Traveling hundreds of miles with a hundred people really puts you to the test of whether you become stressed or overwhelmed easily around a lot of people. For myself, being overwhelmed happens daily, but a recent college trip to Colorado really made me analyze the reasons on why this occurs during road trips. What causes our emotions to heat without even realizing it? Well luckily, after 18 hours of personal experience on a charter bus, I can give an answer to my own question.
1. People. Not any people, but loud, obnoxious “know-it-all” people.
Nothing is more frustrating than those that have forgotten they graduated high school and ask “are we there yet” before the charter bus has even started moving, and “where are we going” after it does start moving. Also, those that think it’s cute to yell to their friend in the front of the bus, while they are in the back. Are you trying to annoy us and give us the worst headache ever? Because it’s working.
2. Chairs. I’m glad you’re comfy with your chair tilted back as far as it can go.
Not like we are full-time students that have homework to be completed by Monday. I have found it is kind of hard to write and utilize a laptop when the person in front of you has their seat as far back as it goes. Then we’re faced with the decision of waiting to get home or doing it uncomfortably on the bus.
3. Spot Stealers. So you think you can just do what you want?
When you have claimed seats on a bus for you and your friends, and you come back and they’ve been stolen from right out from under you. Then you have to worry about telling your friends that they don’t have that seat anymore, all while figuring out what to say to the people who stole the seats. Dirty thieves.
4. Sleep. Lack of sleep makes for a feistier me.
If I want to be by myself and away from people, don’t be a hater. I’m tired and really just want some alone time to refresh, unwind and catch up on my thoughts. On the plus side, I know I will be the one up and ready first the next day since I had the time to rest. Honestly, in my opinion, sleeping is the best cure for anything.
5. Complaining. Sorry the bus driver has a speed limit, shut your yap.
We all knew we were going to be on a bus for a long time when we signed up for this, so stop complaining. You’re not helping the situation or time move any faster by accusing the bus driver for your 20-minute late arrival back to your destination. Next time, sit back, take a chill pill and enjoy the ride.
