I don’t even want to think about how many nights we spent on an overnight bus. Sure they were pretty comfortable in South America, especially when we sprung for “cama” service- pillows, blankets and meals, but things were different in other places. I swear to you we rode an overnight bus in Malawi three abreast in a seat with a man’s suitcase on my lap. And the police pulled us off the bus. A night to remember for sure.
Here are a few things we picked up along the way to make those overnight bus rides more comfortable:
Socks: Although we loved our Chacos they were uncomfortable to sleep in and bus floors are nasty. My feet are always cold and well, now you see where the socks come into play.
Water/Snacks: Almost every bus we were ever on made a stop, but we never knew when that would be. We also never knew what we’d find at the stop, sometimes nothing more appetizing than a bag of chips. So we treated ourselves like toddlers and carried food to keep us happy.
Toiletries: A few wet wipes and a toothbrush will do wonders after an night on the bus. We created a mini-bus toiletry kit with some hand sanitizer or wet wipes, contact solution, a toothbrush with some paste and a contact case and solution. Rolling into a bus station at 5 am, the ability to feel human again before setting off on our next adventure made all the difference in the world.
Sleep sheet/small blanket: Some buses did provide blankets or sheets, but the majority didn’t. Two reasons for this suggestion: one bus temperatures it seems are never comfortable and two, being covered I was more comfortable falling asleep without wondering if my clothes were going to shift inappropriately in the night. No free shows on this bus gentlemen.
Earplugs: Self explanatory, really. Or if not, I can play that Nigerian music video that played over and over again on the bus in Kenya. That’s what I thought.
Inflatable pillow: This was worth every penny. Small and easy packable, this little pillow made nights on the overnight bus somewhat comfortable. You might look stupid, but trust me, your neck will appreciate it in the morning!
Book/ipod: I rarely used the ipod on the bus, its a target for theft and it detracts from what’s going on around you. Some travelers can’t live without though, and to be fair, when I was really having a bad day it was nice to shut everything out. I did however almost always try to have a book, even if it was the same book I’d been trying to exchange for three cities.
So what would you need or want to survive an overnight bus?
Laurel says
Great advice! When you’re traveling by bus in S. America or Asia, you really do need to be prepared for anything. I remember at times starving because I hadn’t bought enough food at the last stop if it didn’t look appetizing, then regretting it as my tummy growled for the next 4 hours. Also, the socks are an excellent suggestion!
Jillian says
@Laurel, I’m ridiculously obsessed with sleep socks, you know the really soft fuzzy ones. Of course, they were too “good” for the bus, so I used hiking socks instead. Anyway, it was good to know that my feet were protected from the random sticky stuff on the floor!
Ed says
I used to dread long rides but I’m enjoying them now. Great tips here!
One thing to recommend when using the ipod would be to wear a hoodie jacket so you can cover the wires of the headphones with it. just my thought.
First time here!
Jillian says
@Ed, Welcome to our blog. A hoodie is a great idea, but unfortunately I didn’t travel with one. Always wanted one for the buses though!
John in France says
How do I cope with an overnight bus trip? Book a hotel room!!!
Jillian says
@John Love it! I actually got quite comfortable on the bus… as you can tell from the photo!
Christy @ Ordinary Traveler says
Great suggestions here. I wish I could remember to bring healthy snacks, but I always seem to be sitting on the bus kicking myself for not bringing anything. I hate having to eat crap food when you are already in an uncomfortable situation.
I have to agree with you on the ipod. As a young traveler, I was robbed on a train while I was sleeping with headphones on. I learned my lesson! 🙂
Jillian says
@ Christy Robbed while you were sleeping? I hope you aren’t such a heavy sleeper anymore! 🙂 Danny once reached over me while I was sleeping on the train, trying to get something out of my bag. I must have sensed him or something because I immediately woke up and grabbed his hand before I even realized it was him. We decided that by the end of the trip I was sleeping like a dolphin- with part of my brain always awake sensing for danger. Needless to say I was always tired in the morning….
Allynn says
th8x 4 the ideas! I am going to D.C. and I will be on the bus overnight. It’s a school trip, so I don’t think it’ll be very comfy, cuz they’re one of those cheapy kinda schools. so ya, I kinda want to be as prepared as possible, cuz of tht. tytyty!
(I also reccomend tht u take a some pie) . . .jk lol
Allynn says
Do they have times or something available tht ppl can change into pj’s? I don’t like sleeping in jeans or jeweled shirts. 🙂 and ya, my name is confusing, but I’m a girl 🙂
Samantha Hill says
Good advice, pretty much needed all of these things during overnight bus journeys in Southeast Asia! The most valuable were the snacks, I’d have to pretty much buy the whole of 7eleven and try and fit it all in my backpack before I left!