Road Trips

I have to give a shout-out to the South American buses. The bus system down here is really impressive: extensive, inexpensive, clean, and a pleasure to use. Rather than road trips in the family station wagon (or SUV nowadays), buses are the primary mode of long-distance travel in South America. There are flights between cities, but they are used much less frequently than in the US - bus fares are more affordable for the average South American.

I have thus far had the pleasure of several 2 hour trips, a 5 hour trip, a 7 hour trip, a 14 hour trip, and an 18 hour trip in three different countries. It's much better than driving because I don't have to pay attention, I can just watch the countryside change as we zoom past.
Aside from watching a bus catch fire in the Andes (and passengers fleeing with their bags), I have no negative bus experiences to report (but that’s a story for another day…). All of my bus travels have been a pleasure!

Initially, the bus terminals can be confusing. There are dozens of bus lines each traveling the same route and each with their own ticket kiosk at the bus station. When you first arrive, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which one to go to for a ticket. But, they usually have a tv screen letting you know departure times. Beyond that, I go with the company with the best name, logo or colors -- trademarks at work! 

Depending on the size of the city, the bus terminal can have up to 80 spots for different buses. You have to consult the monitors to see where your bus will be parked. Sometimes, it isn’t updated until 10 minutes before departure, which can be nerve-wracking.

Once on the bus, the ride is a treat. They are air-conditioned (and you're given a blanket and pillow on long rides (unlike US flights nowadays). Meals are served. There are movies (usually in English with Spanish subtitles). You have individual air control and a reading light (just like an airplane). And the seats are super roomy! You can choose your class of seat from five different levels (regulated by the government in Argentina), each with more space and more recline than the last. I haven’t yet treated myself to the one that can lie fully flat. Maybe when I’m feeling fancy one day.

I just had to take a minute to give the buses their propers! We would benefit from a similar system in the US. Although I suspect Americans wouldn't have the patience to sit still for 15 hours! I must admit, I never would have. But, with my new nomadic lifestyle, I find it relaxing. Although I'm not sure the other passengers enjoy me belting out show tunes -- but isn't that what a road trip is all about? 

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