The size of the bus you rent depends on your group's needs and can range from a small mini-bus to a full size coach, as pictured here.
A bus day trip is an affordable and reliable way to enjoy the sights and sounds of home or to have an adventure somewhere new. Buses also are one of the most risk-free ways to journey. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, buses are the safest form of highway transportation, tied only with trucks and far ahead of cars and motorcycles. Planners have a wide variety of resources available to help make organizing a safe and enjoyable bus day trip a seamless and uncomplicated process.
Instructions
Research
1. Log onto one of several charter bus databases available online, where you will find search options for every state and every type of bus you may need. These sites include busrates.com, busreserve.com and busbank.com. (See Resources). Websites such as these are the best option for initial planning, because they make a plethora of companies available so that you can decide which one best suits your needs.
2. Enter both the type of bus you are looking for and the name of your state in the search box on the website. The search engine will lead you to either a list of bus companies that may suit your needs or will simply open an estimate request form and send your request to the companies that best suit your needs. If the search engine presents you with results to choose from, browse through the companies available and select those from which you would like to receive an estimate. Read user reviews, note the star ratings of each company, and request an estimate.
3. Check out the companies yourself while you are waiting for a response. You can collect information on the companies from the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org (see Resources 2). This will allow you peace of mind when you choose a bus company for your day trip.
4. Ask each responding company its deposit and payment policy. According to the Charter Bus Operators Database, most companies have traditionally required a 22 percent deposit; however, there has been a trend toward requiring up to 100 percent. Also, request the company's tipping policy, and if the driver's gratuity is included or is above the quoted price.
5. Commit to one bus company once you have done sufficient research and feel satisfied with your choice. Pay the deposit.
The Final Details
6. Call the places you are planning on visiting to inquire about their group packages and availability. Mention the number of people you will have with you, and ask about the best times of day to bring a group your size. It may be to your benefit to book ahead so as to avoid standing in line at different places.
7. Put together a detailed itinerary of your day for the bus driver and the group you are bringing on the trip. Include items such as departure/arrival times, entrance fees, meals and even small items such as reminders to bring sunscreen. Ask your bus company if you are responsible for your bus driver's meals.
8. Clarify any expectations you have for the driver, such as pick up/drop off time and meals. Pay the remainder of the bus payment according to the timing you agreed upon.
