Survive a Long School Bus Trip

Going on a really long bus trip with your school soon? Fortunately, very few school bus trips end in tragedy but no journey is without risk so it's useful to have some strategies to help ensure your survival in the event of a crash, fire, terrorist attack, earthquake, sinkhole occurrence or other potentially un-survivable event. This article will help you pack, and tell you what to do before and during the bus ride. Some of the steps may not apply to your situation; if so, please ignore them. Remember, you don't have to follow this exactly, it's just a suggestion.

Steps

Preparing

  1. Get all permission slips and money turned in. Don't want to miss the trip do you? If your school is having meetings that will provide more information about the trip, attend them. If it's after or before school, see if you can have your parent(s) attend the meetings with you.
  2. Make sure that you know what you can and can not take on the trip. Sometimes schools have lists to say whether you can or cannot bring something.They will usually give you a list of what to bring or what you cannot bring. Especially for phones, electronics and/or snacks.
  3. Check your school's website for information on the trip or read the permission slip. Check the weather for your destination(s) for the day(s) which you will be there. Try using www.weatherbug.com, www.accuweather.com, or any other weather website applicable to your location.
  4. Pack your bag(s). Include chargers, cell phones, iPods, money, stationery, books, etc. Try packing a small pillow or pillow pet and a small blanket (fleece maybe?). Sometimes your school gives you a list of necessary items so remember to pack those.
    • Remember not to pack things that can't be replaced or hold personal value to anyone in case you lose, forget, or have it stolen. If you do, put a lock on your bag so no one can steal your stuff.
    • If you're going to go swimming, remember to bring goggles, a towel, and your bathing suit.
    • Other things you could bring are fuzzy socks, a portable DVD player, drawing material, cards, and anything else you think you may need!
    • Keep in mind that your school might not allow electronics so check with your school's policy and ask your supervisors first.
  5. Fully charge all electronics that are coming with you and pack batteries and headphones. Don't forget the snacks and drinks!
  6. Eat a light meal right before the trip, then use the bathroom and take a shower. Put on fresh, clean clothes. And if you're a girl, do your hair and makeup. Leave for school/wherever you are meeting. Don't forget anything! Wear clean underwear. No one wants to be in an accident in unclean underwear.
  7. Try to get a lot of sleep the night before or take naps before the trip. You want to start fresh on your trip and have loads of energy.
  8. Arrive at your school (or wherever you're boarding your bus) at least 20 minutes early. This way you can get a good seat with your friends and beat the crowd while getting on the bus. Plus once you get there you won't have to rush or be scared that you'll miss the bus!

In the Bus

  1. Sit with your best friend or someone you get along with very well. You will be sitting with them for quite a while (you could always switch seats with other friends while at a rest stop). Put your backpack or whatever use in the luggage rack above your seat or give it to them to pack in the storage compartment. If you brought a "Bus bag" then put it in the seat with you.
  2. Play your DS, iPod, cell phone, or whatever else you brought with you. Or talk to your friends. If the trip leaves in the evening (overnight ride) then you can sleep too. Eat/drink any snacks you brought. Once you get to a rest stop text/call your parents and let them know what's up. Sometimes the bus will even have television so you will spend a lot of time watching it.
  3. Play counting games. As you go on the trip, lots of stuff can go past you. You can count red cars, bicycles, hefty lorries, or you can also play an alphabet game where you try to find all the letters of the alphabet on billboards, shop signs, or license plates.
  4. Start a rock-paper-scissors contest. Anyone can participate and the winner could get some free snacks.
  5. Sing your favorite songs. Even better, sing it with your friend(s)! Even have a singing contest!
  6. Talk to your friends if you can't use electronics or eat snacks. If they're asleep or unable to talk to you, a good idea is to look out the window or talk to other friends in front, behind, or across the aisle from you.
  7. Text your friends or play games together. You can play hangman, tic tac toe, MASH or any other travel games. Bring compact/travel games such as cards. If you're really lucky your bus will have a TV and a DVD player on it so you can watch a video. Most schools rent buses with luggage racks, very nice spacious seats, and TVs with DVD players.
  8. Keep repeating the relevant steps from earlier until you get to the next rest stop. If you ran out of snacks or forgot to pack some, then go into the rest stop and buy some from the vending machines. Use the bathroom when you need it. Remember to take some pictures of your friends and scenery to remember it by! Try to hurry so you don't miss the bus!
  9. Try to alternate what you do. If you and your friend both have a DS then ask to borrow a game/trade one for a while. Try to take pictures of your friends or maybe trade iPods with one of your friends for a change in music.
  10. Eat some snacks, drink some drinks, and talk to people! Make a new friend! Maybe that shy, but sweet girl, who's a total nerd? Don't judge! You may have a lot in common! If it is an overnight trip but you can't seem to fall asleep then put earphones on and snuggle up in a blanket and fall asleep.
  11. Wave at the people in cars passing and see what their reaction is. Sometimes people will wave back at you or maybe they will wave first!

Tips

  • Sit in your seat properly. You are safer in the event of accident if you are sitting in your seat properly. Your chances of being thrown to your death through the bus windshield are significantly decreased if you sit facing forward in your seat properly.
  • Make sure you put on deodorant. No one wants to smell your stinky BO on a hot bus!
  • If you're a girl bring pads/tampons even if you're not on your period right now.
  • Remember to go to the bathroom at rest stops. Even if you don't need to go, it's still best to double-check.
  • Do not stay up all night if it is a night trip or else you might be tired while sightseeing the next day.
  • If you often get carsick, take anti-travel sick tablets before the journey.
  • Bringing a canned drink on the bus may not be a good idea, as you may spill it.
  • You can print and bring this article with you if you'd like to, or just write it down.
  • Try to promote a peaceful and harmonious trip.
  • Don't eat many sweets or snacks on the journey.

Warnings

  • Do not forget anything. Make a list and check the items off as you pack them.
  • Make sure you do not bring anything that is against the rules. It may get confiscated during your trip.

Things You'll Need

  • Backpack/Tote Bag/Suitcase
  • Clothes
  • Stationery
  • Entertainment

Related Articles

Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Survive_a_Long_School_Bus_Trip&oldid=307140"