While I was growing up, my family didn't do much travelling. We drove down to Texas once for a sketchy transaction that I'm still not 100 percent sure the legality of. I only really started travelling after I graduated high school.
I typically fly out and back at the beginning and end of summer, but it can be a bit more of a challenge to sort out travel plans for the shorter breaks. I have to be creative with my breaks. However, I've determined that regardless of the mode of transportation, it's a stress that I don't like.
With that being said, there is still a ranking of preferred modes. At the very bottom of this ranking list is riding a bus.
Right above walking and biking, bus rides hold a special place of disdain in my heart. My experiences have been horrible, so I decided to share some of them with the Internet along with some of my deep concerns when it comes to buses.
1. Seems Safe
Although buses are far a far better economic option than flying, they aren't necessarily safer. Especially if you have small children with you.
I've witnessed women try to fit car seats in the middle of aisles. Even in the seats this option doesn't seem safe.
2. "Do you speak American?"
Although it seems clear to me that that is not a smart idea, I still don't believe it warranted such rude service.
A woman who clearly didn't speak English was trying to fit her luggage and her baby's car seat in the back of the bus. I'm not entirely positive that she was planning on leaving the child there, but the driver sure thought so. He came storming up the aisle calling to her to move the car seat out of the aisle.
She obviously had no idea what was happening so the driver began asking if anyone on the bus spoke "American."
3. That Time I Was Abandoned
My disdain for buses began to sprout at a young age. The first time I ever took a bus to travel was when I was four. My aunt was supposed to take my siblings and I to Mexico to visit my dad's family.
It was a long trip, so I naturally fell asleep. When I woke up my whole family was gone.
Luckily some strange woman helped me find them for the small price of $100.
4. Drug Mules
It shouldn't be that surprising that some people that take buses are sketchy. There's not nearly as much security or chances of getting pulled over if you take a bus. No passport is needed, it's truly a very simple way to transport some not entirely legal supplies.
My surprise comes from how openly everyone spoke of it.
5. Crying Children
Honestly, you can't exactly escape crying children while travelling but I've found that they're much worse and frequent on buses.
6. Was That My Stop?
Another downside to buses are the frequent stops. They suggest you sleep during the ride, which just seems like not the thing to do when all these strangers are getting on and off. It may be my paranoia, but I also am terrified of missing my stop.
On a plane you get on and they make you get off at the one and only stop they make. If you sleep through your stop on a bus, you're just out of luck.
7. Don't Forget About Me
Besides missing your stop, there's also the worry of getting off at a pit stop and getting left behind.
8. Don't Touch Me
Again, not a fan of strangers and I would much rather sit alone than have someone sit next to me. They might get into my bubble.
9. Or My Stuff
Also I worry about someone taking my luggage.
10. Just Let Me On The Bus
Bus drivers are not the kindest of people. They yell and are rude and I am not a fan. Perhaps my least favorite thing about them is their rule of not letting you on the bus until right before you leave.
I've had to stand in freezing rain for half an hour at the mercy of a sadistic bus driver.
11. I'll Just Hold It
Nothing is more disgusting than peeing in a public restroom...except maybe peeing in a bus stall.
