If you are planning to go on a group tour, there are lots of things you can do to make the trip fun and enjoyable for yourself and for your fellow travelers. Here is a great checklist to get you started.
1. Pack a small bag to carry along on the bus.
While your main luggage will go in the designated area of the bus, you should pack a small carry on the bus. This will be handy for snacks, books to read, and other accessories you may want easy and quick access to.
2. Don’t forget your camera. And once you have packed your camera, don’t forget to take pictures! I know that sounds obvious, but I always get so caught up with the sights and sounds that I actually forget to take pictures! (Duh!)
3. Get a collection of great jokes, riddles, and experiences to share with the group! And it only takes one joke to get the rest of the group going! We had a great time sharing riddles, and jokes and laughing all the way to the next rest area.
4. Take along some great movies. Many tour busses have DVD players. At least ours did. Find out in advance and if it does, rent some great movies for “en route” entertainment . Be sure to pick a variety of movies, such as cartoons if you have kids in your group, action movies to keep the teenagers engaged, and perhaps documentaries or family drama’s for the adult crowd.
5. Take along some great music CD’s. Many group tour busses also have CD players. We played our favorite and enjoyed group singing. Perhaps you can organize an “on the road” karaoke contest for your group.
6. Don’t forget your medicines. This is essential. Perhaps this should be at the top of the list, but be sure to keep all necessary medications close to you in the carry on bag you take on the bus.
7. Pack A small pillow for sleeping comfort. If you are like me, a moving vehicle and a well cooled environment is an open invitation for a good snooze! To boost sleeping comfort I took along a small pillow, and had a good nap between rest stops! The group leader has the photo’s to prove it! His “hobby” was collecting photo’s of sleeping travelers! Maybe I will post that picture here! (Not)
8. A blanket may be necessary. Those tour buses can get COLD!!! My blanket came in very handy.
9. Binoculars. If your tour involves outdoor sightseeing, a pair of binoculars is a must.
10. Bathing suites. Most hotels have swimming pools. This is a wonderful “treat” for kids who behaved nicely while traveling all day! And if you will be anywhere near a beach you’ve got to take a dip!
11. Don’t forget your passport. If you are traveling internationally, you will most likely need a passport. Be sure to make copies of the passport and other important travel documents and keep them in a safe place!
12. Don’t forget you Airline tickets. This may seem obvious, but it has happened before. Thank goodness most airlines are switching to e-tickets, so this may soon be thing of the past. After all, there are enough other things we have to remember.
13. BRING A BIG SMILE! Smiles are contagious! And most of all they are FREE!
