5 Things to Know When Planning a Charter Bus Trip for the First Time
Charter buses have been getting people where they need to go for decades. They are efficient, comfortable, and safe from short distances to cross-country trips. While charter bus staff do everything they can to make planning your trip easy, there are still a few things you should know before booking a trip. Here are five things to know when planning a charter bus trip for the first time.
1. Not All Charter Buses Are The Same
If you’ve seen one charter bus, you may think you’ve seen them all. However, there are dozens of kinds of charter buses, all with different features and amenities. Some buses are built for function and value, while others feature state-of-the-art design and technology. Especially if you have a long trip, you may want to research what type of features your bus has, such as:
- Drinking trays
- Video equipment
- Luggage bays
- Power outlets
- Reclining seats
- Footrests
- HDMI ports
- USB ports
These features may become extra important if you are taking a long-distance trip and can make a big difference in the comfort of your group.
2. There Are Specific Safety Protocols
When it comes to charter bus trips, any reputable charter company will follow specific safety protocols to ensure the safety of all passengers on board. Protocols may include exit paths, seatbelts, and instructions on what to do in an emergency. If you are planning the trip, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with these safety protocols to know what to expect from the driver in the unlikely event of an emergency.
3. Pay Attention to the Rules
Your group wants to be comfortable and enjoy themselves on your charter bus trip. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any parameters while on board. There may be rules about eating or drinking, remaining seated, the protocol for exiting the bus, and more. Charter bus rules are not in place to prevent passengers from enjoying themselves. They are in place to ensure that the driver and passengers remain safe and that the equipment is protected.
4. Build in Extra Time
Whether booking a local, short-distance adventure or an epic road trip, it’s a good idea to build in extra time. Drivers try to get you to your destination promptly but cannot plan for unexpected events, such as traffic and weather. In addition, many people are often surprised at how long it takes passengers to board and deboard a charter bus. Depending on the length of your trip, simply boarding the bus several times can add on a significant amount of time.
5. You Can Help Plan the Route
It is a common misconception that charter bus companies and drivers are solely responsible for planning the route to your destination. While this can certainly be arranged, you can also provide input into the trip planning.
For example, if there is more than one way to get to your destination, you can specify that with the booking agent or driver. Similarly, you can request specific stops along the route. When planning a charter bus trip, remember that it is your trip, and you can be as involved in getting there as you’d like.
Book with Chesapeake Charter Today
Chesapeake Charter has been in business since 1976. We are professionals that pride ourselves on providing reliable, safe service at competitive rates. We are available for short and long-distance excursions and ready to help you start planning your first trip. So get in touch with us today to get started!