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I recently took a redeye bus trip to New York City! Exploring the city was an amazing experience but the bus ride was less than enjoyable. However, I did bring a few items along with me that made the ride so much easier and a little more comfortable. Now I want to share those items with you. Just bring these 8 items on your next redeye bus trip and you’ll have an easier and more comfortable bus ride.
1. Small Backpack
I recommend bringing a small bag onto the bus that will hold some essential items that you’ll need for the trip. I brought a Small, black Vera Bradley Backpack to hold my belongings in. It was a great size for storing my belongings while also being compact enough to not take up too much space on the bus.
If you still need room for more items/and or your suitcase if you packed one, most tour buses have storage below. Just make sure that you won’t need quick access to anything that may be stored under the bus. If you want some ideas of essential items to pack for your next trip, here’s a list!
2. Comfy Clothes
I knew I would want to wear some comfy clothes during the actual bus ride to New York City. It was a long trip and I wanted to be as comfortable as possible. Depending on the weather, you may want to wear a tank top or t-shirt. However, the temperature inside of the bus may fluctuate depending on where you sit on the bus and how well the heater and air conditioning work.
It was cold when I went on my redeye bus trip so I opted for warmer clothing. My “Friends” Sweatshirt that I have is so comfy and it’s what I decided to wear during the bus ride! This one is very similar to my sweatshirt.
I also wore black yoga pants during the bus ride. Can you really ever go wrong with a great, comfy pair of black yoga pants? Mine are super soft and comfy and my favorite yoga pants ever! Unfortunately, I couldn’t find them online, but here are some great yoga pant choices to choose from.
3. Extra Clothing
I also recommend packing a change of clothes in your small carry-on bag to have handy just in case you need to change a shirt or bottoms quickly. It doesn’t have to be anything much, just extra clothes that you can access with ease quickly if you need to. That way, you won’t have to wait for the next bus stop and then for someone to open up the storage compartments underneath the bus to get to the rest of your belongings in your suitcase.
4. Drinks and Snacks
Snacks are something that I almost always carry with me when I’m traveling. You never know when hunger will strike! Snacks are also great for redeye bus trips. I buy small, individually packaged food because it’s easier to store. These crackers are my go-to snack for when I was something savory. And if I’m craving sweets, I like to have a sweet granola bar on hand. They don’t melt and they are easy to eat while traveling.
I also carried a small water bottle with me while on the bus and in New York City. Mine is similar to these. The size is great for easily carrying in a small pack all day. I actually carry my water bottle with me basically everywhere, not just on trips!
5. Phone Charger
I have an older iPhone (I desperately need a new one) and I’m finding that I need to charge it more often. Most tour buses will have outlets or even USB outlets for your devices. This makes it easy to charge phones and other devices on the bus. I definitely recommend bringing your phone charger and making sure you have it with you on the bus if you know you’ll be using it and may need to charge it.
Something to consider though, is that there is a chance that the outlets won’t be working during your redeye bus trip. That is why this is why the next item is also so important to bring with you.
6. Portable Phone Charger
This portable phone charger was a lifesaver! Do not forget this item if you’ll be using your phone a lot during your trip! A portable phone charger isn’t just great to have while you’re at your destination, but also on the redeye bus trip itself.
Most tour buses have outlets for each set of seats, however, having a backup charger isn’t a bad idea. The outlets on the bus may not work during your ride.
7. Earbuds
I am so glad I brought a pair of earbuds on the bus with me! I was able to listen to music and not disturb anyone else. It was also helpful to drown out the noise of people talking, moving around, and snoring. The earbuds were especially helpful in drowning out the noise of the squeaky window right next to my seat on the bus.
8. Travel Pillow
I wanted a pillow that fit snug around my neck and that was firm enough to hold its shape but also soft and comfortable. This travel pillow is what I ultimately purchased and it helped me get a bit rest during my redeye bus trip! It made getting comfortable on the bus easier and I was able to rest a bit better with it.
Although I got hardly any sleep on the redeye bus trip I went on, these 7 items did help me to rest a little during the ride and make it slightly more comfortable. It’s going to be tight on the bus already so just be thoughtful about the items you bring onto the bus with you during your redeye bus trip. If you decide to pack these items I’ve shared with you here, I hope they will also help you have a good and comfortable bus trip as well.
Are there any items that you would add to the list? Let me know your thoughts below!
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