Seeing the World on ‘Backpacker Buses’

In the past decade, a new breed of motor coach tour has become a popular option for budget travelers, especially (but not only) for those under 30. So-called hop-on/hop-off bus companies, also sometimes called “backpacker buses,” are quirky, inexpensive hybrids of a standard intercity bus and an organized tour. You buy a ticket from point A to point B, and along the way you can make as many stops as you like, as often as you want.

The buses are new and comfortable, and sometimes they have amenities such as TVs and toilets. Commentary (often sassy) is provided, and the irreverent but experienced and fully licensed drivers will make plenty of stops for sightseeing; they’ll even help set you up with economical lodgings and activities along the way.

It can be a fun and flexible way to see a new country, but it’s not for everyone; depending on the company and the luck of the draw, it can be overwhelmingly “party-hearty” and thus too hyper for folks who are older or just more laid-back.

Here is a rundown of most of the major operators. None is American; all such contenders have folded after a year or two of operating in the U.S.

The prices here do not account for discounts available through student travel and hosteling organizations.

* Busabout, Europe: From mid-April through October, it serves more than 60 of Europe’s most popular cities, from Stockholm down to Malaga, Spain. Passes start at $259 for two weeks and have variable pricing options depending on itineraries. Add-on passes to Britain, Greece, Eastern Europe, Turkey and Morocco start at $50. Telephone (in London) 011-44-20-7950-1661, fax 011-44-20-7950-1662; Internet https://www.busabout.com.

* Stray Cats, Europe: Also London-based, it’s strongest in England, Scotland and Ireland (including Northern Ireland). Bus passes valid for two months cost $90 to $160; four months, $210 to $245.

On the Continent, travel is by train rather than bus. The northern circuit runs from Venice, Italy, to London via Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Eastern Europe; it costs $420, or $340 if you’re under 26. The southern circuit goes through Italy and France; cost is $390 or $310. Combine them for $750 or $585. Tel. 011-44-20-7373-7737, fax 011-44-20-7373-7739, Internet https://www.straytravel.com.

* Moose Run Adventure Tours, Western Canada: Departing from Vancouver year-round, this outfit explores the spectacular highlights and ski meccas of Canada’s western provinces, such as Lake Louise and Whistler. A three-month summer pass averages $275. Telephone (888) 388-4881, fax (604) 944-3091, Internet https://www.mooserun.com.

* Canabus Tours, Ontario, Canada: Our northern neighbor’s most populous province has a slew of interesting places to visit--Toronto, Ottawa, Niagara Falls, Blue Mountain and Algonquin Park--and Canabus’ $181 pass will get you to all of them. It runs from May 19 till fall. Tel. (877) 226-2287, fax (416) 977-9533, Internet https://www.canabus.com.

* The Kiwi Experience, New Zealand: This outfit started the hop-on bus movement 11 years ago. It runs year-round itineraries covering the North or South Island ($138 and $187) or both for $483. Tel. 011-64-9366-9830, fax 011-64-9366-1374, Internet https://www.kiwiexperience.com.

* The Oz Experience, Australia: Do Sydney all the way up the coast to Cairns, six months of unlimited stops for $207. Another popular route covers the Outback, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock for $535, including a plane flight. Tel. 011-61-2-9368-1766, fax 011-61-2-9368-0908, Internet https://www.ozexperience.com.