Mega Bus Tips

Soooooo.... This past weekend I took the Mega Bus from Montreal to Toronto, and then back to Montreal. It is a pretty cheap way to travel since I was just going home for the weekend; however it is not the most comfortable mode of transportation.

Tip #1 : If you do not want to sit with a stranger for 8 hours these are just a few things you can do to ensure you have a seat to yourself. Firstly, make sure you are there early so that you get first dibs on seats. Secondly, keep your carry-on bags on the seat beside you. Lastly, every time you stop to pick up more people- pretend you are in a deep sleep. These tips work like magic.....unless of course, you are on an entirely packed out bus- then they do a seat count and make sure every single one is full. Boo. I should mention that if you DO open up the seat next to you for business, you can meet a lot of really cool people.

Tip #2: If you do not want to have to use the spaceship-like washroom that is on the bus, avoid most beverages- especially tea and coffee. If you you do end up having to use it, relax, it is not THAT bad. In fact, I think everyone should at least try it once; it is one of the strangest sensations. I would compare it to using airplane washrooms, but A LOT more bumpy and takes some level of balance. JUST DO IT.

Tip #3: Smell clean and pretty. Believe me, I know that people are NOT happy when they have a smelly person behind them. If you do happen to have a smelly person sitting within your sniffing range, the most important thing to do is to out-scent them. This works best if you have some sort of scented food or perfume on the vehicle with you. If you don't, the smell of your own clean laundry and deodorant should suffice.

Tip #4: Remember, this bus ride can be up to 8 hours; so be sure, if you are like me and cannot sleep in moving vehicles, you have enough things to keep you occupied. Some of my personal favourites: I-Pod, books, notebook (to write people letters or draw), laptop (free wifi), etc.

Obey the rules.