The lifespan of devices, gadgets and lifestyles keep getting shorter and shorter. Phones make way for smart phones, CDs are pushed aside for mp3s, pagers which reached their peak usage in 1990 are a total anachronism. But, sometimes the right tool for the job is not the newest one or the top of the line. Is there anyone who prefers bus travel over all other modes of transportation? Maybe the CEO of Greyhound, but I would have trouble imagining anyone else does. Still, there are times when the bus is the best or only option.

In international travel, there are many off-the-beaten-path locales that are only available to bus travelers. Rental cars are not always an option and sometimes fiscal concerns make the choice for you. That said, buses are not always the bottom-of-the-barrel choice. I have been surprised both positively and negatively at the quality of buses that I have ridden on in the US and overseas.

So if you find yourself preparing for a bus trip here are a few tips to arm yourself with.

Don’t Miss the Bus
An advantage of bus travel is that there isn’t as much fuss about getting on board as there is on a plane. Security is easy (if it exists at all), bus stations are often much smaller and easier to navigate than airports, and bus stations are often more centrally located than airports. All that said, plan for city traffic, if you miss the bus, you miss the bus.

Book in Advance if You’re Looking to Save Money
If you’re traveling by bus to stretch your budget, make sure you save as much money as you can. Some domestic bus lines sell a certain number of ...