40 Essential Tips for Long Bus Rides

1. Organize your tickets and reservations

Make sure to bring your tickets and proofs of purchase, whether as digital or physical copies, and keep them easily accessible. Physical documents should be stored in a waterproof holder to avoid damage, while digital documents should be saved in multiple places like group chats and cloud folders.

2. Carry valid identification

Passport, driver's license, and government-issued official ID are essential to bring with you. Keep them with you, not in your luggage. Make sure to have photocopy backups.

3. Bring cash for emergencies

Even though digital payment methods are extremely popular nowadays, some places may face technological issues or even not accept your method at all. You can spare yourself from that hassle by keeping cash in small bills. You can also split it in several bags for safety.

4. Pack your credit/debit cards

If you need to bring large amounts of money, carrying cards is much safer than cash. Then again, there are some precautions to take: make sure that your cards are accepted at your destination and notify your bank of your travel plans in order to avoid negative surprises.

5. Consider travel insurance

Most travel insurance policies cover cancellations, delays, and lost belongings for a small investment. If you can hire it from a trusted provider, it will definitely bring you peace of mind.

6. Invest in a high-quality travel pillow

Memory foam neck pillows offer great support. While inflatable versions are easier to carry, they tend to deflate too quickly. That is a problem because it can strain your neck.

7. Bring a blanket or a shawl with you

Air conditioning in buses are usually strong. If you bring a light blanket, or even a shawl, you will be able to stay warm without bringing too much additional weight.

8. Bring a blackout eye mask

Those masks completely block sunlight, which is very helpful during daytime travel. Choose an adjustable eye mask made of soft materials.

9. Pack earplugs and/or noise-cancelling headphones

No one wants to spend the entire trip hearing engine noise or chatter, right? Those devices allow you to filter out noise and, if possible, listen to your preferred music. They are essential for creating a quiet space.

10. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes

This tip is essential during long bus trips. Instead of tight jeans or restrictive outfits, choose loose-fitting clothes made with breathable fabrics. That will help prevent swelling and other sources of discomfort.

11. Bring slippers or shoes that are easy to remove

Just like the rest of your body, your feet need to breathe. Slip-ons are ideal, but any other comfortable shoes work here. Lace-up boots are not recommendable, but compression socks will help with circulation.

12. Download content into your device ahead of the trip

Movies, TV shows, audiobooks, podcasts, playlists, whatever you prefer. While most travel buses offer onboard Wi-Fi connection nowadays, you should not rely on it for lengthy downloads.

13. Bring your device chargers and/or a power bank

If we hate when our phones die at a night out in the city, why would we allow that to happen during a long bus trip? Besides fully charging your electronic devices the night before, make sure to bring their chargers, any other necessary cables, and a power bank if you have one.

14. Pack high-quality headphones or earbuds

If filtering out external noise is not enough, make sure to invest in noise-cancelling headphones to properly enjoy your preferred content. If you need to share them, using a splitter will come in handy.

15. Bring books or an e-reader

Excellent options if you want to travel without looking at phone screens. E-readers allow you to easily bring many books at once, but you will have to make sure they're fully charged.

16. Pack travel Games and/or card decks

If you are traveling with family or friends, you might want to consider games to play with them. In case you choose board games, we recommend magnetic boards because of the vehicle's movement. Either way, group games are a great way to create bonding moments.

17. Bring your physical or digital journal

Introspective travelers, on the other hand, may prefer to write, sketch, or record their memories in other ways. This is a great way to spend travel time without looking at digital screens.

18. Carry a reusable water bottle

Staying hydrated is essential for many reasons; avoiding headaches is only one of them. We recommend bringing a 16-20 oz bottle and refilling it whenever you reach a bus stop.

19. Pack non-perishable snacks

Nuts, granola bars, and dried fruits are some examples. Besides those, trail mix with dark chocolate adds energy. The biggest recommendation here is to avoid messy foods, since you will be eating in a moving vehicle.

20. Bring gum or mints

Both options are small and easy to pack and freshen your breath after snacking. Chewing gum is particularly helpful because it minimizes ear popping.

21. Pack napkins and reusable cutlery

While most bus companies offer catering services, it is always good to be prepared. Having extra napkins comes in handy if something unexpected happens, while reusable cutlery is an interesting option for being eco-friendly.

22. Always carry hand sanitizer

We recommend using it before eating and whenever you enter a crowded space, such as a bus stop. 3-oz bottles are enough for a bus trip, according to our experience, see more hand hygiene tips for travelers.

23. Pack wet wipes and/or baby wipes

These are great options for freshening up because they are more effective than tissues. We recommend you pick unscented ones.

24. Bring toilet paper or tissues

You know how the old saying goes: it's better to have, and not need, than to need, and not have. Then again, a small pack should be enough.

25. Keep personal medication accessible

Bring more than what you will actually need during the trip, and never store them in the bags that go in the cargo area. We also recommend packing motion sickness pills.

26. Pack a basic first-aid kit

You can keep it simple here. Band-aids, pain relievers, and antihistamines should cover most minor issues.

27. Bring lip balm and moisturizer

Air inside a bus cabin is usually dry. Travel-size containers of those products are easy to pack, and allow you to keep your skin hydrated and your lips smooth.

28. Pack toothbrush and small toothpaste

Not only they allow you to freshen up during long rides, but also they are essential to preserve dental health. Travel-size tubes fit easily and make a big difference.

29. Carry a face mask

They are useful even if the current health guidelines do not obligate their use. Many of our travelers still use them especially when entering crowded places, such as bus stops.

30. Don't forget your sunglasses

Even if you're not traveling to hot destinations, sunglasses are helpful for window seats in the bus because they reduce glare and eye strain. Besides, they allow you to enjoy the scenery more comfortably.

31. Bring a reusable shopping bag

They fold small and are perfect for small purchases you make during the bus trip. Besides, they make it easier to store those extra purchases in the overhead bin.

32. Pack travel guides or maps

Yes, we know that everyone can access travel information on their phones. However, we recommend keeping physical maps as backup especially in places with limited Internet access, like when you are on the road. Plus, they are educational for kids.

33. Bring backup glasses or contact lenses

No one wants to have vision issues when traveling, right? You should also add lens solution if applicable. It is a small investment that comes with huge peace of mind.

34. Pack an umbrella or a raincoat

Weather can change fast, especially when you are on the road. Compact umbrellas or lightweight raincoats won't take too much space and can easily keep you dry.

35. Use a strong padlock or luggage lock

Either one of those keeps your belongings secure whether they are in the cargo area or the overhead bins. TSA-approved locks work well too and add peace of mind.

36. Carry a personal alarm or whistle

Once again, "it's better to have it and not need…". Those devices are useful in unfamiliar areas especially for people traveling alone. Besides, they are light to pack and quite discreet.

37. Keep copies of important documents

They serve as easy backup if the originals eventually get lost. To that end, make sure to store them separately. Save digital copies offline.

38. Choose your seat wisely

According to feedback from our clients, window seats in rows 5–10 are the best ones. Besides that, you should avoid back rows near the bathrooms because there will always be people walking next to you. Lastly, front seats often have better air circulation. Keep in mind that you will only be able to make those choices if you book early and choose the appropiate vehicle category.

39. Follow the three-zone packing system

Under your seat: Essentials such as phone charger, snacks, and medication

Overhead bin: Comfort items like blanket, pillow, and books

Cargo area: Items you won't need during the trip

We also recommend using clear packing cubes and outer pockets.

40. Do not forget to move

Move every 30–60 minutes you stayed seated. Do ankle rolls, neck stretches, and shoulder shrugs. Stand only when it's safe, of course. Compression socks are always helpful. Rest stops are great opportunities to move a little.