How to Stay Safe when Traveling by Bus

More and more people are choosing bus travel as an affordable way to get from point A to point B. Riding the bus means that you don’t have to deal with the stress of being behind the wheel.

Whether your destination is a short trip across town or a longer journey, it’s important to consider the following safety precautions before you even step onboard. Doing so will help to ensure your wellbeing and allow you to have the most pleasant experience possible.

Before You Travel

Before you even purchase a ticket, it’s recommended that you research the safety record of the bus company you’ll be using. These records are available (through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) for public viewing, and include statistics such as accidents and speeding violations. Taking the time to do this research just might save you frustration down the road.

In regard to luggage, pack light if at all possible. Bus companies each have their own baggage policies, many of which only allow for one small carry-on bag. This means that the rest of your luggage must be stored in a compartment located out of your view. Unfortunately, being separated from your belongings makes it easier for someone else to steal them. The lighter you pack, the more you can carry on with you.

At the Bus Stop or Station

When you arrive at the bus station or stop, try to wait in a well-lighted area. The majority of crimes occur in areas that are dark and deserted. It’s also a good idea to carry a small can of mace, provided it’s legal in your state.

On the Bus

When entering the bus, acquaint yourself with the location of the emergency exits and also the hammer used to break windows, in the event that the emergency exits are blocked.

Some people are very personable and love to meet new people. If this sounds like you, resist the urge to chat with the bus driver. He or she may become distracted, which could then result in an accident.

Make sure to pack a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your carry-on bag. Use each time you touch public surfaces in the interior of the bus, such as the seat in front of you, the bus railing and all surfaces in the bathroom. Certain germs have a long lifespan. The last thing you want to do is to spread them even further.

If you’re going on a long trip and plan to get off the bus at restaurants etc., take note of the bus number in case there are other buses (from the same company) in the parking area. You definitely don’t want to make the mistake of getting the wrong bus.

Riding the bus isn’t the most glamorous mode of transportation. However, it is an affordable and convenient one. Not only that, many bus companies continue to make improvements in regard to passenger comfort.

Taking steps to ensure your safety while riding the bus is up to you. Adhering to the information provided in this article is the first step, and it’s probably much easier to accomplish than you think. The next time you’re in need of transportation, bus travel is definitely worth your consideration.

Safety Tips When Taking a Road Trip

There’s a lot to be said about taking a road trip. Traveling by car allows you to better enjoy the scenery and discover places that you might not find otherwise. It’s also a wonderful way to spend quality time with your family and friends.

Before you even leave your driveway, though, it’s important to consider the following safety-related advice. Unfortunately, no one is immune when it comes to the possibility of accidents or other types of tragedy. Being prepared, safety-wise helps to reduce the chance of any problems.

Schedule a Tune-Up

Scheduling a tune-up shortly before you hit the road helps to ensure that you won’t have any major car repair issues. Pay a qualified mechanic to check your vehicle’s air conditioning unit, tires, battery, and all belts and fluids.

If you’ll be towing a trailer or traveling through a hot climate, ask the mechanic if you should switch to a higher viscosity oil to keep the car’s motor running in tip-top shape.

Pack an Emergency Kit

It’s good practice to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. It should include items like:

* Flares

* Non-perishable snacks

* Jumper cables

* Water

* Warm blankets (if traveling in cold weather)

* Basic tools (to change a tire)

* First aid kit

If possible, you should also include a fully-charged (spare) cell phone. You never know when you may need a backup.

“Child-Proof” the Backseat

In the event that you’re traveling with children, it’s imperative that you “child-proof” the backseat. If your vehicle is equipped with child safety locks, activate them. Remove any harmful substances which may have taken up residence on the floorboard, such as bottles of windshield washer fluid or oil. In addition, secure items such as toys and books, to prevent them from becoming flying projectiles should it become necessary for you to stop quickly.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

It should go without saying that if you’re going to be the driver, you need a good night’s sleep. Recent data indicates that sleepy drivers are a contributing factor in at least 100,000 traffic accidents per year. If you start to feel drowsy behind the wheel, stop at the nearest rest area or share the driving responsibility with other licensed passengers.

Block out the Sun

Yes, it’s a wise idea to wear sunscreen when riding in a car. Sunglasses and hats provide an extra layer of protection for little ones. When you exit the vehicle, cover car seats with blankets so they don’t get hot. It really doesn’t take long for everything inside to get hot enough to burn a child’s skin.

As the old saying goes, “it’s always better to be safe than sorry.” The last thing you want is for an accident of some type to ruin your vacation. Remember, staying safe on a road trip is just as important as staying safe when you utilize other modes of travel.

Performing the aforementioned tasks is recommended, a few days before the trip. This way, you won’t forget to do something at the last minute, when everyone is excited to get started.

Ninja tips for squeezing THE MOST out of a budget airline flight I’m not a fan of airlines that nickel and dime you for every little single thing (think: drink, snack, picking your seat, 3″ more legroom, and even your carry on.) Geez. But, you can find some killer deals on many sites. The catch? At those prices, you may have to pack ULTRA light because it’s an extra $40-$50+ each way for a carry-on bag. (The first checked bag is usually cheaper, so if you must bring a lot of stuff, check it instead of carrying it on). Just remember you do get a free “personal item.” So here’s what I’ve done and you can too:

• First, find flights by being signed up to each airline companies email list and keep an eye on their sales.

They tend to be frequent and sometimes they have high promo codes.

• Once you find the flight you want, get it.

But do NOT sign up for any of their extras. I never choose a seat (& in case you’re wondering- I do this even if I’m traveling with my children. In my experience, flight employees will always keep family seats together. I bring my own snacks and water or just go without. (Okay let’s be serious LOL. It’s me… I ALWAYS have snacks)

• Use a comfortable backpack

It should fit all the way under the seat in front of you, vertically or horizontally.

• Travel-sized everything!

Bring a comb instead of a brush. A little pill bag with some tooth powder in it instead of a tube of toothpaste. Just a small amount of the necessary toiletries in travel-sized containers, which can either be refilled at the destination or just buy a little bit of stuff as needed. It’s cheaper to buy $5-$10 worth of toiletries, or even a clothing item or two at the destination if you have to, than to pay $100 or more round trip to bring your stuff from home. • Bring lightweight, synthetic (I.e. fast-drying fabrics) clothes that you can easily wash–even in the sink, if necessary–and re-wear. So now, you’ll have maybe 3-5 outfits and plan on doing laundry a few times while traveling.

• Use packing cubes to help organize and compress clothes.

Always roll rather than fold (you can fit more in that way). I’ve tried using vacuum bags, but they are too bulky and don’t use up all the luggage space wisely.

• Wear your bulkiest clothes and layer them if you can.

I’ve worn regular pants over leggings, a longer shirt over a t-shirt, etc. It’s usually cold on the plane anyway. Also, layering is a good way to go if you’re traveling in the cold months.

• Try to only bring 1 pair of shoes

(the ones on my feet) but if you need to have an extra pair for some reason, absolutely wear the bulkier ones on the flight and pack the lightest ones in your bag (as compressed as possible). I found a really comfortable pair of flats that I can pack in my bag for dressier occasions, and wear my favorite running/walking shoes on the plane. Or in the colder months, I’ll wear my dressier boots on the plane and pack a light pair of running shoes for more comfortable walking, or the gym.

• A jacket with a lot of pockets will be your best friend.

You can load it with the kinds of things you’d normally have in your purse (which you may ot otherwise have–at least not during the flight–since you’re only allowed one personal item), plus any extra stuff you want to bring that doesn’t fit into your bag.

• Skip the souvenirs

(If your return flight is also on a budget airline) Or if you buy something, then something that you brought from home gets thrown out or donated (first choice) to make space. So, if you know you’ll probably want to get a t-shirt, simply pack one of your old t-shirts and just dispose of it to make room for the new one. Same principle applies if you’re going to a conference and know you’ll likely return with some cool swag or a couple of new books or something.

• If you end up with more going back than what you came with and can’t part with any of it, go to the post office and mail a package to yourself.

If they’re books, you can send them for pretty cheap via media mail. If they’re clothes, they are usually pretty lightweight. Unless it’s a huge package, it’ll probably be less than $30 which would be your minimum for bringing it back on the plane (checked bag).

• Only take what you know you will absolutely need and use on the trip.

No “just in case” items. So this usually means just your clothes, laptop, essential toiletries/meds/vitamins (just the amount you will need for the trip, in pill bags), plus your phone and wallet (pared down to minimum as well), chargers, and a small external battery to recharge my phone on the go. Bring an empty water bottle (any that can be flattened or has a clip to attach to your backpack will do..no need to get fancy here) and a little snack or two for the flight. If there’s enough room you can toss in a magazine for entertainment (many airports in Europe offer a magazines for free, you’ll see them on the wall near your gate) But there’s always the phone if your bag and jacket pockets have getting too full. Go ahead and download the Kindle app for good measure. It’s free and you don’t need a Kindle for it!