Though overland travel seems dreadful to most, I actually do enjoy them. Given the right comfort of course, I love long bus rides. It can be very tiring, but there are times that I can also find relaxation in the middle of it. I haven’t done a full day of traveling because I like to split my travel time between cities, so the most I’ve done is at 12 hours. But even a journey of 4 hours could be just as dire depending on the circumstances.
There are many pros to traveling overland though, whether it be by bus or train, which makes it pretty hard to resist sometimes. Besides getting treated to wonderful sites of stunning landscapes, overland travel is way cheaper compared to flying, the downside being the time you spend. But if you plan it wisely enough, you could actually be saving more time than you think. Read on to find out how to make the most of your overland journey.
1.) MUSIC IS NON-NEGOTIABLE. A good playlist is necessary for me to enjoy the trip. Just like a long plane ride, music can actually save you from sublime boredom and nothingness. I like to have a playlist prepared so when I find myself dozing off, I don’t get waken up and jump up from an aggressive trap mix. Yes, there are times I get over my own music after listening to it for a continuous 6 hours, but it’s a lot better than listening to the drivers’ preference of songs. Especially if you’re traveling through Asia, chances are, you’ll be stuck listening to very cheesy Asian pop music. Sometimes, they’d play popular english 80’s-90’s songs…but in a very obnoxious (and bad) techno-ish mix.
2.) SPLIT YOUR TRAVEL TIME. If you are blessed with the luxury of time, consider splitting your trip into more than one. I know I did say I love long overland journey, but 36 hours of overland travel sounds dreadful AF. If I know it will take that long, I like to read up on the cities or towns that could serve as my halfway point. Not only will I be able to explore a little, but I get to sleep in a bed too. It may cost you more money, but sometimes, a good rest is necessary.
3.) HAVE A SMALL BLANKET IN YOUR CARRY ON. I’m not gonna bore you with the basic rules of dressing comfortably and having your sweater ready because I’m sure your common sense already alerted you on that. A small blanket will actually go a long way because it could get really cold in the bus or the train. A sarong may be thing but it’s easy to carry around, and it does help, given of course that you have a sweater on or at least a long sleeved shirt. It also serves a pretty useful purpose when riding an overnight train bunk. You don’t really want to trust that pillow case enough to have your face rub on it as you sleep, do you?
4.) A LITTLE ANTI-VERTIGO CAN GO A LONG WAY. Have some anti-dizzying pills ready just in case the roads get a little rough especially if you’re heading towards a mountainous area. Regardless of how on point your equilibrium is, it’s best to be prepared because you never know what kind of driver you’d be stuck with. When I’m expecting a rough ride, I usually take it in advance as a preventive measure. But I always make sure I have one in my carry on to avoid any mishaps.
5.) TIMING IS GOLD. It’s something many travelers tend to overlook so I want to include this here. I love overnight trips especially because it’s like a free accommodation for one night as well. But sometimes you have to ask yourself if you’re really going to benefit from this. Do consider the time you’re going to reach your destination. You may be saving a few bucks, but getting dropped off in the dark a few hours before dawn with no establishments open might be a little inconvenient. It only happened to me once, but it was at a pretty safe area so I handled it pretty smoothly. Remember that your safety should always come first, not your budget.
6.) TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE STOPS. Trust me, go ahead and pee even if you don’t think you need to. Sometimes, an advertised 4 hour trip is actually 6. I don’t know if it’s just an Asian way of communicating, but somehow, they don’t really meet the promised time. “We’ll be there soon or “we’re near” could mean the very opposite and “we’ll be there in 30 minutes” could very much be equivalent to another 2 hours. So get out, go pee, and grab some snacks and water because you just don’t know.
7.) STAY AWAKE DURING THE DAY. First, because you really need to be wary of your belongings. If there are people getting in and out of the bus, it’s smart to keep your eye on your stuff. I understand that sometimes, you must prioritize rest for later’s activities, so if staying awake is difficult, then just be extra cautious. Secondly, the reason why I urge you to avoid falling asleep is because you might be missing out on some really good sceneries. I like to think that just by looking out the window, we get a glimpse of the locals’ lifestyle and it’s a great little way of learning while inside a moving vehicle. That said, opt for a window seat if you can.
8.) MAKE A FRIEND. Long bus rides will get you weary no matter how much you enjoy it. If you’re traveling alone, it could get quite lonesome. Strike up a small conversation with your seat mate. You never know what you might just learn. It’s also the people we meet along the way that makes our journey even more memorable, right? Share a story and listen to theirs. You’ve got a long way to go. If they start to get annoying, that’s what your earphones are for.
How do you feel about long overland journey? Do you have any weird encounters and stories? Let’s chat! And please follow me on Facebook for more updates. Click here!
Took an overnight bus to Bangkok last Friday and arrived at 3:40 AM… I was able to get really familiar with Mo Chit Bus Terminal.
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Oh boy! Glad you survived that one!
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I really like your layout! I too love travelling. I like to look out the window and admire all the surroundings I pass by! However it’s very different when I’m in a rush to somewhere :’) Nice pictures! xx
http://cassandrarme.blogspot.co.uk
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Thanks, Cassandra! I totally feel the same way. I’m more anxious when I’m time restrained and need to get to my destination asap.
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I’m glad you said music as your first thing – I hate travelling without my headphones. You have to be able to block out unwanted noise and annoyances when you travel unfortunately
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Completely agreed. Screaming kids, bad music, and unnecessary noise are not what I’m there for.
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OMG. Bus traveling here in the Philippines is NEVER pleasant XD I remember a mother beside me made her kid pee on the floor because the kid could not hold it in. Another thing is a woman threw her vomit bag (of course with vomit) beside my feet. I thought my feet was feeling warm when I looked at my feet… hahaha!
http://ladyarizel.blogspot.com/
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That is horrible! Omg I’m so sorry to hear that. I would have handled that very unpleasantly! Fortunately, I haven’t experienced anything like that, other than kids throwing up ad I could smell it…or an elderly not being able to hold it in (number 2) and having to get off the bus after ummm…his accident. Poor thing!
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But those are super normal hehehe!
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Also, bring something to entertain yourself other than music and scenery. A book, e-reader, knitting, crocheting, a journal to make notes in.
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I do have my iBooks with me, but I get motion sickness. It sucks! But I do like spacing out as I stare out that window so that helps!
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All great tips. I’m not a fan of longtime travel either, but I always pack a blanket, listen to great music and of course bring along a few great books.
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It can be comfortable if we make it that way, right?
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I love your tips. I don’t listen to music much normally but I still have to make sure to bring some for long trips.
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Thanks Liz!
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I’ll be sure to keep these ideas in mind if I ever take a long trip
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Awesome! Thanks or reading!
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Love your tips and these are so helpful while travelling in Bus to take a long trip!!
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Thanks, glad I could help!
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I always sleep during long bus rides since I have motion sickness. The last bus ride I took was back in college, more than a decade ago with my then boyfriend now husband haha. Thanks for the tips, will keep them in mind for the future.
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Wow that is a long time ago!
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Agreed with your personal tips and for me, it must be with food…any kinds will do. Nice of you to share these tips.
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Food and snacks are so important, right Fernando?
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These are really good tips. I always bring a malong with me as my ” mini blanket” or everything bag. I also usually think that I can last long bus rides but your tip on cutting it and explore a little might be a better way to deal with it 🙂
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I actually use a Thai skirt for my mini blanket 😍 What is a malong? Maybe that will work better!
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I adore long bus rides, it makes me feel relaxed. I love the tips, especially the one about music. It should always be present!
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I’m glad I’m not the only one who finds long rides very relaxing!
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My friends and I are actually planningh to travel by overnight bus in between the Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, so your tips are really helpful for that.
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You guys will have a great that. I did that this year and I plan to go the northern route next time and pass by Laos. Glad you find this useful! Good luck.
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These are all incredibly true pieces of advice. Being unprepared for a loooong bus ride can be so awful!! :O
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I agree, Jason!
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I love reading books on long bus rides. Sometimes, I schedule it at night so I can just sleep the whole ride.
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Lucky. Reading books and or playing games on my iPad is not something I can handle in a moving vehicle!
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#8 is the best! I love traveling because of it. 😀 Great tips you have here.
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Thanks! And totally!
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I am rather spoilt these days and rarely take long over-land bus trips anymore.. I used to, though! One of my fave would be the over-nighters (no.5 on your list!) – I try to sleep on the bus and be ready for adventures once we arrive at the destination… ah those days when the bones were nimble!
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Haha but you’ve done your share. If you can afford to skip the long rides for a faster way of getting there, why not?! Haha.
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These tips are really useful! Safe and comfortable journeys!
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Thanks.
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I have ridden a bus from Manila to Legaspi City in Albay for 12 hours. Very funny how when they entered the Bicol region, they began playing Nora Aunor songs on the bus radio. In Europe, I had ridden a bus from Seville, Spain to Lisbon, Portugal. That was the first bus where I experienced free wifi onboard! – Fred
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Lol I think I’m familiar with that lady! But overland journey by bus in Europe sounds absolutely enjoyable!
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I have gotten used to long bus rides. I used to have motion sickness. I vomit even during short rides. Now, my body is used to it. Manila to Sagada was my longest bus ride but it was worth the trip.
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Omgosh…I traveled to Sagada last May…and our driver was a little rough and it was pouring! I thought I was gonna die!
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36 hrs travel on a bus? Wow haven’t experienced traveling by land for so long. It really is very tiring to sit on a bus that long. When me and my hubby traveled by land to the north (8-9 hours), we rode a sleeper bus wherein we have a bed instead of a seat. Though it doesn’t look that nice (looks like a dorm bed) at least we get to rest while traveling. 🙂
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The sleeper bus are my favorite! They’re actually pretty comfy, huh?
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I hate long bus rides. It always makes me dizzy and I can’t even use my phone nor read anything. Music and munching something usually help.
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One thing I’m really happy about is my tolerance for this. I’m sorry to hear that. I’d hate to limit my traveling because of it. If anything, Serc (anti-vertigo) really helps! I can’t read or play games when I’m in a moving vehicle neither, except planes.
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Great tips there! Agree with the blanket one especially, a shawl will do as well! 🙂
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Agreed!
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Haha, I just sleep. Regardless of day or night. I find it easier as I get nauseous after a while if I don’t sleep.
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Great list of tips, Erica. Here’s another one: signing up to the Dollar Bus Club to get price alerts for $1 bus tickets worldwide: https://www.busbud.com/blog/busbud-launches-the-dollar-bus-club/
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What. Now that sounds interesting. I’ll check it out.
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if theres tv and music on the bus, im good! i always sleep during long bus rides.
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But sometimes Asian buses play either really cheesy local music…or really obnoxious mixes of international pop songs! Lol!
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