I did the USA on a greyhound pass and loved it (www.greyhound.com). The
pass is dirt cheap if you buy it from Europe or in New York city (must
show passport).
Poor people are fun to talk to and there are plenty on the bus. But
lets face it, really poor people don't travel. If you are European
then you are used to public transportation so Greyhound will be up to
your standards.
Most stations are well served by public transportation and you can
always take a cheap taxi trip if you arrive late at night. Just
remember that poor black neighbourhood doesn't always equal high
crime neighbourhood. Although they certainly are scary if your aren't
use to them.
Fat arse Americans may find the seats uncomfortable but there is
plenty of room for European type bodies.
That said, I don't recommend long trips. Flying is cheaper if your
time is worth anything. 12 and 20 hour trips are hard to avoid in the
West but anything longer and you will likely regret it.
I did the NHL tour (going to all cities that had an NHL ice hockey
team) without a guide book or any clue what I would find in each city.
Truly loved it. The pass allows maximum flexibility but you may have a
tendency to try and get your moneys worth.
It is pretty easy to blend in while in the USA: blue jeans and a
t-shirt. However, attractive women will sit next to you if you are well
dressed (well dressed increases your chances of smelling good is the
perception). Always try to strike a conversation with the people around
you. Bring gum and water. Life saver candies are always popular with
seat mates (I've never had someone refuse one), and are a great way
to brake the ice (don't give to children, but to parents).
The number one reason people travel by intercity bus seams to be
family. Talking to people you realise how spread out American families
are.
Just writing this e-mail all the amazing people I met on the bus are
coming to mind. It was a great experience and I highly recommend it.
If you can, get your hands on Spike Lee's movie, Get on the Bus. The
cross county bus trip is on a charter, but the atmosphere and bonding
with strangers is vintage Greyhound.
I've taken intercity buses all over the world, the efficiency and
vastness of the Greyhound network easily make up for the less than rail
travel comfort.
Intercity bus comfort comparison (USA in 1997, Europe in 1999)
1. Spain (notwithstanding the dubbed American movies and the driver's
favourite music)
2. First class busses in Venezuela and Mexico (ditto)
2. Turkey
3. England (they serve tea!)
4. France
5. Canada (movies with earphones on some routes)
6. USA, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Greece, Wales, Portugal
7. Scotland (No leg room)
8. Morocco (shared with chickens, roller coaster ride)
9. Jamaica (they have pull down seats in the isle!!!!!)
***Please note my trip was 8 years ago. Since then, Laydlaw,
Greyhoud's parent company, went bankrupt. As a previous poster
pointed out, rural service has been drastically cut back.
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