FANS: RENT A CHARTER BUS FOR A MINNESOTA SPORTING EVENT

03/30/2023

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PLAN ON GOING TO THE GAME IN STYLE AND COMFORT

Attention Vikings, Twins, and Timberwolves fans!

You’ve seen and heard of fans who rent a charter bus or motor coach to go to a Minneapolis – Saint Paul pro sports game, and the stories they bring back speak for themselves: Everyone reports having a great time with zero worries. Charter bus rentals are crowd pleasers.

What they may not tell you is that there are lots of benefits to renting a bus for a Big Game or a little one. Add them all up and it’s a slam dunk.

Or a home run. Or whatever sports metaphor works for you!

7 REASONS TO RENT A CHARTER BUS FOR SPORTS TRANSPORTATION SERVICE

1. A professional designated driver. A professional driver will keep you safe, secure, and on schedule, so you can be a full-time fan. Plus, experienced drivers will know where to park to provide the best access to the stadium. Lastly, fans who want to enjoy beer on game day will not have to worry about DUIs/DWIs while a professional driver is in charge.
2. You might be amazed at what a modern bus includes. Many of our buses include restrooms, DVD players, comfortable seats, Wifi, power outlets, and more. This is not your father’s motor coach!
3. Fun in numbers. There’s nothing like spending more time with your friends, family, and fellow fans, and less time behind the wheel. If you’re giving away tickets to employees, supplying a charter bus makes the gift even better because everyone can share in the team-building and camaraderie.
4. Tailgating encouraged! If tailgating is your thing, many bus rental and charter companies can advise you on a plan, including how to pack your equipment, when to arrive, where to go, and logistics for setting everything up and breaking it down. It all starts with a conversation with a professional planner at your charter bus company.
5. Economics. Renting a bus can also be a cost-effective option. When you factor in the cost of gas, parking, and other expenses for each person driving to get to the game, renting a bus is often the most economical way to go. Not to mention the fact that chartered buses can travel in the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane which can often get you there faster.
6. Don’t miss a minute. Hiring a professional bus or motor coach company and a professional driver means there’s a lot less concern about getting there on time. Drivers know the routes, the parking, and different ways to and from the venue.
7. The ride home. When the game is over and the win is won (we hope), you can climb aboard your chartered bus or motor coach, settle in, and debrief with your fellow passengers. No battling bumper-to-bumper traffic. No stress or anxiety. Just a relaxing, comfortable ride home (with reclining seats).

KEEP IT SAFE, COMFORTABLE, AND CONVENIENT

The benefits of renting a bus on Game Day are almost endless, but at Lorenz we focus on safety, comfort, and service. Those are the values the company was built upon. So give us a call.

If you’re planning a trip or just doing research, please feel free to contact us at Lorenz Bus Service for a no-obligation, no-pressure conversation with one of our planning professionals.

PLANNING TIPS FOR A MULTI-DAY CHARTER BUS TRIP

03/30/2023

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6 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU HIT THE ROAD

The hours you spend on a charter bus trip can be fun and interesting or difficult and draining. A lot of that depends on you and how you plan for your trip.

At Lorenz Bus Service we believe in embracing the experience and making the most of it. Here are some ideas for how to do that on a multi-day charter bus excursion.

1. Do your research. Before you get on your motor coach, know about the area you’ll be travelling to. Look into the top attractions, restaurants, and hotels to get an idea of what’s available. This will help you make informed decisions and ensure that you’re getting the most out of your trip.
2. Choose the right bus. All we mean by this is to make sure to choose a bus that fits your needs. Consider the size of the bus, the features it offers, and the cost. Also, make sure the bus is clean, safe, and has adequate heat and air conditioning. Last, don’t neglect entertainment features; ask about charter buses with Wifi, DVD players, and electrical outlets on board.
3. Book accommodations early. As soon as your itinerary is set, lock in your lodging decisions. You’ll be amazed at what a stress-saving tip this is. Also, make sure to research the hotel you’re booking and double-check their cancellation policy.
4. Choose a driver. Work with the charter bus company you hire to get a driver that’s right for your trip. You want him or her to be experienced and knowledgeable about the area, but think about other attributes you’d want to see in a driver. Maybe you want someone who’s talkative – or maybe the silent type is what you’re looking for. Some drivers may be better with kids than others. Share your details with the charter bus company and see how they respond.
5. Plan for entertainment. Make sure to plan for entertainment on the bus. Whether it’s music, movies, or games, having something to keep everyone occupied will make the time pass more quickly. Here are some ideas from our friends at Amazon.
6. Pack wisely. Traveling light is always a good idea but make sure you have enough clothes and supplies for the entire trip. Consider the weather and terrain of your destination, as well as any special items you may need. Here are some of the most important ones:
   • Medications. You’d be surprised how many passengers forget their meds and have to arrange to get them on the road.
   • A neck pillow. Great for avoiding a stiff neck from napping with no support.
   • On-board footwear. Sitting for hours will make your feet swell. Using slip-ons will keep you more comfortable than laced up shoes.
   • Earplugs and a sleeping mask. These two sleep aides can work wonders on board a bus or in a hotel room.
   • Good snacks. Fruit is portable, and GORP – Good Old Raisins and Peanuts – comes in handy.
   • Hand sanitizer. For on the bus and off the bus, at restaurants, hotels, stores, and so forth.
   • Energy drinks. Some believe that water is best and that’s fine. But energy drinks will keep you hydrated and provide calories to keep your energy level up.
   • Headphones. Sometimes you need to listen to music privately or just enjoy quiet time. In either case, headphones are a “Do Not Disturb” sign.

Last of all, there’s no shortage of advice on how to get ready for a road trip on a charter bus so please continue to do the research you need to ensure a successful trip.

If you’re planning a trip or just doing research, please feel free to contact us at Lorenz Bus Service for a no-obligation, no-pressure conversation with one of our professionals.

RENTING A CHARTER BUS FOR A SCHOOL TRIP

03/30/2023

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HOW TO NAVIGATE YOUR WAY TO A GOOD CHARTER BUS DECISION

The #1 reason school trip planners decide to rent a charter bus for a school trip is consolidation. Hiring a charter bus usually means one vehicle, one group, one trip. Reducing variables means reducing headaches.

For example, when you rent a charter bus or motor coach for a school trip, you don’t need to coordinate multiple forms of transportation. Schedules and arrival times are easier to manage, and you get better overall safety and more manageable risks.

However, there are plenty of variables in the planning of a school trip. So allow us to cover the ones we feel are most important when selecting transportation.

THE TYPE OF BUS YOU RENT

As you probably know, buses come in multiple shapes and sizes. So start with the number of students and adults who are on the trip and use that number to start your search for the right-sized vehicle. Many planners enter this process thinking that a basic K-12 school bus (which seats 47) will work best for a school trip, but we at Lorenz Bus Service encourage customers to consider a luxury bus or motor coach to keep everyone comfortable. “Comfort” doesn’t just mean reclining seats. It also refers to having a restroom, wider aisles, and adequate climate control.

Also, if you have passengers who have special needs, be sure to ask about ADA-accessible buses and special features such as handrails and wider aisles.

Ultimately, the vehicle you choose should be based on the number of passengers, the duration of the trip, any special needs, and how much luggage is being taken along.

SAFETY

Charter buses are the safest form of group travel, for the reasons we outlined above. But you should keep safety front and center throughout your selection process.

Be sure to ask about your charter bus company’s safety record. Be ready to ask about safety training, health practices, maintenance protocols, and other standards the company has for safety. Here’s a safety guide for reference.

SPECIAL FEATURES AND AMENITIES

Everyone knows that kids (and teachers, too) need some distraction and entertainment on bus trips. Ask about Wifi access on board as well as DVD players and electrical outlets. It’s also worth remembering that if students need to do work while on the trip, a luxury bus ride can be a great time to catch up on homework, or sleep (reclining seats make it easy!)

Consider bathrooms to be an essential feature. Ask any bus company you’re considering about onboard toilets, including cleaning practices and procedures. Having a toilet accessible is important for comfort, saving time, privacy, and giving anyone suffering from motion sickness a safe place.

Last but most certainly not least is AC. If your trip is taking place during hot weather, air conditioning can make the difference between a great trip and a tough one.

YOUR DRIVER

A bus or motor coach driver can be a person who gets you from A to B and back. Or he or she can really add something special to the trip.

When hiring a charter bus company, ask how they fit the driver to the trip. Is the driver good with kids? Is the driver knowledgeable about the destination? Is he or she experienced with sports-related travel, cultural outings, or whatever the focus is of your particular trip? It’s worth the effort to get a good fit with your driver.

If you’re planning a trip or just doing research, please feel free to contact us at Lorenz Bus Service for a no-obligation, no-pressure conversation with one of our professionals.

HOW MUCH DOES A CHARTER BUS RENTAL COST?

03/08/2023

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UNDERSTANDING HOW CHARTER BUS RENTALS ARE PRICED

If you’re planning a group trip on a bus or motor coach, you’ve probably considered renting a charter bus, and for good reasons. Charter bus rentals are safe, comfortable, and allow everyone in your group to socialize and share time together.

No wonder charter bus services are expected to grow. They offer a wide range of solutions.

Many people start local in their search, and that is usually a good place to begin. But it’s good to shop around and look beyond the charter bus companies that are near you. Many competitive companies have large fleets and serve a wide area. Others may specialize in certain types of transportation (such as large motor coaches) or certain types of trips (such as casinos or airports) that may be just what you’re looking for.

All of which is to say that before you make a commitment, you’ll want to understand your options and how the pricing of charter buses works.

The 3 main cost variables

Charter bus prices can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. The Big 3 are:

1. Type of vehicle(s). Today’s charter options cover a range of vehicle sizes. Bigger buses such as today’s luxury motor coaches typically offer more amenities – and higher costs. This is due to higher fuel costs as well as higher maintenance costs. Some groups prefer to charter 2 or more vehicles, which also impacts the price. This is why working with a professional trip planner at a charter bus company can be helpful.
2. The size of the group. This will determine both the size and cost of the rental bus. You’ll need to get a precise estimate of your total headcount before finalizing the vehicle selection.
3. The length of the trip. Generally, the longer the trip, the more expensive the rental cost. Plus, longer trips usually involve larger vehicles, which also affects cost.

How destinations and the calendar can impact cost

Where you travel to plays a role in pricing as well. Generally, the farther you travel, the higher the cost will be.

When you take a trip can also have an impact on the cost. Peak travel times such as summer and holidays typically have higher rates than off-peak periods. Historically, charter bus rentals are more heavily booked during the school year, with April, May and June being the months associated with heaviest usage and comparatively expensive prices. In addition, the day of the week matters as well. Charter buses typically sell out every weekend and are more available on weekdays. Prices are often higher on Saturdays than they are on Mondays.

Group logistics and additional drivers

Sometimes groups that need to be picked up in different locations will increase the overall cost of your charter.

So will one-way trips. One-ways costs are typically greater than round trip costs because of a “deadhead fee,” which refers to the charter bus company having a stranded vehicle that needs to be brought back to its home location with no one aboard.

And that brings us to your driver. Drivers cost the company money – their wages, lodging, food, and other expenses are all reflected in the cost you pay. Also, drivers can’t work beyond a certain number of hours behind the wheel; a 10-hour shift must be followed by an 8-hour rest period. This is why long distance trips often require two drivers for safety.

Hourly rates vs total miles travelled

Shorter trips are usually are charged by the hour, and you can expect there to be a minimum number of hours to qualify for a charter bus rental. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $250+ per hour, depending on the size, type, and length of time you charter the bus.

Longer trips – which often means any trip of a day or more – are usually charged by the total miles traveled. Trips involving overnight stays are often billed by the day.

Another important thing to remember is that supply and demand play huge roles in charter bus costs. Where there are competitive companies (as in big cities), you may expect to see more competitive prices, whereas small town prices may seem high by comparison.

The company you keep

The company you rent from will certainly affect the cost of the charter bus. Different companies have different rates and fees. Some offer services that others may not. So it’s important to shop around for the best deal. Also important:

• Background research. Know the company you’re hiring. Know their history, reputation, and service record for problem solving. Read reviews and remember that large sample sizes of reviews may have some negative reviews but are statistically more legitimate.
• Safety record. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask about safety training, health practices, maintenance protocols, and other standards a company has for safety. Here’s a safety guide for reference.
• Keeping it clean. What’s the #1 complaint customers have about a charter bus? You guessed it: Dirty buses or poor equipment. Make sure you ask about cleaning procedures before booking.

If you’re planning a trip or just doing research, please feel free to contact us at Lorenz Bus Service for a no-obligation, no-pressure conversation with one of our professionals.