Long Bus Trip Essentials

(Last Updated On: January 9, 2019)

Long bus trips can be a blessing or a curse. They can be smooth or bumpy, noisy or peaceful. You may witness some breath taking scenery or just the pure black of night.  I’ve done many long/overnight bus trips some of which have been incredibly productive and beautiful while others have been pure misery. It’s important to have all your long bus trip essentials to hand.

Here are my essentials for a long bus trip wherever you are in the world and my personal product recommendations. Have these in your hand luggage and you’re ready to ride that bus like a pro.

1. Water and snacks

Of course. Without fail. Chances are these won’t be provided to you and you won’t know when the next pit stop will be or if there will ever be one. Carry at least a litre of water for colder climates or 1.5 litres for hot climates  to stop you getting dehydrated and snacks always go a long way when you get peckish. However, check to see if there is a toilet on board before you choose this bus journey to rehydrate and down 2 litres of water. If not, you might want to pace yourself. I speak from experience here. 

*Just a quick side note here on the topic of plastic bottles; please please, please try to avoid plastic bottles. Our oceans are turning into a sea of plastic and it breaks my heart to think about the effect of this on our planet. We all have to do what we can.  Try to use a refillable, re-useable bottle. Check out this one, Simple Modern Summit Water Bottle it’s the one I use and its fantastic, eco-friendly and keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold.

2. Entertainment

Whatever your preference for entertainment I would highly recommend you take it with you. Kindles, books, phones, iPads, laptops will go a long way here to stop you getting bored. I always bring my kindle. Even though I love a great paper book, for travelling, the kindle has to be one of the best pieces of technology invented EVER. Get yours here.

3. Travel pillow

Comfort is of the essence here and a blow up neck pillow is perfect for sleeping in your seat and not waking up with a dodgy neck that you can’t move for 2 days. A blow up pillow specifically is brilliant as it really takes up no space at all in your bag. Check out my choice.

4. Portable battery charger

Never have your device run out of juice with a back up charger. Ensures power for the longest of trips. I’d recommend the Anker Powercore 20100.

5. Tissues/Toilet paper

You can never count on a bus toilet having toilet paper. It’s just such good idea to bring your own. Not only are tissues useful for when nature calls they also serve for wiping down surfaces around you and for any unexpected allergies as well. 

6. Headphones

Of course, headphones serve for keeping music personal but they also act as an incredible noise blockers and ear plugs. Ever been on a bus where they’re playing one movie, really loud for the entire bus that you couldn’t be less interested in? Yup, with headphones you’re protected from all types of noise. I love Bose headphones, a little pricey but they definitely give you a bang for your buck. These are the ones I use. 

7. Blanket/sweater/sleeping bag liner

There is literally no way of knowing what the bus temperature will be like. Sometimes it feels like you’re in the middle of Bangkok in summer, other times it feels like you’ve been teleported to Siberia. Always wear layers of clothing that you can take off or put on. I would also recommend a sleeping bag liner or warm blanket just in case it’s super cold because it really is miserable try to sleep when you’re freezing. This is particularly the case in South East Asia where the air-con is turned down so low shorts and a tee isn’t enough. Shop here.

8. GPS Map App

GPS map apps such as Waze or Google Maps are pure genius. They’ll show you where you are and how much longer you have till your destination. Not to mention, arriving at a hectic bus station in a new town or country can be very disorientating. A GPS app will help you to find your way in no time.

7. Eye mask

These are great for shutting out any unwanted light and helping you to get those important Zzzs before your destination. They are light, pack well and are really useful if you’re a light sleeper. You have to check out mine here, it’s so cool. 

8. Hand sanitizer

It’s always a good idea no matter where you are to disinfect your hands before eating and after using the bathroom. These small, portable gels are a life saver for when there is no water available. They can even be used for a makeshift shower. 

What else is in my travel bag?

This on is quite random but I always love to have a spork at the ready. A spork is a spoon/fork combo with a spoon at one end and a fork at the other. Yup, it’s epic. I always have a tendency to end up with some sort of local roadside takeaway so I always have a spork on me so I can eat it comfortably. I also always travel with basic pain meds such as paracetamol or ibuprofen in case a headache strikes in the middle of a bus journey. I’m pretty prone to migraines so for me this is essential.

Always, always keep your valuables with you on the bus and not in your main backpack in the hold. Take them with you when you get off the bus during a rest stop . Always have your passport, cash, cards and other valuables near you. I’m sure you know that they are not worth loosing. 

*All the products I have recommended to you are 100% travel proof. I personally use or have used these products at some point. 

I’d love to hear your essentials for long bus trips! Comment below and let me know.