A bus ride with your team to an away game is the ultimate bonding experience. If you’re an athlete, you’d know how fun and crazy these trips can get, and you probably look forward to them. However, it’s different if you’re in charge of ensuring the trip goes smoothly.
Traveling on a charter bus for youth sports team with athletes, parents, coaches and fans can seem like a huge undertaking. But, it doesn’t have to be. Read on for some tips on making your journey to the away game as stress-free as possible.
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Choose Who Will Be in Charge
Depending on how many people will be on the charter bus for youth sports team, you can have just one leader or a small group of two or three people. The leaders can divide trip-related tasks between them — one can be in charge of booking the bus and accommodations, while the other can take care of arranging sightseeing and other activities.
Doing this helps prevent confusion, misunderstandings and other pitfalls of having too many cooks in the kitchen.
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Set a Budget
Having a budget is critical when planning a school trip. It helps you determine how much to charge parents, supporters and other people coming along. With a budget in place, you’ll have a good idea of how much you can spend on things.
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Get the Right Ride
Carpools are alright for getting students to and from school, but they’re costly, inefficient and a nightmare to manage for trips involving many people. A charter bus for youth sports team is an ideal option, as it has plenty of space not just for the athletes but also the coaches, parents and fans, as well as equipment, uniforms and luggage.
Atlantic Coast Charters’ fleet comprises of buses that can safely and comfortably transport your entire youth sports team and then some. These include 34, 47 and 55-passenger buses with more than enough room for your away game essentials, even tailgating equipment like coolers, pop-up canopies and camping chairs.
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Book Accommodations in Advance
If your team needs a place to stay, take time to research hotels in the area. The goal should be to find a safe, comfortable place to accommodate your large group without costing an arm and a leg. Ideally, the hotel you choose should be near the game venue, as this will help you cut travel time.
Booking websites like Travelocity and Booking.com make it easy to compare hotel amenities. Some you should look out for are free breakfasts and laundry facilities.
For the best rates, reach out to hotels directly. Depending on how many people are in your group and how far in advance you reserve, you might be able to negotiate a discount.
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Help Your Athletes Pack
You don’t have to fold their uniforms for them and put them in their luggage, but you can make packing easier for them by creating a list that includes everything they need for the game as well as the trip to and from the venue and the stay in the hotel. Some examples are:
- Their uniform (and an extra set if they have one)
- Extra shoes
- Sports equipment
- A few changes of clothing and comfortable shoes for sightseeing and activities
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- A first aid kit
- Several pairs of socks and underwear
You might also want to check the weather forecast to know if your athletes need cold or warm weather gear.
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Plan Some Fun Activities
A trip to an away game is an exciting event and an opportunity to make lasting memories with your team. To make the trip even more special, be sure to pencil in fun activities to do in their off hours or even during the bus ride.
Some games you can play en route to the venue or when heading home are Name That Tune, 20 Questions and I Spy. Or, if you’ve rented a charter bus from Atlantic Coast Charters, you can just relax and watch a movie, as all of our vehicles come with DVD players and Wi-Fi.
If your budget and schedule can stand it, consider taking a tour to points of interest in the area, going on a hike or even watching a play.
Travel in Comfort on a Charter Bus for Youth Sports Team
Atlantic Coast Charters is dedicated to providing safe, convenient transportation options and exceptional customer service. All of their drivers are highly experienced and regularly undergo upskilling in safety standards. To get a quote, call (410) 204-2403. You may also fill out the online form, and a representative will reach out to you as soon as possible.
