Getting a good rest while traveling is hard. The combination of the cramped space, uncontrollable noise and the constant movement of the vehicle makes sleeping on the bus a nearly impossible task for most people. This is a problem because one can’t fully enjoy the destination if they were weary from the journey to get there. So even if you are headed to paradise but you didn’t get enough sleep on your way there, you won’t be able to enjoy the place to the fullest.
But don’t fear, here are some useful tips in sleeping on a bus for a safe and comfortable travel.
Make Yourself Comfortable
The number one reason why it is hard to rest on the bus while traveling is because the whole setup is uncomfortable. In order to fight this, you should bring the following comfort items.
- Neck pillow – A neck pillow is the best item to have in order to ensure a comfortable position while sleeping during traveling. It also helps minimize neck and upper back pains while sleeping on a bus.
- Eye mask – If you are traveling at night, most buses turn their lights off for the comfort of the passengers. However, if you are traveling by day, the light can still be bothersome even if the blinds are drawn inside the vehicle. Bring an eye mask to block out any light. An eye mask can also be used to encourage your body to get some sleep because it hinders you from looking at distractions such as your phone or the scenery out the window.
- Ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones – You will be forced to deal with noises inside the bus while traveling making it hard to get some rest. In a confined space, the quiet chatter of a handful of people can be quite noisy and distracting. Bring earplugs or noise canceling headphones to filter out all these noises so that you can relax and get proper sleep.
Wear Layers
The air conditioning inside the bus can make you feel like you are sleeping in the middle of the Arctic. In order to avoid disruption of sleep, wear light layers and top it with a sweater or jacket. Also pack lightweight wraps to serve as a blanket and cushion in problematic areas.
Bring Medication
Motion sickness is common. 1 in 3 people are susceptible to it especially when traveling by car, bus, train, airplanes and boats. If you have this problem, traveling can be very stressful. But there are a number of over the counter medications that you can buy to cure this sickness. You can also take Melatonin to regulate your sleep cycles and make it easier to get rest.
Keep in mind that if you choose to bring over the counter medication, make sure that it is legal in your travel destination so you won’t run into any issues.
Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks
Staying hydrated is an important part of life but drinking the right amount of water is easy to forget when you are traveling. Don’t worry about having to go to the toilet while on the bus since most buses nowadays are equipped with a bathroom for the convenience of the passengers.
Choosing the right snack for your trip can help increase your comfort level. Here are the best snacks to bring on your bus trip.
- Nuts – Walnuts and almonds help regulate sleep but make sure that you take the walnuts out of their shell prior to traveling.
- Dried fruits – You get all the benefits of fruit with dried fruit without the sticky juices all over you.
- Raw vegetables – Chopped carrots, broccolo, cauliflower and celery are easy to pack and don’t easily spoil at room temperatures.
- Crackers – Crackers are easy to bring and will make you full for long periods.
On the other hand, there are also foods that you should avoid bringing.
- Any food that goes bad easily – Examples of these are milk and any food that are prepared with mayonnaise. Dairy is highly perishable goods and any foods that are mixed with them spoil easily.
- Messy foods – Watermelon, mangoes, donuts are anything that are barbecued are all delicious snacks but they are best suited for picnics not while traveling on a bus.
- Foods that can’t be eaten with fingers – Don’t bring any food that requires to be eaten with a spoon or fork. Examples of this are soups and salads.
- Spicy foods – When traveling, spicy foods will increase your temperature and have side effects like stomach ache and heartburn. This will prevent you from resting comfortably during your trip.
- Stinky foods – If you like the smell of limburger cheese but most people don’t, then it’s best to leave the food at home.
Listen to Music
Music has a direct effect on a person’s parasympathetic nervous system. This part of the nervous system is responsible for the body’s relaxation and preparation for sleep. Adults who listen to relaxing music before bed sleep longer, wake up less during the night and have better sleep quality compared to those who don’t listen to music.
The music that you need to listen to has to keep you disengaged not to keep you interested. This is why ambient music works best in helping people sleep. It is the kind of music that emphasizes tone and atmosphere over traditional musical structure or rhythm.
Pick the Right Seat
If you want to rest during your trip, it is best to sit near the middle of the bus. This is the area where there is less vibrations and bumps so the ride will be much smoother compared to the front and back areas of the bus.
The window seat will provide you a solid wall to lean upon whereas the aisle seat will give you more legroom. Your choice will depend on your preference.
Invest in a Good Bus
There are a number of bus rental services available in the Chicagoland Area but make sure to choose the one that prioritizes the passengers’ comfort and enjoyment. If you are looking for eco-friendly buses for group transportation, contact Chicago Motor Coach Inc. at 847-260-9797. Let us know how we can help you.