The good news is that with a little bit of care and planning, it is possible to survive a ten or twenty hour bus ride without tearing your hair out. Here are seven simple tips for doing just that.

Photo by Party Lin

Choose Your Route

The first step towards a peaceful bus journey is to choose that journey wisely. Regardless of where you are going, there is likely to be more than one bus company that can take you there. Pay close attention to the following factors.

• Is there wi-fi on board? Wi-fi is now incredibly common on buses but there are still a few companies that don’t yet provide it.
• How many rest stops are made? If you are travelling for ten hours or more, regular stops are absolutely essential.
• Is it possible to travel by night? Nobody likes spending an entire day on a bus. If at all possible, travel by night. You can cut the journey in half by getting some sleep onboard. You can also save yourself the cost of a nights accommodation.

Arrive Early

Most bus companies don’t allow passengers to reserve specific seats. Getting on early is therefore essential. Window seats are not only easier to sleep in, they provide you with something to look at other than the seat in front of you.

Stay Hydrated

Never board a long distance bus without a bottle of water. Don’t underestimate how dehydrated bus travel can make you. And unlike planes and trains, buses don’t come with onboard snack carts.

Make Yourself Comfortable

If you want to maximise the chances of you getting some sleep onboard, ear plugs are essential. The constant sound of a buses engine is not exactly relaxing. Should you be worried about your ability to grab a window seat, a travel pillow is also well worth purchasing.

Keep Yourself Occupied

If you want to avoid maddening levels of boredom, it’s important to pack something to keep you occupied. A good book can go a long way but if you’ve managed to find a bus with onboard wi-fi, a device that will allow you to surf the net is a much better choice. Just don’t forget to charge it before you get on board.

Watch Out for Theft

Regardless of how friendly and innocent the other passengers seem, always keep an eye out for thieves and pickpockets. If you are going to be travelling with any carry on luggage, keep it locked. And if you want to keep any valuables in your pockets, choose the pockets that you’ll be sitting on.

Take Full Advantage of Stops

Finally, don’t forget to take full advantage of any rest stops that are made along the way. Regardless of whether or not you want to eat or smoke, it’s important to take full advantage of any chance you get to stretch your legs. It’s likely to be hours before you get another one.

Barbara Woodberry, the author of this article works as an editor for a website called magazinesubscriptions.com. They help to provide their customers with the subscription of their favorite magazine at a very cheap rate.

The post Seven Tips for Staying Sane on Long Bus Journeys appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo by admin

Turn Up the Music

The usual pastime is listening to the radio; this engages you and actively keeps your attention.  It allows your mind to work and keeps you alert to your surroundings.  There are times when it may not be appropriate to get involved with listening to the music because you may not be concentrating on the other drivers around you.  If this happens, it is OK to switch to another channel or just turn the music off.

Educate Yourself

For someone who is not into listening to music, they can bring their favorite book on CD.  This is great for someone who likes to be intrigued and entertained.  It should not overpower their concentration and like before, if it does they can turn it off.  This also includes learning a language.  It is simple to listen and repeat the words without losing control.  Depending on the distance, you might be able to learn a few phrases.

Enjoy the Scenery

A person with a camper or RV is able to stop and look at any site that interests them.  The flexibility of a road trip is nice, because it is more relaxed than flying or being on a train.  You are able to stop and buy something or use the facilities at any moment.  It is more relaxing for some and more preferable.  The greatest part of having one of these vehicles is that you are able to sleep in them as well.  Some people can sleep in a car, but it is not as roomy and accommodating.

Travel in Comfort

A RV is made to house someone wherever they may be.  For someone who is spontaneous, they are able to stop at campgrounds and relax.  This is great if they get sleepy; it is better to take some time for rest and be safe.

RVs are considered safe for the most part and are recommended by many.  They offer a place to stay and transportation for the cost of one.  This is great for anyone on a budget, because they are able to go on the trips they want without saving for years.  Accidents can happen and usually at the most inconvenient times; it is essential to take care of the damage right away.  You can visit an RV collision company and a professional will assist in their repairs.  Usually the work is done within a couple days, depending on the damage, and then you are able to be back on their way and having fun.

Archie Johnson is a freelance blogger for RV Renovators, an RV collision company in AZ.

The post How to Entertain Yourself on a Solo Road Trip appeared first on Europe Explored.

Moldoveanu peak is 2544 m high. There are many hiking trails leading from the villages in the valley to the top of Moldoveanu, but they are mainly very steep. Therefore the most popular trail, however it is longer, leads over the Viştea Mare (2527m), by coming from Podragu, Sambata, or by the Vistea Valley.

From the top of Moldoveanu you can enjoy beautiful views of the Făgăraş Mountains and the valley. Below the peak there is a tourist lodge where you can sleep for free and take the water for the following hike.

View Moldoveanu Peak (2544m) – the highest mountain of Romania in a larger map

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Jukkasjarvi Ice Hotel, Sweden by bjaglin

During the winter season from December to April the aurora borealis light up the sky regularly. Ice hotel is located in the zone of most frequent northern lights occurrence.

Sleeping in a fantastic design rooms between artworks and sculptures made of ice is a great experience. Here you really can enjoy ice and snow. Try some of the non-traditional activities that are available here like a transfer from the airport on the dog sled, snowmobile safaris, ride on a sleigh pulled by reindeer, a night trip on horseback in aurora, hunting expeditions, ice sculpture, reception in the typical Lapland tents or a wild party in a unique Absolut Icebar.

If you love cold and winter, then The Biggest Ice hotel in the world is the best choice for you.

You can find more information about this unique Ice hotel on its official site icehotel.com. If you have ever been accommodated here or in any other ice hotel, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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