June 5th, 2008
General Tips for Travel Around The USA
Generally speaking, getting around America is very easy and shouldn’t be a problem for any visitor. Since in this country fuel is cheap, commuting by road makes more sense than taking a train. For longer journeys, normally the airlines win with fast and efficient services. However there are many situations where taking the bus makes more sense but then how is one supposed to gauge which to take and when? To know more details keep your eyes on this page.
Traveling by bus in the US.
Whether or not it is warranted, bus travel has a somewhat beleaguered reputation in the U. The reality however is that there is plenty of categories of buses available, ranging from luxury to economy depending on the carrier. Of course everyone has heard of Greyhound buses as they are a national service (the only one) and they pretty much dominate the US market. You may also have heard of Trailways and Coach USA who are made up of smaller companies that have joined forces to offer a certain brand and service level. In addition there are several strong regional players in the bus industry, although they may share service with Greyhound on certain routes.
There is a new addition to the industry with the entry of ‘Chinatown bus’ a word which describes cheap bus services run by companies who operate in a clipped down manner on specific routes and, as the name suggests, charge lesser fare than the usual companies. Originally these carriers tended to operate in, and cater to, the Chinese immigrant community but now the phenomenon appeals to a much wider group of customers. If you are someone who does not like to fly, do not be dismayed as the luxury bus services available now are competing directly with the airlines for their business. Generally speaking, these services are used by people that are no further away than six hours say but can experience 1st class facilities on board the bus.
So how can you make up your mind when you need to travel by bus? To get an answer to this question, try answering the questions which appear below: If, when you travel, you do so on a budget then using a bus will beat all other forms of transportation. It is, without doubt the least expensive way to travel across America and if you are traveling in the North East of the country, even more so as there are more companies who want your business.
Do you think once you reach your destination you will require a car? New York, Boston, Washington DC) a car is not only unnecessary but will be a burden to drive and to park once you arrive.
What most people don’t realise is just how much time is wasted at airports ‘waiting’ and of course there are the increased security checks so for journeys of under 6 hours, the bus is the best bet. Buses also have a number of steps and generally speaking there is more likelihood of stopping at a convenient location in the city than there is if you fly.
If you are traveling to a more remote are of America then you are less likely to have an airport close by which means a bus may be the best method to get you where you want to go. What kind of time do you have in your hands? If there is no urgency in your travel, traveling by bus makes more sense as then you get the chance to enjoy the countryside at a leisurely pace. If you are under time pressure, the bus is probably not the best choice as it is subject to traffic delays and usually takes a little longer than other modes of transportation. Overall, the bus is a great option for visitors to the US who are looking for transportation between major US cities and more remote destinations alike. As gas prices rise and train services see more cuts, it will undoubtedly be an even more popular way to get around.
