Have Bus – Will Travel

The Places I Go As A Motor Coach Driver

Being a motor coach operator is an interesting experience.  You know you will be traveling all over, but you don’t really think about the extent to which you will go.  In just a little over two years I’ve driven pretty much the entire east coast.  

Where shall we go today?  What adventure awaits us?  North to Maine? South to Florida? West to Missouri?  I just never know.  I’ve seen some beautiful scenery, been to some cool attractions, enjoyed some delicious food, and so much more.

Washington Monument in D.C.

Two Cities That Don’t Compare

When I started out, one of the first places I drove to was Washington, D.C.  In fact, we do quite a bit of D.C. travel, not only with tour groups, but also with schools.  I’ve been to D.C. in the past with my own kids on their school trips, but I had never driven down there until now.  Out of all the cities I’ve been to, I find our nation’s capital to be absolutely beautiful.  Even though it’s a city, it’s not anything like Manhattan.

New York City skyline as seen from Liberty State Park in New Jersey

New York City?  Now that’s a whole other “animal”.  I like to refer to it as the city I love to hate.  I’m not saying it’s a bad place to be, but for someone who is NOT a “city girl” it’s difficult to swallow.  There’s just too many people for me, especially when trying to traverse it in a full-size motor coach.  However, it’s a great place to explore at least once in your life, and there is so much to see and do.

A Completely Different Experience in the South

Heading south to Florida and all the theme parks is a real test of your endurance.  Talk about a long drive.  That’s one we do with relay drivers.  The groups we take are typically high school students in the music department.  They don’t stop so we usually drive as far as North Carolina and switch out with a driver who is already there and waiting.  

I would have to say one of my preferred trips in the south would be anything in Virginia. From Colonial Williamsburg to Busch Gardens to the beaches or even the botanical gardens…there’s something for everyone.  We still do high school trips but these seem to be a bit more relaxed.

Ward Museum

The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury, MD has an amazing display of hand-carved birds of all types.  The collection of carvings is quite detailed and beautiful. This is definitely a place to explore if you happen to be in the area.

The annual pony swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague in Virginia has been a tradition since 1925 and is an exciting event to attend.  The struggle is getting a good viewing spot.  It’s usually packed. 

I think my favorite places to take any group would be the beaches of Delaware, New Jersey, and Virginia…especially when I have ample down time.  Typically I have a room with an ocean view and I find that these are a bit more relaxing.

Fall Brings With It New Adventures

Fall has always been my favorite time of the year.  For the last two years I’ve been fortunate to travel to places like West Virginia and the New England states during this beautiful time of the year.  West Virginia is a great place to ride the rails in the mountains. In New York you’ll find beautiful lakes, thousands of islands, and castles. Vermont and New Hampshire boast amazing fall foliage, and Maine has its lighthouses.

Springtime, Flowers & Baseball

Nelis Dutch Village

The Holland, Michigan tulip festival is beautiful.  Millions of tulips arranged for display, parades, dancing, and even an original windmill.  You can’t help but smile at all the amazing colors.  

Have you ever gone on a baseball tour?  Now that was an interesting trip.  Cleveland, Chicago, Cincinnati, & Pittsburgh. A six day trip, 4 different games, and a day at the Ark in Kentucky.  If you’ve never experienced the ark, it is something you cannot begin to fathom until you are standing directly beneath it.

This is just a glimpse into the life of a motor coach driver. We travel quite extensively and it’s not a career for everyone. You’re away from home quite a bit. Not every trip is fun. Not every trip is easy. But it comes with many rewards and experiences that are so invaluable.

I’ve given you just a sampling of things to come. Perhaps you are someone who has considered this as a career. Maybe you’re looking for ideas of places to see on your next vacation. Maybe you are just looking for a virtual getaway. Hang with me. There is so much more to come.

3 thoughts on “Have Bus – Will Travel”

  1. Angie- great blog with amazing photos. I found it very interesting and noted that I need to travel more????. Let me know when your tracking through the Delaware beaches and we can hopefully meet up .

    • Hey Colette. Glad you enjoyed it. That’s one of the things I’m trying to accomplish with this blog…encouraging people to get out and enjoy and hopefully discover something you’ve never seen before. Typically I end up at Rehoboth in Delaware. Sadly we’re at a stand still due to corona, but I definitely will reach out next time I’m there.

  2. Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed reading my post. Stay tuned for more and feel free to share with others.

    Angie

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