It’s 2016 and if your New Year’s resolution includes getting out more, having more fun, seeing more places, you might be thinking about chartering a bus for a school, social or business trip and you probably have a few questions. ESCOT Bus Lines wishes you and yours an adventurous and eventful New Year. We also answered five need to ask questions about chartering motor coach services.

What Amenities are offered on a charter trip?

Along with safety, comfort, cleanliness and cost considerations, amenities on-board buses are an important element for a successful trip. Most minibuses and motor coaches have TV monitors with DVD access. Groups can supply their own movies, music and business training presentations. Wi-Fi service is available on most ESCOT charter buses, as most people now travel with their own multi-media devices, such as Smart phones, tablets and I-pads. In addition, most ESCOT charter coaches also feature 110V outlets to keep your devices fully charges and working at optimum performance.

Climate-controlled coaches make a huge difference in your group’s comfort. Air- conditioned coaches, essential in Florida’s hot, humid climate, should also be equipped with adequate heating for northern bound trips. Professional, friendly bus drivers will be happy to adjust the temperature in coach cabins to ensure your climate-controlled comfort.

Are there restrooms on my charter bus?

All ESCOT motor coaches are equipped with a restroom for emergencies. Scheduled rest stops on long trips provide your group opportunities to take advantage of the more spacious facilities at rest stops, as well as to walk around, stretch their legs and grab a snack. Additionally, rest stops cut travel time into manageable segments, making the trip more enjoyable.

How much luggage should I carry on my charter?

For long distance, overnight trips, most charter buses feature large compartments for suitcase and luggage storage underneath the motor coach’s floor. Interior overhead storage is available for carry-on bags. The same rule of thumb that applies to airlines carries over to charter coaches, as well. For more space and comfort inside the passenger compartment, please keep carry-on items to the size of a small bag or brief case. For under-floor baggage, please limit yourself to a maximum of two items per person, at a maximum weight limit of about 50 pounds each. Remember: Less is more when you pack for charter bus trips, as in, the less you pack, the faster you’ll get unloaded at your destination and the more comfort and space you’ll have on your trip.

Are food and drinks permitted?

In the interest of motorcoach cleanliness, food and drinks are discouraged on shorter trips (less than 1 hour travel time each way) and permitted on longer trips. A damage deposit may be required on buses permitting alcohol. Of course smoking, drugs or weapons are not allowed on board charter coaches at any time. ESCOT recommends that you factor a rest stop about every 2 hours into your schedule for restrooms, food, and drinks. Frequency and location of stops can be set and adjusted to your group’s specific needs.

Cancellation policy? Can we get a refund?

Sometimes life throws obstacles in your path and trips have to be cancelled. Usually, if you cancel your trip more than 10 days in advance of your departure, all funds will be refunded. If you cancel your trip with less than 10 days before your departure date, usually only 50% of the total payment will be refunded. If you cancel your trip less than 72 hours prior to departure the full price of the charter is usually required.

What are people saying about their charter bus experiences?

With a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips, it pays to click around online, for charter Bus Company reviews posted on a number of travel and consumer review sites. Go to your charter service’s Facebook page and read the comments from previous clients. You could even ask someone, who has contracted charter bus services, specific questions about their charter bus experience. First-hand opinions from an interactive source offer great insights in planning your group’s charter bus tour. For example, reviews like, “I love Escot bus lines. Best bus company ever,” by Rosina Torres get your attention, while ESCOT customer, Janice Sanders shares,

“Excellent experience. The Escot bus lines driver was very professional and friendly,” gives you more insight into the skills and services this charter bus company offers through its knowledgeable and friendly drivers.

Then, valerie1027@citysearch.com seals the deal, saying, “The motor coaches are always clean, mechanically safe and the drivers are always polite and knowledgeable as to where they are going. I would HIGHLY recommend Escot Bus Lines for any charter need.”

So you see, online rates and services comparison shopping, along with reading customer reviews help your group to get underway on new, exciting charter bus adventures in the New Year. This year, find new happy and fun places and let ESCOT Bus Lines get you there in comfort and safety!