Life on the Adventure Bus: Solo Travelers

One of the top concerns we hear from potential customers is "I am traveling alone, will I feel left out?" The answer is simply, no! Seventy five percent of our customers are traveling on their own, looking to meet like-minded people and see beautiful places.

We consider ourselves a "solo-friendly" tour. While families and couples do occasionally join us, the majority of guests come on their own.

There are several reasons why Adventure Bus is perfect for the solo traveler. Here are a few of them.

The interior design of the Adventure Bus makes our tours very social right from the beginning. A bond forms quickly, and everyone looks out for each other on the trail or wherever.

Even though folks come from all different backgrounds and cultures, they all have the common interest of wanting to be active in beautiful places. The differences make for great conversation and discovery around the campfire. People often stay in contact long after the tour is over, and often travel with each other again!

If you are truly a loner, or just need a bit of space, our tours are designed to be flexible enough just for that purpose! Hike with the group, or pick your own trail. During the day, you can choose what you want to do, with the help and suggestions from our knowledgeable guides.

Other tours charge extra if you come on your own. But because of the way we travel, we don't need to charge extra if you come by yourself.

The best part of all, is you can just be yourself.

Life on the Adventure Bus: Kids on the Adventure Bus

Are kids allowed on the Adventure Bus? Of Course! We welcome kids ages 7-70 on our tours. Anyone young at heart is welcome to join us in exploring beautiful landscapes.

Although the majority of our guests are solo travelers, families of all sorts love to travel with us too. In regards to younger children, we recommend that they have previous hiking and camping experience.

Kids love traveling on the bus. Our flexible itineraries allow families to do their own thing if they like. They can choose to hike with the group or choose another activity. Many of the national parks offer free activities like the Jr Ranger Program that are great ways for kids (and adults!) to learn more about the parks.

Life on the Bus: The Menu

So what is the food like on the Adventure Bus? After all, it is a bus, and we are camping, so what is it going to be, hamburgers and hot dogs every night? No way!

Food on the Adventure Bus is very much a part of the journey. For starters, we know even though folks are on vacation, they still like to eat healthily. We also know that you need to be properly fueled for the climate and your activity level. Most importantly..... we LOVE to cook!

Our Bus carries all the equipment for an outdoor kitchen that can do almost anything! Guests are often surprised at our extensive menu, and often ask where they can get our recipes.

Lunch along the trail in Glacier National Park

We strive to prepare and serve interesting, healthy and satisfying meals. We know that if you are going hungry, you probably aren't happy! Breakfasts and Dinners are always hot meals and lunches are either packed sandwiches and snacks to be enjoyed out on the trail, or picnic style at the bus.

Here is a sample list of our meals with links to recipes:

Navajo Stew

Salmon Chowder

Frito Pie

Chicken Pesto Pasta

Burritos

Oatmeal Sundaes

When it is possible, we try and serve local dishes. For example, on our Southwest tours we often serve Navajo Stew with Fry Bread. This dish uses a lot beans, squash and corn and is served over traditional Navajo style Fry Bread. On our Pacific Northwest tours, we prepare Salmon Chowder made with local onions, potatoes and smoked salmon.

Meal time is a very social time. Although it is optional, most folks tend to lend a hand with meal prep and clean up. It is a great time to get to know others or share the day's adventures. On occasion, we have fun cooking over an open fire. There is always someone in every group that has never done it before, and we love to give them the opportunity!

As long as we know ahead of the tour, we can accommodate any kind of dietary need; vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, lactose intolerant, and nut, corn or wheat allergies. We serve a fresh fruit salad at every breakfast along with a hot entree. Most dinners include a fresh salad along with the hot entree. And there is always cereal and sandwich makings available if you don't like what else is being served!

Life on the Adventure Bus

So what exactly is the Adventure Bus? Some call it a "rolling dorm room", a "sleeper coach," others a "land cruise". We call it home for about 7 months a year.

The inside of our buses are outfitted to comfortably transport and sleep 12-20 people. The regular seats have been removed and replaced with comfy benches with 4 inch cushions. Some of the benches convert into bunk beds. Although we try to spend most of the day time hours out on the trail, some days we'll do a bit of driving. Our bus is ideal for playing card games, taking a nap, socializing, or watching the scenery go by. On board coolers provide cold drinks.

Some nights we all sleep in individual beds until we arrive at our next destination, usually by midnight or 1am. Other nights people choose to either sleep in their bus bed or borrow one of our tents and sleeping pads. Some folks even sleep right out under the stars!

Outside of the bus, in our bays, you'll find camping equipment such as chairs, tents, tarps, cooking equipment, firewood and even an ice box! Althoughwe prepare most of your food for you, many folks choose to help us with the meals, as that is a fun social event. You'll also find bikes and other toys such as frisbees, footballs, and volleyballs.

There is one item our bus DOES NOT have, a bathroom! What... no bathroom? Yup! That means no bathroom "smell" or dealing with the waste. No worries though, we stop often for bathroom breaks!

For more on "Life on the Adventure Bus" visit our FAQ Page and Photo Galleries!