BUSABOUT - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For Independent Travellers and Backpackers
 

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What is the accommodation like?
The accommodation locations that Busabout use are, in the main, budget hotels and hostels. The basic accommodation is usually a dorm multi-share at a cost of €12 to €24 per person, per night. Facilities vary, but you should not expect bathroom facilities in the room. Most places will have a secure locker for each person in each room, so your belongings will be safe, we do however strongly recommend that you do not leave valuables such as your passport in the room - utilise the safety deposit boxes available at many of the hostel reception areas. All accommodation will provide fresh bed linen either free of charge, or at the cost of just a few Euro's. You do not need a sleeping bag.
In some cases (Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Pisa, Lauterbrunnen, Salzburg and Lisbon) we use campsites. These are generally a little further out of town, but are chosen for their great facilities. Basic accommodation on a campsite is usually in cabins of two to four beds, and facilities are located in communal areas on the site. All have restaurants, laundry, cooking facilities and a bar (3 even have swimming pools!). You will find these campsites a little cheaper than the budget hotels and hostels mentioned above. You do not need a tent!
Once you have booked your Busabout pass you'll have access to the "myBusabout" feature on the website. A majority of the accommodation at the Busabout pick-up/drop-off point can be prebooked online. You will need a credit card and will have to leave a 10% deposit.  This will guarantee you accommodation for your chosen nights. Busabout cannot make reservations for you in advance. We do offer an on-board booking service on the day of travel but please bear in mind it is impossible for us to guarantee this service. We do have a large allocation of beds at the places we drop off at, however the best way to guarantee your accommodation is to book in advance.

I'm tossing up between Eurail and Busabout...
Many people travel Europe by rail and have a good time - it's a great transport system.  Many also discover that their rail passes have limitations. 

Consider: 
*  Your rail pass may not allow you to travel on high speed trains.  There is a surcharge of approx. € 10.75 per journey.
* Your rail pass may not entitle you to a seat.  There is a surcharge for each seat reservation on each journey.
*  Your rail pass does not always save you money on accommodation.  An overnight 'couchette' can cost double the amount paid for a hostel bed.
*  Trains do not stop outside your accommodation (like Busabout does).  *  Your rail pass is about transportation.  Busabout is about having the best travel experience. 

Will I meet other 'solo' travellers on Busabout?
Busabout is perfect for people travelling on their own, you will have the opportunity to meet like minded travellers and share experiences.  Many people start travelling on their own on Busabout and very soon have a group of friends to travel with. In fact Busabout is the only backpacker travel network in Europe which is operated exclusively for backpackers, rather than a public transport system. This means that our customers are meeting like minded travellers from the moment they join our network.

Can I just buy a ticket from point 'A' to point 'B' ?
Busabout does not offer single point to point fares.  Busabout  do not have "Fares" as such. You simply purchase "time" through the concept of a travel pass. The minimum pass for Busabout is for 2 weeks ranging through to a 6 month season pass.

Busabout is a "hop-on hop-off" style coach travel network throughout Europe for Backpackers Independent travellers. It offers the ability to travel Europe at your own pace. They also help organise accommodation for passengers along the way, making it an easy affordable way to travel Europe.

Can I book all of my journeys in advance?
Yes, you can book as many of your sectors in advance as you like, your whole trip if you want to! If you need to be in a particular town on a specific date then it's advisable to book those sectors well in advance. If you don't want to book your journeys in advance then that's no problem either, however it is  always advisable to book your journeys a few days in advance if possible

How far in advance should I book my pass?
Once you have made the  choice to travel with Busabout you should just book it straight away by sending us an email or calling us.  As soon as the booking is made you will be instantly issued an e-ticket and booking reference number .  This is all you need.   On your first day of travel, just give the e-ticket to the guide on the coach and they will issue you with your Busabout electronic travel card. 
With your booking number you can log on to a secure site to  book and change your seat reservations on the coach.  There is also a facility to pre-book accommodation for your trip.  Nice and easy.  It's exciting to start planning, and then there is that much less to worry about once you're "on the road." 

Is there an age limit on Busabout?
The Busabout service caters for the backpacking independent traveller, therefore is not suited to children. The accommodation that we reccommend and the on-board environment is also not suitable for minors - indeed many travellers choose Busabout over public transport because they know that they will only be travelling with like-minded individuals.
Busabout has a minimum age limit of 18 years. There is certainly no upper age limit, as long as you have the spirit of travelling independently then you will be fine. Our oldest passenger last year was 84, and he had a great time!