Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Tips

Water and Snacks

This is the number one item you should bring on your charter bus trip to make sure that you’re comfortable. While there are stops for breaks, why spend money on extra items you could bring from home? Dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, chips and dry goods are all good choices for the charter bus. We ask that you do not bring glass items or sunflower seeds. These can spill or great and be dangerous and difficult to clean up. Consider plastic reusable bottles or other snacks. Plus when you bring snacks on the bus, you won’t have to wait until the next stop when you’re very hungry. Just make sure you have some to share.

Pillows and Blanket / Jacket

The next item that will keep you comfortable on the charter bus are a pillow and blanket or jacket. A pillow will be great for taking a nap on board. Whether you choose a small “travel” pillow or a neck pillow that you may use on airplanes, there’s no wrong choice as long as you’re comfortable. A blanket or jacket are great for when the A/C is a little bit too cold for you , or if there are stops in locations where the weather is colder than where you’re coming from. You don’t want to step outside in short sleeves when it’s 30 degrees outside! Make sure you’re packing appropriately for your bus trip.

Things to Do

While there is always the option to chat with friends or watch a movie on one of the in-bus screens, you might also want to bring some other entertainment options. Some ideas for things to bring might include travel sized games (available in most stores or online), tablets, handheld gaming systems, mobile phones or music players, books, crosswords, or something else that you enjoy. However remember that you are in a shared space so must use earphones and pick appropriate materials. Additionally, remember that you will need to pack this in your board bad so pick only what you need. 

Assistive Devices

The bus lines will do their best to accommodate reasonable requests. Many of these devices such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and folding power scooters can be accommodated. For answers regarding specific devices, please contact the COA.

Walking Definitions

For your convenience, the COA provides basic guidance regarding the trip and walking that may be necessary during the dray trip. This added benefit will help you understand how much walking may or may not be needed on a trip or tour.

The trips will be rated (1 through 4). This indicates the level of walking as described below. Please understand these are simply estimates based on information provided to us by the specific locations we will be visiting/touring.

Walking Level 1 – this tour involves minimal physical activity. It requires climbing some stairs, boarding the motor coach and walking from a parking lot area to the attraction.

Walking Level 2 – This tour requires that you be able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground, paths, roadways and cobblestone type streets/ 

Walking Level 3 – This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer tours with shorter tours and more leisure time. This includes walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, upstairs, or uneven walking surfaces should be expected.

Walking Level 4 – To truly experience the program and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and periods of standing. Some of the tour days may be longer with select included activities that may require greater physical stamina.