"george" wrote in message
ups.com...
I wonder if anyone has taken a bus to eastern Europe (particularly from
Germany or comparable) and their experiences. Would you recommend it,
and how is such an over 24 hour journey by bus? I know that for many
destinations a discount airline will be much cheaper and much quicker,
but the buses go to a lot of places these airlines don't fly to, and
the prices are fairly low.

Thanks in advance for your response.

George

I've ridden a number of busses in Croatia, Bosnia, and Turkey. Not for 24
hours at a time, thank god; never more than nine. Depends on what you mean
by recommend -- in some cases, there isn't really a choice. The train lines
in Eastern Europe were never developed to the extent they were in Western
Europe.

If you have to go by bus, try to be prepared. Bring your own snacks and
drinks because you may not have many opportunities to get off, and there may
not be much when you do stop. Unless you speak the language or befriend
someone who does, it's hard to find out exactly how long the bus will stay
at the station (and if you have enough time to use the toilet). Ah, the
toilet. That's a whole 'nother subject. If you are in anyway squeamish,
forget about it. Luckily, you're a guy. Bring toilet paper, or tissues, and
some of those alcohol wipe things.

Figure out ahead of time when you'll get to your destination. If it's a
smaller place, you may have to ask the driver to make the stop for you. (I
always befriend someone, or I'd never get anywhere). You usually have to pay
a small fee for your luggage. They like exact change. Bewa bus drivers
are the absolute worst ambassadors for their countries. They don't care if
you're a tourist and won't try to understand you. (I'm sure there are some
nice ones, but I sure ain't found 'em).

Be prepared for anything. Things like heat and AC don't always work. Windows
don't always open, and if they do, the guy in front of you may put it back
down if it bothers him. Don't assume the toilet works, just because the bus
has one. And a nonsmoking bus doesn't necessarily mean it's a nonsmoking
bus. Bring a book, because you'll be seeing the worst part of most towns and
cities.

'Nuff said. I've had some great experiences on the bus, but it's never
something I look forward to :-)

Sarah