8 Simple tips to have a comfortable long-distance bus trip Posted on 11 March 2021 Thousands of people rely on long-distance bus services between South African provinces or even from South Africa to one of our neighbouring nations. Given the vastness of the southern African region, this can involve journeys that take up most of the day or even overnight. “Now, along with the stiff legs, boredom and fatigue, travellers also need to manage the risks of COVID-19 on their bus journey. However, travelling by bus is affordable, and often the only means of long-distance transportation, so it should be comfortable and even enjoyable if you’re well-prepared,” says Brandon Duffield, Managing Director for Ticketpro, which has just added long-haul bus tickets to its portfolio of services. With that in mind, here are a few tips on how you can enjoy a safe and comfortable journey. 1. Remember masks, sanitisers and social distancing Try to wear a cloth facemask throughout your journey, besides when you’re eating or stretching your legs far from others during a stop. Pack an extra mask or two, in case you lose a mask or want to change it for a fresh one. Take hand sanitiser to clean your hands after you touch potentially infected surfaces. Also bring sanitising wipes to clean seats, eating trays, handles and other surfaces. 2. Travel overnight For an especially long trip, travelling overnight can relieve some of the boredom. You can sleep and arrive refreshed at your destination rather than gazing out the window for hours wondering when you’ll get there. 3. Pack a blanket and neck pillow For extra comfort and to beat the air-conditioning on your bus trip, make sure to pack a blanket and pillow. 4. Remember earplugs and an eye mask Earplugs to shut out noise from the road and passenger chatter, plus an eye mask to cut out the glare, can help you to settle in for some sleep, especially if travelling during the daytime. 5. Padkos It’s far cheaper to bring your own snacks than to buy from convenience stores. Pack yourself energy drinks and water so you can stay hydrated throughout your trip. 6. Stretch your legs at every opportunity Take advantage of the rest stops to get off the bus and stretch. It will relieve your fatigue and the cramps in your body. 7. Pack entertainment for the kids Word-searches, colouring books, activity books, and small boardgames can keep the kids entertained during a long bus ride. 8. Choose your seat Remember, you can now buy long-distance bus tickets for most major bus operators at SPAR Payzone Ticketpro kiosks, Sasol Delight garages, Power Fashion stores and Blu Approved outlets across the country. The following bus-liners are now partners of Ticketpro and your bus trip can be booked with NO extra booking fees with: City to City Translux DMJ Eldo Coaches InterCity InterCape Africa People Mover (APM) Picture: Unsplash Related Posts Maldives: the land of coconut milk and honey 22 June 2022 To me, the Maldives is the absolute best place on earth for two reasons: the... read more Luangwa National Park – the wildest bush-walking experience in Africa 15 June 2022 North Luangwa National Park in Zambia is remote and completely inaccessible in the wet season,... read more Five of Kruger National Park’s best picnic sites 14 June 2022 There are picnic 12 sites spread out throughout the Kruger Park. These are some lesser-known,... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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