[noflylist]

Though bus journeys in India is generally safe, the bus ride can be bumpy and uncomfortable.

Following tips should help in making bus journey comfortable, pleasurable and safe.

1. If on a longer journey (more than 4,5 hours try to get a luxury bus. Worth some extra Ruppes.
2. When booking the ticket, try to get a seat towards the back of bus whichis less bumpy.
3. Carry a cushion to sit on, your butt will thank you for it.
4. Carry bottled water, stops are every 4 hours or so.
5. Carry some snacks and/or fresh fruit, see number 4.
6. Carry Aspirin, plastic bags for garbage, vomiting etc, antidiarrheal medicine just in case Delhi belly decides to act up.
7. Carry ear plugs, some buses put on loud music or video with loud sound. You can also block out noisy travel companions or your better half (gasp!).
8. Carry eye shades, for protection against sun and dust.
9. Carry airline type eye mask to sleep.
10. Wear comfortable sandals or canvas shoes.
11. Carry a music player and/or a book to keep yourself occupied.
12. During stops, go to the establishment the bus stops at. I would eat the cooked food, but if buying packaged snack check the sell by date. If buying water, make sure the bottle is sealed. And get back to the bus in alloted time.
13. If you can, keep your luggage with you in the bus.
14. If large suitcases, you will have to keep the luggage in luggage compartment in the belly of the bus. Keep your luggage locked.
15. In older buses, larger luggage is kept on top of bus, try to get down at stops to see that no one takes it.
16. The bus driver, conductor, helper etc are a great source of information about local places. You can always ask them about accommodation tip, local food etc.
17. Talk to your fellow passangers, some of them are quite knowledgeable about the place you are visiting. Some great tips may result from it.
18. In case of a dispute, talk with a normal but firm voice. This goes long way.
19. When you reach destination, if touristry place, touts will bug you and most times they jump on the bus before you reach the destination. Do not make an eye contact or talk to them, the deal they offer always ends up bad in a substandard hotel. Go to hotels directly to inquire. Go to two or three different places before deciding.
20. Smile!

Edited by noflylist, 30 May 2007 - 01:40 AM.

[Sudheer Poppa]

Quote

2. When booking the ticket, try to get a seat towards the back of bus whichis less bumpy.

Not too sure if you got this mixed. I thought the seats in the end are more bumpy and can give you a eery feeling when the bus takes curves. So I would be recommending the front seats!

Great list of tips otherwise.

Quote

12. During stops, go to the establishment the bus stops at. I would eat the cooked food, but if buying packaged snack check the sell by date

I would like to add here that many such establishments sell fake branded snacks. Like caddburys and birtania.. so watch out for the spellings as well. I am normally comfortable buying locally made snacks rather than odd sounding fake biscuts and stuff!

[vinayverma]

Just sleep as soon as you get intothe bus..rest all taken care.
if not feeling sleepy, try a glass of any of our wines.
still not workng try Old Monk Rum, it has to work.

[noflylist]

vinayverma, on May 30 2007, 04:41 AM, said:

Just sleep as soon as you get intothe bus..rest all taken care.
if not feeling sleepy, try a glass of any of our wines.
still not workng try Old Monk Rum, it has to work.

... or try good ol' valium!

[noflylist]

Sudheer Poppa, on May 30 2007, 03:20 AM, said:

I would like to add here that many such establishments sell fake branded snacks. Like caddburys and birtania.. so watch out for the spellings as well. I am normally comfortable buying locally made snacks rather than odd sounding fake biscuts and stuff!

Great tip, Sudhir!

[noflylist]

Carry plenty of small change
Carry a blanket for AC can be high and/or it can get cold at nights

Edited by noflylist, 01 June 2007 - 08:18 AM.

[jyotirmoy]

noflylist, on May 30 2007, 06:27 PM, said:

... or try good ol' valium!

But not the two together.

[jyotirmoy]

I thought the rear seats were more bumpy

[noflylist]

jyotirmoy, on Jun 2 2007, 11:17 PM, said:

I thought the rear seats were more bumpy

Consensus seems to be that! Ammend No. 2!

I prefer rear seat for lesser noise and traffic.

Edited by noflylist, 03 June 2007 - 11:07 AM.