Spending countless hours on a bus doesn't seem nearly as enticing as sitting at home and watching Netflix. Granted, most bands take charter buses to these trips but it's still no fun spending 20 or more hours on a bus when no one has showered since you departed. You may be en route to Washington D.C. or New York City or maybe even Disney World. Sure, the promise of the destination is great, but you dread the actual trip there. Some people like to assume that the journey will be the best part, but their mindset quickly changes after it is 3 AM and they can't sleep on the bus.
Throughout my high school career, I have had the opportunity to travel with my band to many places. I've been to Washington D.C. (twice), Nashville, Cleveland, and most recently, Disney World. The hype leading up to the trip is so real. Everyone can't wait to go square dancing or ride the Tower of Terror and they spend the whole year counting the days until we leave. Band trips are something very unique and I've learned a lot over the past 4 years. Here's just a few of them.
1. Not wearing a cowboy hat and boots in Nashville will not make you stand out.
But wearing one doesn't hurt at all. It's a darn good accessory, actually. It's especially good when the sun is beating down on you for your unplanned 8-mile walk to dinner because your bus was stuck in traffic.
2. Showering before stepping foot on the bus is required.
Trust me, no serial killer will be there waiting to recreate Psycho with you playing Marion Crane. If you don't shower, we know who you are and probably hate you.
3. Baby wipes are an essential carry-on item.
The garbage cans on the bus are typically more filled with baby wipes than they are with empty water bottles. They are the easiest way to at least smell fresh on the bus.
4. If you forget your headphones, your trip is ruined.
How am I supposed to sleep on the bus and block every else's loud snoring and talking if I don't have headphones? They are life savers. Good luck sleeping the next week,
5. Square dancing actually isn't that hard.
After spending only an hour learning how to do it, your band can take over the floor at any venue. We still square dance at band banquets to this day.
6. Your tailbone hurts more than anything.
You start to feel like Bob Duncan from Good Luck Charlie after he falls down the stairs with Charlie. Hey Siri... Where's the nearest hospital?
7. Drinking water during parades is now necessary or you will die.
Doing the National Memorial Day Parade twice has taught me the pure relief of seeing a band parent at the end of your rank with a bottle of water. Why do we take all of our trips when it's so hot?
8. No amount of baby powder can save you from chub rub.
I wore shorts on a band trip one time, my freshman year. Never again have I worn shorts. Pain does not equal beauty here. Capris are the best option for walking based trips.
9. By the end of the trip, you'll be on a first-name basis with the bus driver.
I'll never forget Betty. My first band trip and she put up with us and the bus getting searched by police! The bus drivers on the trips have endless patience. God bless them.
10. You can actually fall asleep anywhere by the time you arrive.
Asleep in the Smithsonian. What else would you expect? When you can't sleep on the bus, this is how you spend the hours of your arrival, no matter what time it is.
11. You wouldn't trade the memories for anything.
You've travelled far and wide, and spent all of your trips with your closest friends and your family. No matter how much you may be sick of them by the end of the trip, you will forever love your band.
