To push or not to push?

Securing the right seat on the bus is perhaps the biggest dilemma facing today's traveller.

There are of course, many different plans of action available to the individual.

There is
- The wait:
Running from the hostel to the bus so as to put your bags under the bus first and thus becoming 'the first' in line, which is only effective if 'the line' is observed. Definitely the most passive of options and extreley reliant on the actions of others. (This method never works as people always cheat, see below for further details.)

- The sneak:
Sneaking to the front of the line after securing your bags under the bus. I would not recommend this course of action as no one ever likes someone who overtly pushes to the front. I should know as i am generally the person who takes offense - don't even talk to me about the girl in blue shirt who pushed to the front on the way to Vienna grrrrrr.

- The Push
Turn up late from the hostel, perhaps having just fallen out of bed. Dump your bags and shoulder charge your way to the front of the bus. Effective. Only if you are massive or prepared for hatred. Your choice.

- The Sneaky Push
To me this is the most effective option. Stay up the front of the group. Get in line and discreetly talk, flirt, manoeuvre your way somewhere near the front of the line, from where you can glare down anyone trying to push in or work their way to the front. If you're clever the crowd will accept you place in the line and you'll be on the bus ready to examine the crucial aspect of seating. Does help to be a group of five girls.

Where to sit?
Without a doubt the best place on the bus is the back. Whether this is some flashback to primary school where it was cool to be on the back seat i don't actually know. But if you do get the back and manage to keep it to yourself you will be traveling in luxury for the journey.

Don't sit
- near someone tall
- near someone eating
- near someone annoying
- near someone who will talk to you (the bus is for sleeping..)
- somewhere where you can't attract the attention of the guide 5who else will organise you routes and accommodation for you after your own failure to do so)
-near 3 boys with bb guns purchased in Cesky Krumolov. BB GUNS DO HURT WHEN FIRED AT CLOSE RANGE.

The most important art, essentially for that of a comfortable journey is how to get a seat to yourself and deter others from sitting with you. From extensive train experience i have found occupying the other seat with your bag whilst pretending to be asleep works a charm.

I won't however, go into actually being able to sleep on the bus..

http://www.busabout.com