Introduction
The day for your long bus journey is approaching. It’s exciting as you get ready to travel to a new destination with new adventures that await. But long bus rides can take their toll on you. That is, of course, unless you come well-prepared.
As you start getting your luggage ready, there are a couple of essentials you don’t want to miss bringing on board with you to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve prepared a list of 37 essentials to take with you on your long bus ride to help make your journey as pleasant as possible.
Your 37 Long Bus Ride Essentials
If you’ve ever needed a checklist for your next long-distance journey, you’ve come to the right place. Our checklist is broken up into categories with a list of all the essentials. So, settle in and get ready to find out what you need to bring along with you for the most enjoyable trip yet!
Travel Documents and Money
1. Ticket/Reservation
Whether it’s a printed or digital copy, the very first essential that you need to bring along with you is your bus ticket or reservation that will grant you access to your allocated seat on the bus. If you’re traveling in a group, make sure you have everyone’s tickets/reservations on-hand and in an easy-to-access place before everyone climbs on board.
2. Identification
It doesn’t matter whether you are traveling intra or interstate. One of the most important things to bring with you is some form of identification. This can be a passport, a driver’s license, or any other form of identity document. You never know when or where you may get stopped and asked to show who you are.
3. Cash
Always have some extra cash on hand. This is to enable you to be prepared in case of some emergencies or for unplanned expenses along the road. Perhaps there is a souvenir at a store somewhere along your journey that you just can’t not have. Remember that smaller places don’t always cater to card payments and as such, you should have some cash with you just in case.
4. Credit/Debit Cards
Having your credit and/or debit cards available will also ensure that you don’t have to carry wads of cash with you, which can be unsafe. What you should make sure of though is that your cards are accepted at your final destination. Not all operators accept card payments from your service provider and checking this in advance can help.
5. Travel Insurance (if applicable)
Having peace of mind on your journey can be enhanced by taking out travel insurance. Although it is unlikely, you may wish to insure your luggage and belongings or any other aspect related to your trip.
Personal Comfort
6. Travel Pillow
Bear in mind that long-distance buses are usually highly comfortable with reclining seats and armrests. However, to ensure your neck doesn’t strain, a neck pillow will be essential for its support.
7. Blanket or Shawl
Because long-distance buses usually switch on an air conditioning or central heating system, it’s worth being prepared for temperature changes. As buses can get cold, bringing a small blanket or a shawl along is another great idea.
8. Eye Mask
If you want to catch some shut-eye and not be distracted by the constantly moving objects that are part of the scenery, bring along an eye mask to block out the light.
9. Earplugs or Noise-Canceling Headphones
Whether you’d like to enjoy some quiet time in your own space or you’d like to fall asleep listening to calming music, bring along your earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to block out noise.
10. Comfortable Clothing
To avoid swollen limbs and overall discomfort, make sure you wear loose-fitting clothes. Clothes that are in layers are the best because you can always take some layers off or put them on, depending on the ambient temperature on the bus and your comfort levels.
11. Slippers or Easy-to-Remove Shoes
Although you can perform some leg exercises from the comfort of your seat on the bus, make sure you wear shoes that are easy to remove or bring along a pair of slippers for your feet. This will ensure greater levels of comfort during the ride.
Entertainment and Electronics
12. Phone/Tablet
In our modern world with advanced technology, you only need to bring along a phone or a tablet with downloaded movies, music, podcasts, or audiobooks to keep yourself entertained, have fun, and even learn something on the go.
13. Charger and Power Bank
And when it comes to electronics, be sure to bring a charger and power bank with you. But first, make sure that they are compatible with the outlets on the bus, if available.
14. Headphones/Earbuds
For those traveling in a group, sharing a movie or listening to music with your seating partner can be a great way to pass the time. Ideally, you’d want to bring headphones or earbuds too, preferably with a splitter, so as not to disturb others around you while enjoying yourself.
15. Books or E-readers
Bringing along a regular book is another fantastic way to pass the time. And if you want to bring along more than one, why not put them on an e-reader? Just make sure that this electronic device is charged and ready to go.
16. Travel Games or Playing Cards
Especially good if you are traveling with others, bringing along some travel games or playing cards is a fantastic way to bond and share a memorable experience while making your journey fun.
17. Journal and Pen
For the introspective ones who like to take in the sights and sounds and dwell on the moment, writing, doodling, or sketching could be a fantastic way to spend the time on your bus. For this reason, you may want to bring along a journal and pen or a small sketchbook with a pencil.
Snacks and Hydration
18. Water Bottle
Staying hydrated on a long journey is essential. That’s why you should definitely bring with you a water bottle and preferably a reusable one.
19. Non-perishable Snacks
To keep hunger at bay while ensuring you don’t feel nauseous, it’s advisable to bring along with you some non-perishable snacks. Examples include nuts, granola bars, and dried fruits.
20. Gum or Mints
After you’ve snacked, you’ll want to freshen your breath. That’s why gum or mints are advisable, too. Apart from fresh breath, they also help with ear popping at the different altitudes that you may be traveling.
21. Reusable Cutlery and Napkins
If you plan to eat a more significant meal on the bus, bringing along some reusable cutlery and napkins will not make for a heavy addition to your on-board luggage load. But they will certainly help you feel more hygienic as you munch away.
Health and Hygiene
22. Hand Sanitizer
After having a snack or meal, after stopping at pit stops, or if you somehow get your hands dirty, bringing along hand sanitizer is a great way to maintain cleanliness and hygiene and keep the germs away.
23. Wet Wipes or Baby Wipes
Wet wipes or baby wipes come in small packages and don’t weigh you down. However, they’re great for freshening up.
24. Toilet Paper or Tissues
Although long-distance coach bus restrooms are usually well-stocked, the last thing you want to do is ask the driver to stop the bus and restock the toilet paper. Simply make sure you bring some along with you to keep the journey flowing nicely and to ensure you are well-prepared.
25. Personal Medications
These are absolute essentials, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions. Make sure you also bring along any necessary medical prescriptions so that you can refill your medicine kit at your destination.
26. First Aid Kit
A first-aid kit is always a good idea and it doesn’t have to be big and bulky either. All you need are basics like band-aids and pain relievers in case of an emergency.
27. Lip Balm and Moisturizer
Because buses can be dry environments, lip balm, and moisturizer are great ways to keep your skin nourished and hydrated.
28. Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Use the bus restroom to freshen up and bring on board your toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste, especially for longer journeys.
29. Face Mask
Face masks should be brought along just in case and depending on current health guidelines.
Miscellaneous
30. Sunglasses
Small but highly useful accessories to bring with you are your sunglasses. That’s especially useful if you have a window seat.
31. Reusable Shopping Bag
This is always a good idea for any purchases you make during stops along the way.
32. Travel Guide or Map
For those who may be exploring new areas during layovers, carrying a travel guide or map can be a highly useful way to get you to your chosen spot with ease.
33. Backup Glasses/Contact Lenses
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, make sure you bring a backup just in case something happens to your current pair and you are struggling to see clearly.
34. Umbrella or Raincoat
The weather can change unpredictably and being prepared is the best option. So, be sure to take an umbrella or a raincoat, depending on the forecast.
Safety and Security
35. A padlock or Luggage Lock
To secure your belongings, both on and off the bus, invest in a padlock or a luggage lock.
36. Personal Alarm or Whistle
If you aren’t familiar with your destination and you want to feel extra safe, taking your personal alarm or a whistle for personal safety is always a good idea. They don’t weigh much or take up much space so it’s definitely worth bringing these items along.
37. Copy of Important Documents
Finally, make sure that you have copies of important documents that you’re carrying with you in case the originals are lost. Sometimes, mishaps happen and you want to be as well-prepared for your journey and your final destination as possible.
Key takeaways
And there you have it! An extensive list of things to pack and bring along on board with you on your long bus journey. Almost none of these items are very heavy or large to take up much space in your on board luggage.
However, ensuring you bring them with you can make your journey a much more pleasant one and this can extend beyond when you reach your final destination.
Being prepared is always a good idea and by following our 37-point checklist, you’re sure to feel ready for the trip ahead, no matter where it takes you or how long it takes to get there. Bon voyage!