A tour bus service is an

escorted tour Escorted tours are a form of tourism in which travelers are escorted in a group to various destinations, versus a self-guided tour where the tourist is on their own. Escorted tours (in US English) are also known as ''Guided tours'' or '' Packa ...

(sometimes a package holiday) or bus service that takes visitors

sightseeing Tourism is travel for pleasure or business; also the theory and practice of touring, the business of attracting, accommodating, and entertaining tourists, and the business of operating tours. The World Tourism Organization defines tourism mor ...

, with routes around

tourist attraction A tourist attraction is a place of interest that tourists visit, typically for its inherent or an exhibited natural or cultural value, historical significance, natural or built beauty, offering leisure and amusement. Types Places of natural b ...

Information

Double-decker buses and open top buses are commonly used, for providing a good view. Large coaches are used internationally by tour operators, intercity bus lines and charters, for short and long distance destinations. These buses are larger than regular transit buses, with 2 to 4 axles (6 to 10 wheels). The history of tour buses in North America began in the early 20th century when trucks were converted to provide a means for

within large American cities. Gray Line, the largest sightseeing operators, began operations in 1910. Sightseeing was likely a side business for many intercity bus operators because the same types of buses were used (this remains true even today).

World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...

saw the industry decline, but it slowly re-emerged as an alternative to driving. Many musicians, entertainers, dancing crews and bands travel in sleeper buses, commonly referred to as "tour buses". While most if not all of the buses and coaches listed above are for commercial applications, there are many coaches manufactured for personal use as motorhomes. These bus based motorhomes are considered the top end of the RV market.

Common features

* Padded fabric or leather front-facing seats, often reclining. * Foot and arm rests. * TV monitors connected to

DVD player A DVD player is a device that plays DVDs produced under both the DVD-Video and DVD-Audio technical standards, two different and incompatible standards. Some DVD players will also play audio CDs. DVD players are connected to a television to wa ...

VCR A videocassette recorder (VCR) or video recorder is an electromechanical device that records analog audio and analog video from broadcast television or other source on a removable, magnetic tape videocassette, and can play back the recording. ...

to provide entertainment or possibly analog TV or DTV for local news or programs (possibly in seats with viewer choosing what station). * Basic lavatory – riders may be discouraged from using it except in an emergency, but some newer buses feature full service lavatories * Cool water dispenser, refrigerator, hot water urn. * Wheelchair lift or

ramp An inclined plane, also known as a ramp, is a flat supporting surface tilted at an angle from the vertical direction, with one end higher than the other, used as an aid for raising or lowering a load. The inclined plane is one of the six clas ...

and "kneeling suspension" for easier access (especially for the elderly and infirm). * Tinted windows (and/or curtains or blinds). * Luggage compartment (or bins) below in the underbelly of the bus, with overhead hand-luggage racks.

Tour coach manufacturers

* Motor Coach Industries * Volvo Buses ** Prevost Car * Mercedes-Benz buses

References

Tourist activities Types of bus service Tourism companies {{bus-transport-stub

Information

Common features

Tour coach manufacturers

See also

References