I'm a planner by nature. I hate waiting last minute. I'm up for spontaneous fun but when it comes to traveling... I need things set in place at least 2 months ahead of time.
That being said... It's funny the way things work sometimes because I was offered a sponsorship Blogalicious ticket a week before the conference. I had to make it happen! I stalked my go-to site Priceline.com for a few days and when flights from LA to Vegas were the same price as a ticket to New York, I decided to see what my bus options would be and am so thankful I found LuxBus America (which I totally felt guilty about since my pops has been a Greyhound driver for over 25 years) - It is only $99 roundtrip from Anaheim (plus a $2 cash surcharge each way)
LuxBus is based at Anaheim GardenWalk, right across 24 Hour Fitness. Their luxury buses offer Wi-Fi, Movies, Music and complimentary snacks and beverages! I have great respect for bus drivers because of my dad, I've rode with him from LA to San Diego many times and saw some crazy things he's had to put up with. So naturally I was curious how the trip would be. Checking in is easy, in Anaheim - you go into their storefront and pay the $2 surcharge, you get a receipt for that leg of the trip and a ticket for your return trip. You wait outside and once the bus pulls up, you check-in with your attendant and the driver loads your bag. I sat near the front and once everyone was in, we were on our way. That took less than 10 minutes. Our attendant was this very, very funny Russian lady named Natasha. I laughed so much during her opening spiel. She put on a movie, passed out drinks (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, OJ or Water) and snacks (granola bar or small bag of Lay's chips) - You can also buy Bud Light if you'd like!
Bring your headphones for the movies or music - if you forget, there are some available for purchase. What I really loved was the wi-fi, I actually whipped out my Macbook and got online from my seat. That was pretty amazing.
We stopped at Barstow Station for 20 minutes - I decided to get McDonald's even though there were about 6 other options. We got to Harrah's around 1:30pm (LuxBus makes 2 stops: Harrah's and California Hotel) and my plan was to catch a cab to Fashion Show Mall so I could catch the 2pm complimentary shuttle to Red Rock Resort (but that's another story)
My thoughts: I love LuxBus America. The buses are super nice-comfy seats and good ac, prices are great and Natasha is worth the ride. She is so funny. I lucked out and got her both ways. Taking a luxury bus is a great alternative to flying - no TSA and no checked baggage fees.
Want 10% off? LuxBus America says give them a call at (877) 610-7870 and use code: Twitter (Tell them you are a friend of Raised By Culture!)
Get social with LuxBus America: @Lux_Bus
Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. LuxBus America offered me a discount. All thoughts are my own.Labels: Anaheim, Barstow, Barstow Station, Blogalicious, Bus Adventures, Discount, Harrah's, Las Vegas, LuxBus America, WiFi