As summer approaches, many families are taking to the road to explore the country and take a well-deserved vacation. National Parks and historic sites as well as beach towns and time spent visiting grandparents who live far away are always popular options during the summer.
If you are traveling on a bus for your family vacation this year, you will probably want to lay out the rules and etiquette of bus travel ahead of time for your family members, especially any small children. Kids seem to do better when they know what to expect on a given day or in a given situation. Below are some tips to help you plan for and prepare your children for bus travel, so that the experience is a positive and enjoyable one for everyone involved.
Provide Entertainment Options
Bus travel can feel tedious to young children who are not built for sitting still for long stretches at a time. Keep the trip fun by providing lots of entertainment options. Coloring books, portable board games, and puzzle books are all great options. Some parents suggest providing new toys or games periodically throughout the journey to keep boredom away and keep your kids excited during long travels. Electronics, like iPads or iPhones, can also help pass the time by showing their favorite TV shows or movies. Remember to bring their headphones along as well because other passengers will surely not be interested in their favorite show or movie.
Explain Safety Rules
While fun is an important part of any vacation, the value of staying safe cannot be overlooked. Remind your young passengers that they should stay in their seats wearing their seat belt while the bus is moving and certainly never disturb the driver. Also, they should keep their belongings nearby and not leave them on the bus unguarded. Children should stay with their parent(s) or adult travel companion at all time and never wander off during rest stops. And of course, they should follow any other safety guidelines your family sets forth while traveling, such as not talking to strangers. Explain the safety rules associated with bus travel to your children ahead of time and we’re confident, this will be a great summer experience for everyone.
Use Quiet Voices
If children have traveled on school buses before, they probably know that bus travel is a time for “quiet” or “inside” voices. Let children know that this is the rule for public bus travel as well and explain to them that this is for everyone’s safety. The bus driver needs to be able to concentrate and not be distracted by yelling or loud voices.
Use the Restroom at All Stops
Some children may be comfortable using an on-board restroom, but others may find the challenge of the small space difficult while the bus is moving. As a precaution, tell children to use the bathroom before boarding and at every rest stop. This will prevent any unwanted accidents and also ensure their comfort throughout the journey.
Bus travel with small children can be a stress-free and fun way to travel if you are prepared and follow these simple travel guidelines. To see more information about ESCOT’s options for bus travel this summer, visit our website, and get started planning your best vacation yet!
