SALEM, Ohio — The beginning of the year is a busy season for travel planners, as people make it a goal to get out of the house do and see more — which often means traveling. Travelers don’t need to wait for the warmer months to book a getaway; quick trips to busy ski towns or mountain resorts can make for a perfect winter weekend that everyone can enjoy. Or, if your clients have their sights set on a summer locale that brings the heat, talk with them about hiking through canyons or visiting the desert for an out-of-the-ordinary adventure. A great way to achieve travel goals this year is to create a destination bucket list and start planning now!
Something else to suggest to your clients is motorcoach travel. It can provide a fun, relaxing and affordable travel option to nearly any destination in the country. But passenger safety is the most important thing to keep in mind when booking a coach. Your clients come to you for help planning an unforgettable vacation, and it’s also up to you to “Look Before You Book” to ensure you’re booking with a safe and reputable bus company.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides a Bus Safety Search tool to help you do the research. In a few steps, you can view any bus company’s safety history, including safety rating and operating authority status, by inputting the company’s name or U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. Learn how to review and understand the company’s safety indicators, which are called BASICs for short, along with the symbols and categories.
Traveling anywhere can be a fun and memorable way to start a new year, especially when traveling by bus.
Remember to “Look Before You Book” and make passenger safety a top priority. Find more information on bus safety, and printable safety resources for your travelers at fmcsa.dot.gov/travelplanner.
