How does it work? Very simple really - as the name suggests you Hop-on and Hop-off our network around Europe. It's what independent travel is all about: the ability to design your own trip and stay for as long as you want. Bus days can be pre-booked online or with the guides on the buses and you are free to change your mind as often as you want (just be careful round the super-busy times - Oktoberfest and Pamplona for example).
The beauty of Busabout is the endless opportunity to do your own thing. You can start and finish your tour in Europe anywhere on the network, and with buses picking up every 2 days from every destination your travel plans have unlimited possibilities.
The only thing you need to decide now is which trip to take - Take a 1, 2 or 3 Loop trip or a Flexitrip. Both are described below.
Flexiroutes - Loops
Loop passes enable you to focus on a few corners of Europe or cover the entire network. We’ve broken the network down into 3 easy-to-use bite-size chunks - each of which will give you a fantastic adventure. This is a great way to explore a particular region, be it the vibrant capitals of the North Loop, the stunning contrasts of the South Loop or the romance and passion of the West Loop. You can combine any 2 or 3 loops to design your ideal trip. You can stop at every destination once (linking cities more often if you buy 2 or 3 loops). You can even break a loop up and make 2 or more separate holidays: simply fly back and start right where you left off. Pick from 1 loop trip, 2 loops or all 3 - you decide which loops to mix and match.
Flexitrip
On the other hand if the destinations you want to visit cover half of one loop and half of another then our
Flexitrip is the option for you. You can choose anywhere you want to go and then buy the number of corresponding flexistops. (A flexistop is equal to one day onboard a coach). This is ideal if you really want a true trans-continental adventure or have a clear idea of what cities you want to experience. For example: Start in Paris, stop in Bruges, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Munich, Venice and finish in Rome - all with only 8 ‘flexistops’. Stay in each city as long as you like, and if you’d like to make an extra ‘stop’ in say Salzburg, simply buy an extra ‘flexistop’ from your Guide.
Flexiroutes - One-ways
It’s one of those facts we like to boast about when talking about our company but last year almost every second traveller did a completely unique trip of their own. Now if that’s not an example of how well we cater for the independent traveller, we don’t know what is.
We introduced our One-Way Flexiroutes in 2009 and they were a huge success as each one manages to incorporate all the juicy bits of the European region you want to concentrate on. And, being One-Way, you can fly in to one city and depart form another so no need to revisit places you have already been to.
Have we missed the ultimate One-Way itinerary? If you think we have, don’t keep it to yourself - let us know.
Dummies guide to Busabout planning
OK, just like the yellow books here's a step-by-step guide to planning your trip:
1. Raid the savings - how much money you have will pretty much determine how long you can go for in one trip. As a very rough estimate budget for around €30 a day for food and accommodation - more if you eat pies all day. With thousands of types of cheese (over 250 in France alone), bread and cold meats which vary from country to country, we recommend making use of the local shops and start eating backpacker style. You will be amazed how many languages you will remember how to say "can I have some cheese please". Remember if your budget is tight our passes are valid for an entire season, so you can break your trip with a jaunt to London to earn some pounds.
2. Back to school - the more knowledge you gain now the more rewarding your experience. How many of your friends or relatives have said: "try and learn a bit of the language before you go." Trust us - it's true! But before you decide on the language you have to decide on the destination. Print out our brochure, make a cup of tea and start reading. Our Lonely Planet destination pages are a good start for an overview of what each destination has to offer. You will find links to local tourism board’s websites as well as Lederhosen manufacturers in Munich if that takes your fancy.
3. Busabout Community - Your travel experience doesn't necessarily begin the moment you get on the bus. Not even when you step foot on European soil. With the power of technology we bring you the community site! Got a question for the crew? Need some advice on where to go? Then post your questions here. Blog on all the issues of the day and get some feedback and advice from other Busabouters on what is going on and where. Meet other travellers who are planning their trip - you can make travel-mates before you have even bought your pass!
4. Join the dots - If the above was too taxing and you want to take it as it comes - no worries. Choose 1, 2 or 3 of the loops and worry about planning later. However if your destinations have been thoroughly researched all you need to do is work out which pass is best for you. Learn about the Loops and Flexitrip above.
5. Spine tingle - Remember you don’t need to stick to our network all the time. Use it as the backbone of your trip and explore the regions around our pick-up points. Maybe you would like to spend time in Greece, Egypt or Croatia - there are no time limits within the season so go explore.
6. Splash the cash - Either buy online here or visit one of our esteemed travel agent friends from around the world.
7. MyTrip - Once you have received your e-ticket, register with MyTrip and start booking your bus journeys and accommodation. More on MyTrip here.
8. Forget your plans - The reason we love Busabout so much is because it's the way we travel ourselves. Where availability allows you can rip-up all your well-made plans and make an unscheduled visit to Lake Como, just because you like the look of it. It's what we would do - so we encourage you to fly by your pants a bit too. All you need to do is ask the guide about availability and they can re-schedule your journeys for you.