My cheap bus ride across the country taught me a harsh lesson

Brooke Hart · 2026-03-01T08:45:46.549765+00:00

I always thought overnight buses were a great deal, but the lost time and comfort cost me more in the end. Now I pay a bit extra for trains or flights to actually enjoy the trip.

lee_thompson6mo ago

Read that study about misery too and it totally checks out. Saving twenty bucks means nothing if you're a wreck for two days after. @riverh49 is right about the hidden cost, it's not just the ticket price. Your time and energy have real value, and burning them on a terrible trip is a bad trade. Sometimes the cheaper option ends up being the most expensive one when you add everything up. I'd rather spend a little more to actually show up feeling like a person.

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hugos465mo ago

Is it really that big a deal though?

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riverh496mo ago

Yep, the lost time and comfort is real. Sometimes paying more to not feel miserable is the better deal.

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simon_young466mo ago

Read a study about that "misery tax" idea in London.

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