale and University of New Haven. Since New Hampshire is a half hour away from Connecticut, you could plan a Dartmouth visit on your way to Connecticut.

    Organize a group visit of Yale's campus, and get there with a charter bus rental.

    Yale’s campus in New Haven

    Planning your New York Metropolitan Area College Bus Tour

    Packing New York college visits into your itinerary might be ambitious, but it is doable if you’re ready for the 5 hour bus ride from Boston to the Big Apple.

    Many students are attracted to NYU and Columbia because they are situated in a vibrant city. To let the teens on your tour figure out if they would prefer attending school in NYC rather than a university town, we suggest docking your tour bus and moving your student group from school to school by subway.

    Visit NYU's urban campus by renting a charter bus.

    NYU’s urban campus

    Book everything in advance

    The more ambitious your student bus tour is, the more important it becomes for you to proactively book your visits and accommodations ahead of your trip.

    Most colleges and universities have comprehensive websites with easy to use sign-up forms, and near-campus accommodation recommendations. If you’re visiting during the summer, we suggest inquiring about on-campus accommodations in dorms, which will add to your group’s college experience!

    We also suggest taking advantage of our flexible cancellation policy, and reserving the tour bus you need for your group. To find out how much renting a school bus, mini bus, or coach bus  would cost for your East Coast college campus tour, you can request a bus rental quote here.