Navigating Life on Tour: Essential Rules for Tour Bus Etiquette
Living on a tour bus can be both exhilarating and challenging. You're thrust into close quarters with your fellow travellers, sharing tight spaces and relying on each other for both comfort and cooperation.
However, amidst the excitement of touring, it's crucial to stick to a set of unspoken rules to ensure a friendly and enjoyable experience for everyone on board. From respecting the bus driver to maintaining cleanliness and observing bunk space etiquette, here's a comprehensive guide to navigating life on tour.
Respect the Bus Driver:
The tour bus driver is part of the team; they play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the tour. It's imperative to acknowledge their contribution and treat them with respect. Remember, the bus is their room during long stops, and they deserve privacy and consideration. While staying in hotels, drivers often don’t have their own rooms, making the bus their sanctuary. Avoid expecting them to clean up after you or take on responsibilities beyond their usual duties. Instead, check in with them occasionally to see if they need anything, fostering a respectful relationship.
Stay Alert During Stops:
During tour bus stops, good communication and vigilance are important. Ensure clear communication before getting off to prevent anyone from getting left behind accidentally. Always have your phone on you to contact someone in case of separation from the group. Furthermore, being on time for bus departures is crucial to prevent delays and maintain seamless travel between destinations. Remember, being fifteen minutes early is considered on time, with being on time meaning you're fifteen minutes late. This is especially applicable for morning bus departures.
Pro Tip#1: If you're running late, make sure to apologize big time to your team. Otherwise, they might not forget it for the rest of the tour!
Practice Good Etiquette:
Sharing tight quarters with others requires following basic etiquette similar to living with roommates. Keep the bus clean and organized, use hidden storage areas to maintain orderliness. Respect the shared space by avoiding unnecessary noise and keep personal belongings contained.
Maintain Personal Hygiene:
Maintaining personal hygiene is crucial when living in close proximity to others. Use water from sinks for washing only, reserving bottled water for brushing teeth to conserve resources and prevent contamination. Showering outside the bus is preferred, as onboard showers are rare and difficult to navigate.
Once bunks are assigned, it's important to respect people's personal space and privacy. Try to allocate bunk spaces based on when people are waking up to avoid unnecessary disruptions during early load-ins.
Conduct Yourself Professionally:
As a hired professional, it's crucial to conduct yourself with professionalism and integrity. Avoid excessive complaining or venting about work issues, as it may impact team morale. Remember your responsibilities, including returning your fob when leaving the tour and keeping personal belongings organized for easy access. Stay mindful of bus logistics, such as identifying your bus amidst a sea of similar vehicles and ensuring you sleep in the right direction during travel.
Pro Tip #1: When sleeping on the bus, ensure your feet are positioned towards the front in case of emergency stops or accidents. Bunks should be properly set up when you arrive.
Living on a tour bus presents unique challenges and opportunities. By respecting the bus driver, practicing good etiquette, maintaining personal hygiene, and conducting yourself professionally, you can contribute to a positive and harmonious tour experience. Remember, effective communication and mutual respect are essential for fostering a supportive and cohesive tour environment. So, embrace the journey, adhere to the rules, and make lasting memories as you navigate life on tour.
