Busabout
Busabout is a giant hop-on hop-off bus network that covers most popular Western European destinations. The hop-on hop-off nature of Busabout allows for travellers to choose to stay longer in places they like and skip over places they're not interested in within the network. There are passes for either unlimited use over a set period of time, or for a specified number of travel days within a set period of time.

The coaches used are about 50 seats and come with an on board guide who will give information on each destination, answer questions, give advice on what to see, and book accommodation free of charge. The coach will stop at the door of selected hostels in each city, but if you want to stay at a hostel not affiliated with Busabout, you'll have to make your own way.

Some stops along the route are mandatory, meaning that because buses leave every other day, you'll have no choce but to spend two nights there. Fortunately the mandatory stops are in the most popular destinations such as Paris, Barcelona, Interlaken and Rome, so most backpackers will have intended on stopping there anyways.

Busabout is geared towards young independent travellers, so you're bound to be sharing the coach and hostels with lots of 18-30 year olds and will always have someone to talk to. While this is a good cure for loneliness, it also separates you from the local transportation network and the people that go along with it, so you're likely to be constantly surrounded by Yanks, Canucks, Aussies, and Kiwis rather than locals. But everyone will be up for a good time and you'll have plenty of people to party with!

The onboard guides will book accommodation for you on the bus, but the Busabout website also has hostel booking facilities and planning guides. Every passenger has a personal account where they can make confirmed seat reservations and pre-book accommodation. This is very important during busy periods and it should also be noted that, though you might have a pass, you're not guaranteed to get on the bus without a seat booking. So while Busabout caters for independent and flexible types, you might find yourself having to plan carefully in July and August or during certain festivals.

Check out Busabout for more information or to book online.

Thoughts from a Busabout Customer
For someone travelling alone in foreign speaking countries, Busabout is a great option. They supply the transportation which can be quite a hassel at times. Not having to worry about that one thing can really take off some unnecessary stress. I used Busabout for 5 weeks through Spain and Portugal and will be using it again this year for two months through many other countries in Western Europe.

Busabout has a listed hostel in each city that they will use as a pick up point on specified days. You can stay at whichever hostel you like in each city depending on your desire for convenience. The hostels Busabout use are not always the best options, so it's worth doing a little research first. Overall they're not too bad and some are very good, but don't feel obliged to stay there.

Another good point is that there's a guide on each bus that can answer any questions you may have before you get to the next city. Believe me, you can't truly appreciate a knowledgeable, english speaking guide until after you haven't had one.

The Busabout schedule is flexible enough with good, frequent routes. More importantly, you get to plan your own trip and are still free to do whatever you want, when you want. You can also combine other ways of transportation if something comes up along the way.

I liked Busabout because I could still be an independent backpacker and be left to concentrate on the most exciting parts - the cities, the culture and the fun!

Judi Michaud
July 2004