Forget planes trains and automobiles...Busses are the way to travel, especially when tickets are at rock-bottom prices.
Whether you’re visiting Grandma in Chicago or heading to Memphis for their famous barbecue, taking the bus can save a lot of money that you could be spending when you get there.
Megabus.com Offers Cheap One-way Fares to Certain Cities
- St. Louis-Kansas City $20
- Chicago-Minneapolis $24
- Memphis-Chicago $30
Greyhound is even getting into the act by offering e-fares for travel to and from New York City for as little as $12. But even these low fares won’t help you once you get to your destination. If you have to rent a car, for instance, leasing agencies might eat up those savings. Instead, try public transportation like subways in Manhattan, the L train in Chicago, and even Memphis has city busses.
How to Save Money on a Bus Trip
- Take food with you. Don’t waste the money you’re saving on high-fat expensive fast food. Pack sandwiches in a cooler for the trip and save restaurant dining for when you arrive at your destination.
- Plan ahead. Find out exactly where the bus terminal is located, how far it is from the closest subway or light rail station. Or better yet, find a hotel within walking distance of the bus station. But make sure it is in a safe area.
- If you have to rent a car, stay away from airports. Airport locations tend to charge more. You’re better off taking a cab to another one of the agency’s offices.
- Plan for delays. If you expect delays, you won’t be completely thrown off when they do happen. Adjust your schedule accordingly and leave time for simple relaxation. If you don't pack too many activities into a day, you and everyone you’re travelling with will be less stressed.
- Negotiate a lower hotel rate. The down economy is hurting everyone, especially hotels. If you don’t find the deal you want at one of the large travel web sites, contact the hotel directly and see if you can negotiate either a lower rate or a room upgrade. You’ll have a better chance if you wait until the last minute to book. But you also run the risk of rooms not being available.
- Bring comfort items from home. If you’ve never traveled by bus before, you may be pleasantly surprised or disappointed with the accommodations, depending on what you’re used to. So bring a pillow and a blanket from home, especially for a long trip. And don’t forget, busses are almost as dehydrating as planes. So pack some bottled water.
The copyright of the article Save Money with Cheap Bus Trips in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish Save Money with Cheap Bus Trips in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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