Going Greyhound

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I just bought my first round trip ticket to Washington, going Greyhound. First trip flying solo. Scared out of my mind. I hope I can make the transfer in Seattle without having a major meltdown.

I figure there are other people who have traveled by bus...any suggestions? anything to avoid? is it fun? was it not the best choice I made? It will be a 14 hour ride. What do I do if someone starts talking to me - I don't want to chat the entire time, but I don't want to be rude either, and that is usually how I come off to other people.

Yikes.

hey cool! i'm in seattle. how long are you here for? i would suggest we hook up as you pass through but i'm a little ''hooked up'' to some stuff here so that wouldn't work, but it's cool that you are making a trip out here. where are you headed? i love washington, and greyhound. i've made a few trips myself and they weren't too horrible. my only suggestion would be to not wander too far during layovers. ok, i'm rambling. that's what happens when i got nothing to do. i hope you have a safe trip and maybe share a bit when you get back.

Thanks. I am actually going to be in Seattle for one hour and forty minutes, and I was not planning on even leaving the bus station, but thanks for the warning. I like Washington too. I am going to visit my sister for a week and I am excited about that, it is just the traveling that I am worried about. I do not want to mess up and get in any unintended trouble. I might bring back some photos of the ocean - my sister lives on one of the islands.

hey, well, in that case you shouldn't go wrong. stick with the schedule, stay away from the larger crowds, always keep an employee in sight in case you have a question, and i found out that if you put on a headset, even if you aren't listening to any music, people generally take that as a hint that you want to be left alone. that said, i can't wait to see some photos!

The headphones are a great idea. I always listen to music, when travelling anywhere(I can't drive), and they make MOST people leave you alone. Even without the music, the headphones will let most people know you're busy. Also, try really hard to get a seat by yourself.. there are only two seats in a row, so at worst you'll sit next to one person, but on my last bus ride I had a man fall asleep on me ;_;

Try sitting on the outside seat and putting your bag(I usually bring a bigger bag, even if it's not completely full, just to take up space) in the other seat. That way most people will find other seats, and unless the bus is packed, you don't have to deal with anyone!

I don't particularly like Greyhound, Amtrak or flying is usually a better choice. Amtrak is about as fast as Greyhound, but you don't have to deal with overcrowding as much, and you generally don't have to put up with drunks/addicts the way you do when travelling by bus.

That bag trick might work. I'll try that for sure. Thanks. I really don't want to sit next to someone like that, or anyone for that matter.

I don't fly and there is no Amtrak station in my town, so Greyhound was the only other option, I don't drive. Are there really a lot of drunks/addicts?

Personally, I would never want to take a Greyhound again. The crowding wasn't a problem, it was the service (or rather, the lack of). Being stuck at a terminal waiting for a connection that should have shown up over an hour ago is not fun, especially when they won't say why it's taking so long.

There are some other smaller "shuttle" services in my area (mostly for services to and from airports), and they offer much better service, as well as a smaller, more comfortable, vehicle

Yikes.

I'v rode greyhound all across the country a couple of times about 20-25 years ago and I can tell you there were some "wild" people on those buses back then.
Don't know what its like now. However, I would wear headphones, bring a book, use the other seat for your bag and also sit near the front of the bus. (The "rowdies" do seem to gravitate towards the back of the bus)
Don't leave ANYTHING behind if you go to the bathroom (which I'd avoid if I could) either. Thieves abound it seems.
Other than that...enjoy your trip and think of it as a new learning experience. Its really not that bad, just make sure to stay aware of your surroundings and don't let down your guard and be too trusting of others.

Have a good trip!! !

I been on the New York-Boston shuttle several times and trust me it's quite the experience even for four hours

It's such a cool thing that is exists and enjoy your trip.

Just so you know, the likiness of you

1.) crashing
2.) getting a bad driver
3.) and meeting cons/drunks/wierdos

are exceedingly small.

Thanks for the replies everyone. This could very well be a growing experience - if I survive, that is. I am writing down everything said, warned, and suggested to take with me so I don't forget.

I have travelled quite a bit on Greyhound. I kinda like it...especially when I dont' have to sit next to anyone.

Don't worry too much! You'll get yourself all worked up. I used to visit a friend in PA(I live in MD) every month or so for almost a year, and I took greyhound-type buses, and I can say I've only had one person sitting next to me actually bother me. Like was said before, just keep an eye on your surroundings, but pretend you're ignoring everyone. If someone needs to babble at you, try the cellphone trick.. bring it out of your pocket, touch a button so it lights up, and say someone's calling you. Then say hello, and make a few grunts, and say, "sorry, I have to take this" and walk away from the person. I always get those people that come up to me and feel the need to just talk.. I hate it -_- But that happens to me everywhere!

Thanks nekowafer. I appreciate your suggestions. They will certainly be put to good use.