Israel Tours - Just Released

GotoBus is happy to announce that we have just released 11 new tours in Israel departing from Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv. Whether you want to visit the famous spas at the Dead Sea or visit Christian and Jewish holy sites, we've got the perfect tour for you!

Want to vacation in Israel? If so the 7-Day All Over Israel Tour would be a great option. This tour features Mount Scopus, Old City Gates, The Roman Cardo, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Armenian Quarter, Jewish Quarter, The Wailing Wall, "Yad Vashem", "Ahava" center, Massada, Ein Gedi Spa, Nazareth, Church of the Annunciation, Tabgha, Church of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fish, Capernaum, See of Galilee, Safed, Banias, Golan Heights, Mitzpe Shalom, Katzrin, view of Kuneitra, "Yardenit" Baptismal Complex, Beit Shean archeological site...

Travel to Lisbon, Portugal

Some destinations are suitable for travelers year round. These places enjoy moderate climes 365 days a year and are neither too cold nor too hot for tourists. Imagine a place like this that also has lovely beaches, rolling hills, red roof houses, and medieval architectural buildings. All these things and more can be found in Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal.

Thanks to its advantageous geographical location, the traveler to Portugal can enjoy the perfect combination of sea and mountains landscapes. However, what really makes Lisbon unique is its historic treasures. The people of Lisbon care deeply about their city and have gone to great lengths to maintain their traditions and keep the old architectural style in its original fashion. An easy way to explore the country and make sure you visit the most important attractions is to join an escorted Lisbon Portugal bus tour.

Countdown to 2010 East Coast Tours!

In less than 3 months, 2010 will already be here. One of the best and most affordable ways to combine a winter vacation and New Year's celebration is by booking an East Coast Countdown to 2010 Tour Package. These packages start at $449 per person and the best part is that we are offering a Buy 2 Get 3rd Free special on these tours. Bring the third person along at no extra cost!

Check out a sample itinerary:

Day 1 Hometown - NYC (Night Tour) (Saturday, 12/26)
Welcome to the Big Apple! Upon arrival, you will be met at the baggage claim area of your selected airline by our professional tour guide, and then be escorted to the hotel with our scheduled shuttle bus for relaxation or to start your self-exploration of Lower Manhattan. Focus on the diverse downtown area: Little Italy, SOHO, and Chinatown. Walk through City Hall Park, and experience Brooklyn Bridge by foot. Join our optional night tour ($25/adult only) departing at 7 PM to experience "the City that Never Sleeps"!


Day 2 NYC - Philadelphia - Washington, D.C. (Free Night Tour) (Sunday, 12/27)
Visit the birthplace of this great nation in the morning: Independence Hall & Liberty Bell in the Independence Park, which has been ranked as the most historic square mile in this country. Move on to today's most influential political center in the world: the White House, Capitol Hill, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam and Korean War Memorials, plus the best kept secret in town -- National Gallery of Arts with many world-class paintings.

Day 3 Washington - Hershey - Corning - Niagara Falls (Free Night Tour) (Monday, 12/28)
Passing by Harrisburg, the Capital of Pennsylvania State, arrive in the sweetest town on the Earth--Hershey. Chocolate World shows how candy is made as you travel through a simulated Hershey factory. (Yes, there's a free sample, albeit tiny, at the end!) A 3-hour ride takes you to the Corning Museum of Glass, which maintains the most comprehensive collection of historic and art glass in the world: 35,000 glass pieces representing 35 centuries of glass craftsmanship. 200 miles away, the unmatched beauty of the Niagara Falls at night lit in the colors of the rainbow is waiting for you! Bonus: Free Christmas Lighting Show!

Day 4 Niagara Falls - Albany - Boston (Tuesday, 12/29)
We continue our sightseeing in Niagara Falls to see the majestic views of nature up close .It is important to note that Niagara Falls, consisting of the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. A camera is a must for the gorgeous scenery. Walking along the snow covered Goat Island, you will have a broader view of the fall and experience the unique winter view. We will also be heading to the IMAX Theatre Niagara Falls (optional) where you can experience Niagara Falls' incredible stories. After that we ride through upstate New York and arrive at the capital city of New York - Albany. Here you will visit the Empire state plaza, The Egg ,the state house and the 9-11 Memorial where you can see the ruins of the building and damaged police cars. After that we head to the cultural city ,Boston. There will also be an opportunity to partake in Boston's most famous export-the lobster-during dinner.

Day 5 Boston - Yale University - NYC (Wednesday, 12/30)
Start the day with Harvard University, the institute older than this nation and educated 20% of our presidents. Take photos with John Harvard, and move on to MIT, a smaller campus full of extremely smart students. The classic Trinity Church and modern John Hancock Tower together make Copley Square a perfect place to appreciate the architecture of this city. Best way to experience Boston? Take a one-hour harbor cruise and enjoy the fantastic view. Have a real Bostonian lunch at Quincy Market, full of food stands and souvenir shops. In the afternoon, with a brief visit of Yale University, the third oldest college located in Connecticut, reach New York in the evening.

Day 6 Countdown in NYC (Thursday, 12/31)
In the morning start with Harlem, where President Obama studied at Columbia University, and your senses will be overwhelmed with the music, the variety of stores, the restaurants, and the street prophets and musicians. The energy is relentless. New York is the world's premier performing-arts city, and Lincoln Center is its premier institution. Check the offerings here, which can include opera, dance, symphonies, jazz, theater, film, and more -- from the classics to the contemporary. The Times Square New Year's Eve celebration features star-studded musical performances, balloons, pom-poms, confetti, a colorful pyrotechnic display and about a million of your closest friends. Every year as the clock nears midnight on December 31st, the eyes of the world turn once more to the dazzling lights and bustling energy of Times Square. Anticipation runs high. New Year's Eve at the symbolic center of New York City has become more than just a celebration - it's a global tradition. The world holds its breath...and cheers as the clocks strike twelve.

Day 7 New York City (Friday, 1/1)
At first glance New York may seem too overwhelming, but our highly organized tour is designed to give you a taste of the Capital of the World, with much of the City's best in architecture, museums, history, shopping and fun! Just a few of the highlights you are going to see with us: Wall Street and its Charging Bull, Stature of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Ground Zero construction site, United Nations Headquarters, Times Square, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum with more than 200 figures of celebrities, Rockefeller Center with the world's most beautiful Christmas tree, Fifth Avenue with the decorations in department store windows, and of course, the newly transformed USS Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum!

Seasonal Specials- LA, New Mexico, and Arizona

GotoBus has just released new seasonal tours from LA to New Mexico and Arizona. These tours are perfect Thanksgiving getaways that will allow you to discover the great Southwestern USA. These tours include ground transportation and three nights accommodations as well as the following sightseeing opportunities: Saguaro National Park, White Sand National Monument, El Paso, Carlsbad Cavern, Guadalupe, Desert Museum and more.

Book online now to take advantage of the Buy 2 Get 3rd Free Offer while it lasts or view our other US West Coast Tours.

Take An Autumn Vacation to London!

If you were part of the 'staycation' crowd this summer we know that you are dying for a proper getaway. Our featured fall getaway this year is an amazing London 7-Day Tour for only $820.

Welcome to London – a fascinating city steeped in history, pageantry and traditions which have changed little over the centuries. And yet London still has a vitality that maintains the city's reputation as a cultural trendsetter.

This vacation package includes a half-day morning sightseeing tour featuring Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and central London. After this you will have time to explore London on your own and see the British Museum, London's business district, Madame Tussauds, or browse through the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square.

If you love to shop the London is the place for you! While here, you can check out the department stores lining Oxford and Regent Streets. The famous Harrods and the boutiques of Knightsbridge are surely a must.

Also included in this tour are tickets to an exciting West End show and three days' free travel on central London's bus and underground network.

If this tour is not exactly what you are looking for please feel free to check out our wide selection of almost 50 London Tours.

Stay Overnight in the West Grand Canyon!

Want to spend the night at the Grand Canyon to enjoy the gorgeous sunset and sunrise? Visit the most popular attractions at rock bottom prices.

Make sure to book our popular tours which include hotel stays in the West Rim.

See Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Kolob Canyon, Yellowstone, Salt Lake City, Grand Teton, Idaho Falls and the Grand Canyon West Rim!

LA to Grand Canyon West In-depth 2-Day Tour $98+

LA to Grand Canyon West, Las Vegas In-depth 3-Day Tour $139+

Yellowstone, Grand Canyon West 7-day tour $468+

Visit GotoBus for Grand Canyon tour packages and more information.

Don't miss these deals!

Australia Sightseeing Tours - NEW!

GotoBus has just released 45 new Australia tours in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney! Be sure to schedule some time to snuggle a koala, take a city tour, or watch a penguin parade on your next trip "Down Under".

All Australia sightseeing options and itineraries can be found online. Be sure to check back soon as new tours are added daily!

Los Angeles to Tijuana Bus Service

GotoBus has just released a daily Los Angeles to Tijuana bus service for $30 one way. This service, provided by Viajes Azteca Futura, departs from East Los Angeles and makes stops at the San Ysidro Border Crossing, Tijuana International Airport, and Tijuana bus central. Book online to reserve your seat today.

If you are planning a trip south of the border you may also want to check out our other Mexico Tours.

Yosemite National Park

Thinking about your next vacation? Be sure to include a tour of Yosemite National Park to your list. This natural wonder is best explored during the spring and summer months. Yosemite Valley, the most popular destination within the park, has breathtaking views of high cliffs and stunning water falls.

To get the most out of your visit to Yosemite try to spend at least one night in the park to experience all the incredible sights. If you would like guidance regarding which tour would be most appropriate for your group please give us a call or fill out our online request form.

Stretch Your Travel Dollars

Times are tough and everyone is trying to make their pared down travel budget go just a little bit farther. GotoBus wants to help travelers by releasing our greatest selection of Affordable Tours that will make going on vacation a reality this year. These tours feature our very best deals for East Coast, West Coast, Hawaii, Florida, Europe, and Mexico tours.

These tours pack a lot of bang for the buck! For extra savings, bring a third person along for your travels and take advantage of our Buy 2 Get 3rd Free Specials. These low priced tours sell out fast so book online now.

National Cherry Blossom Festival 2009

Looking for the perfect spring tour?

The National Cherry Blossom Festival 1 Day Tour, departing from Flushing and Manhattan, offers spectacular views of cherry blossoms throughout DC in addition to many sightseeing destinations including the Jefferson Memorial, the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, National Mall and much more.

Enjoy the beauty and history of the National Cherry Blossom Festival which celebrates the March 27, 1912, gift of Japanese cherry blossom trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington. This gift was meant to enhance the growing friendship between the United States and Japan. This tour only runs between March 28 and April 12 so be sure to reserve your spot soon!

New Mexico Bus Tours- Just Released

GotoBus has just released nine new multi-day Mexico bus tours! These tours range in duration from 4 to 13 days and depart from Mexico City and Tuxtla Gutierrez.

If you are short on time but still want to see the highlights of this beautiful country then the Mexico City Hot Spots Tour may be exactly what you are looking for. This 4 day tour package includes three nights accommodation in a four star Mexican standard hotel, roundtrip airport transfers, all entrance fees and visits to Mexico City, Xochimilco, Teotihuacan and more. At $248 per person this tour will fill up quick so be sure to book your reservation early.

Art lover's that enjoy Frida Kahlo's world renowned paintings should check out the Footsteps of Frida Kahlo Private 6-Day Tour which visits the most influential places of her life in an intimate setting. This tour offers 5 nights hotel accommodations, roundtrip airport transfers, entrance fees and visits to Mexico City, Teotihuacan, Coyoacan, Zocalo, and San Angel.

All Mexico Bus Tours itineraries and ticketing information can be found online.

Top 10 Tours: February 2009

Curious which GotoBus tours are most popular? Here are the Top 10 Tours from February 2009.

1. New York to Washington DC 2-Day Tour Cherry Blossom (Seasonal), 1 night hotel. Round trip transportation from New York or New Jersey. Sightseeing in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC. Air and Space Museum

2. New York to Niagara Falls 2-Day Bus Tour 1 night hotel. Round trip transportation from New York or New Jersey. Sightseeing in Niagara Falls (day and night). Corning Glass Center.

3. Philadelphia, Washington DC and Niagara Falls 3-Day Tour 2-night accommodations. Ground transportation. Sightseeing in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Corning Glass Center, Niagara Falls.

4. Boston to Washington DC 3-Day Tour 2 nights accommodations. Visit Philadelphia, Washington D.C., New York...

5. Los Angeles to San Francisco Yosemite 3-Day Tour 2 nights accommodations. Ground transportation. Visits to San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Hearst Castle (optional), Bay Cruise (optional), Solvang, Denmark Village and more

6. NY ->Washington DC, Shenandoah Cavern 2-Day Tour 1 Night hotel. Round trip transportation from New York or New Jersey. Sightseeing in Philadelphia, Washington DC and Shenandoah Caverns Virginia (optional). Air and Space Museum (optional)

7. LA to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon South Rim 3-Day Tour 2 nights accommodations (2-night in Las Vegas). Ground transportation. Visits to Las Vegas, Factory Outlets, Grand Canyon South Rim, Hoover Dam and more

8. Skiing, Woodbury Shopping and Turning stone Casino 2-Day Tour Ski, shop, and gamble with 1 night hotel accomodation

9. NY to Washington DC, Baltimore 2-Day Tour 1 Night hotel. Round trip transportation from New York. Sightseeing in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC and more...

10. New York to Canada 3-Day Bus Tour 2 Nights hotel. Round trip transportation from New York or New Jersey. Sightseeing in Niagara Falls (US and Canadian side) and Toronto. Ontario. Thousand Islands region. Corning Glass Factory (optional)

Niagara Falls - Don't Miss It

Every year our customers tell us that taking a Niagara Falls Tour is absolutely worth the trip. Viewing this aquatic spectacle and riding the famous Maid of the Mist boat always leaves travelers in awe of Niagara's magnificent beauty.

When planning your trip to Niagara Falls, one of the major considerations to think about is where exactly you will go. When viewing our tour selection be sure to check the itinerary to see whether you will visit the American side (American Falls & Bridal Veil Falls), the Canadian side (Horseshoe Falls), or both. Knowing this information ahead of time will allow you to bring any additional documentation that may be required to enter Canada. If you have any questions regarding the Niagara Falls Tour options a customer service specialist at GotoBus would be happy to assist you. Book now to secure your spot for this spring!

Tour the Grand Canyon!

The Grand Canyon is one of the seven "Natural Wonders of the World." Created by the Colorado River millions of years ago, this canyon spans 277 miles long, ranges from 4 to 18 miles in width, and has depths reaching over a mile. Travelers from around the world come to the Grand Canyon to experience its exquisite beauty and natural serenity. The West Rim and South Rim are two of the most popular tour destinations within the canyon.

West Rim Grand Canyon Tours: Many of these tours offer travelers the unique experience to walk beyond the Grand Canyon's edge on a glass bridge that suspends more than 4,000 feet above the Colorado River and stretches out 70 feet from the edge!

Check out our latest selection of Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim Tours.

South Rim Grand Canyon Tours: These tours are well known for the beautiful panoramic view of gorges and multi-colored rock formations. Many of these tours will venture to Grand Canyon National Park, the visitor center, Mather's Point and Bright Angel Look-Out Point.

For more Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim Tours visit GotoBus.com.

GotoBus Expands Online Travel Service to Europe

GotoBus, the leading online ticketing company for inter-city bus lines and bus tours, has expanded its travel services to include Europe tours. While already well-known for their extensive tour offerings in the U.S. and Canada, GotoBus is building on its strong record of growth by aggressively expanding into international markets.

These Europe tours typically include both ground transportation and hotel accommodations, and allow travelers to explore many popular sightseeing destinations. The most popular tour is the Europe - 7 Days Shuttle Tour for $740, which has three different routes: the Red Line, Green Line, and Blue Line. Multiple departure locations are available for the traveler’s convenience.

Red Line - Splendid Europe 7 Days Shuttle Tour: Visit Bonn (Ludwig Van Beethoven Haus), Cologne (Cologne Cathedral), Amsterdam (The Hague, Scheveningen / Keukenhof), Brussels (Atomium, Grand’ Place, Mannenken Pis), Paris (Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, Eiffel Tower, Palace of Versailles, The Louvre), Reims, Luxembourg (Place de Constitution), Trier (Porta Nigra), Koblenz, and Frankfurt (Romer platz).

Green Line - Italy Essence 7 Days Shuttle Tour: Highlights include visiting Turin, Milan (Duomo, Sforza Castle, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, "La Scala" opera house), Verona (Verona Arena), Venice (Basilica di San Marco, Bridge of Sighs), Rome (The Coliseum, The Arch of Constantine, The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain), Vatican (St. Peter’s Basilica), Florence (Piazzale Michelangelo, Ponte Vecchio , Duomo, Campanile Tower, Uffizi Gallery), Pisa, Genoa, Monaco (Monte-Carlo), Nice, Cannes (Fragonard Perfume Factory), and Avignon.

Blue Line - Eastern Europe 7 Days Shuttle Explorer: See Budapest (Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Elizabeth Bridge, Heroes Square), Vienna (Schonbrunn, Stadtpark, Johann Strauss monument, the Parliament, St Stephen’s Cathedral), Salzburg (Mozart’s birthplace), Lucerne (Kapell Bridge, Lion Monument), Zurich (Rhine Falls), Titisee, Prague (St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square), and Bratislava (St. Martin’s Cathedral).

In addition to these multi-day tours, GotoBus also offers sightseeing trips that range in duration from just a few hours to a full day. These sightseeing excursions are currently available in England, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, and Scotland. Additional details, ticketing information, and more deals can be found at GotoBus.com.

About GotoBus.com

GotoBus is the leading online marketplace for bus tickets, tours, and sightseeing activities. The GotoBus online booking system, similar to those used by major airlines, makes it easy for travelers to quickly compare schedules, prices, and pickup/drop-off locations for over 200 bus companies throughout the United States and Canada. GotoBus.com is the fastest growing gateway for bus travel on the Internet. In February 2007, The Washington Post featured GotoBus.com as one of the best travel websites and named it "Best of the Web" in the "Motorcoaches" category.

Mexico

For your next trip why not go south of the border and visit Mexico? Mexico is the fifth largest country in the Americas and is well known for its beautiful beaches and Meso-American ruins. Some top Mexican destinations to check out are Cancun, Tijuana, Ensenada,and Cabo San Lucas.

Mexico is a great destination because there are so many things to do. You can go scuba diving, take a cruise, go horseback riding on the beach, ride ATVs, swim with dolphins, go shopping, go clubbing, take a city tour or visit Chichen Itza. Mix and match some of these activities to make your vacation to Mexico one to remember!

Luxury Bus Tours

So what is the difference between a "budget tour" and a luxury or deluxe tour? Luxury tours, while more expensive than your average budget tour, provides many additional comforts which oftentimes include superior hotel accomodations and highly knowledgable tour guides. Sometimes these tours also feature special inclusions like meals or admissions fares.

Many extended vacation packages also fall into the luxury tour category. These tours tend to be longer and range between 5 to 17 days. These tours are best for travelers who have lots of time to enjoy their travels and want to visit many destinations. For those with the time and the means, we highly recommend checking out our bi-coastal tours to see the wonders of the American coasts.

Travel Europe on the Cheap - How to Enjoy Bus Tours

Many would-be travelers dream about strolling down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees but are not willing to mortgage their future to finance the trip. However, traveling Europe on the cheap does not require backpacking and hitching free rides from strangers! One affordable solution that offers a happy medium between a super luxurious getaway and "roughing it" is a packaged bus tour.

Packaged bus tours offer the best value per day, due to the tour operator's ability to secure group rates on hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and sightseeing attractions. They also provide peace of mind, which is priceless: the discerning traveler does not need to obtain an international driver's license, rent a car (let alone remember on which side of the road to drive!), or read train schedules in foreign languages.

To get the most out of a European bus tour, remember the following travel tips.

Tips to enjoy a Europe bus tour:

• Dress Comfortably: You will spend much of your time sightseeing or riding on the bus. Wear sensible clothes that you can wear while walking around in public areas, and that also fit well while sitting down.
  
  
• Be Camera Ready: Pack extra batteries for the camera. Packaged bus tours feature numerous attractions and will often visit multiple countries. However, once the tour leaves for the next attraction, there is usually no turning back. Get that last photo op!
  
  
• Eat Wisely: Carry snacks to ward off hunger attacks on the bus, and take advantage of any breakfast inclusions available at the hotel. Be wary of purchasing food at major sightseeing venues where prices are the highest.
  
  
• Bring Entertainment: You will have downtime in between attractions and tours. Pack an MP3 player or a book and magazine to keep yourself occupied while en route to the next exciting destination.
  
  
• Keep an Open Mind: Touring Europe provides a unique experience to enrich your mind. Interact with passengers to discover similar interests, and learn about local cultures and traditions.

2009 Solar Eclipse Tours - China

2009 will be an exciting year for both professional astronomers and amateur sky gazers to catch a glimpse of a total solar eclipse in China! This is a rare occurrence when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth so that the Sun is wholly obscured. People will travel from around the world to see this spectacular natural phenomenon. GotoBus is offering Solar Eclipse Tours departing from Shanghai and Solar Eclipse Tours departing from Beijing that provide a great opportunity to go sightseeing in post-Olympic China and observe a total solar eclipse.

Winter Getaways to Hawaii

Need to get away to a tropical island? Yes, yes, and YES! With a winter storm warning in effect today for Cambridge, MA nothing sounds better than relaxing on a Hawaiian beach enjoying the warm sunny weather. Even in tough economic times it is possible to plan a budget friendly Hawaii getaway and GotoBus can show you how.

If your prefer a hassle free vacation where hotel accomodations, airport transfers, and sightseeing activities are included look no further than our 4-5 Day Hawaii Vacations. Our most popular tour, the Hawaii 4-Day Tour Package-C currently sells for $196. That is less than $50 per day! These rock-bottom prices won't last forever so be sure to book your trip early.

Free spirited travelers who like to spend lots of time on the beach and enjoy a less structured experience can enhance their vacation by booking some Hawaii sightseeing activities. Sightseeing tours range in duration from a couple of hours to a full day and focus on a single activity or theme. GotoBus currently offers over 40 different Hawaii sightseeing tours so there is an acitivity to suit every traveler. The best part about these mini-tours is that they can be booked around your "relaxing schedule" and the prices start at just $25. Check out some of GotoBus' most popular activities like the Waikele Center and Waikele Premium Outlets Trolley Tour, Diamond Head, Rainforest and Scenic Shores Tour, Hawaii Volcano Adventure and Hiking, Snorkeling and Boogie Boarding Eco-Tour Adventure .

More Inaugural Tours Just Released

Tour Updates: GotoBus has just released more Presidential inauguration tours! We now offer four inauguration tours departing from New York City starting at $159 and two inauguration tours departing from Boston starting at $569. Book now for this historic day before they sell out.

West Coast Fun

For those who need to escape the cold weather there is no place better to go than the West Coast. San Francisco is well known for its history, rich culture, architecture, and food. There are also many tourist attractions nearby. GotoBus currently offers tours departing from San Francisco starting as low as $19. You can take a city tour, ride the San Francisco Ducks, cruise along the bay, or check out the Golden Gate Bridge.

If you want to go further and explore the surrounding areas a multi-day tour would be your best bet. San Francisco departure options include tours to Disneyland, Universal Studios, Sea World, Legoland, Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Yosemite National Park, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Hearst Castle, Southern California, Northern California, Mexico Ensenada, Muir Woods, Wine Country and much more!

See All San Francisco Tours Here

Get thee to the slopes!

If you live up north you know that it has gotten cold. REAL COLD. In Cambridge, MA the temperatures reached a whopping 20 degrees Fahrenheit today and it is only December 8! Since it looks like we are in for long winter ahead of us we might as well enjoy it. GotoBus has just released super discounted 2 Day Ski Tours starting at just $108. We know times are tight but for that price it is time to fire up your inner recessionista and hit the slopes. If you really need an excuse to get away just say you are "stimulating the economy."

All ski tours and complete ticketing information can be found here.

Experience History in the Making!

Senator Barack Obama won the United States Presidential Election on November 4, 2008. On January 20, 2009 he will become the 44th President of the United States and the first African-American to hold this position. Be there to experience history in the making! GotoBus is offering two different tour packages that will let you get in on the action.

Washington DC on Inauguration Day 1-Day tour $279

New York - Washington DC - New York

Depart New York at 3:00am on your guided excursion to Washington DC. We will arrive in Washington DC at approximately 7:00am. Our tour guide will find the best available place where you can get see as much as possible

President Elect Obama Inauguration 4 Days Tour $599

• Day 1: New York
Your vacation begins. Our tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer to the Hotel Pennsylvania, located in the heart of midtown is directly opposite Madison Square Garden and Amtrak's Penn Station. The Empire State Building, Javits Center, Macy's, the Theater District and many other New York City attractions are only a few blocks away. Begin your sightseeing on your The ALL LOOPS TOUR which includes 4 separate double decker tour loops that allow you to enjoy the best of Manhattan and Brooklyn with 48 HOURS of unlimited hop-on, hop-off opportunities at over 50 stops! See everything that you want from Times Square... to Central Park... to the Empire State Building... to Fulton Mall in Brooklyn.

• Day 2: New York
Continue on your sightseeing tour of New York, Uptown, Downtown, Brooklyn and a night tour.

• Day 3: New York - Washington DC - New York
Depart New York at 3:00am on your guided excursion to Washington DC. Become part of history and join the excitement of the first African American to be elected President of the United States. We will arrive in Washington DC at approximately 7:00am. Our tour guide will find the best available place and since the tour departs early, we will do our best to be as close to the action as possible. Return to New York in the evening at approximately 9:00pm

• Day 4: New York
Morning check out from your hotel and transfer to the New York airport.

GotoBus Offers Shopping Tours to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

GotoBus, the leading online marketplace for bus tickets and tours, now offers shopping tours to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, located in Central Valley New York, includes 220 top brand-name outlet stores such as Coach, Gucci, Polo Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue and more. Departing from New York City daily, these tours accommodate holiday shoppers by providing $40 roundtrip transportation and VIP discounts.

For serious bargain hunters, GotoBus also offers a “Midnight Madness Tour at Woodbury Commons” for $30. This tour departs from New York City at 10:30 PM on Thanksgiving to take advantage of Woodbury Common Premium Outlet’s extended hours and early morning “Black Friday” sales. This tour package includes roundtrip transportation, a VIP coupon book worth hundreds of dollars in savings, and lunch/dinner discounts.

Two day shopping tours are also available for those that need more time to shop. For $140, patrons can shop at their leisure and enjoy a two day stay at the outlets. This tour package includes roundtrip bus transportation, one night hotel accommodation, breakfast for two, complimentary $50.00 gift certificate to any of Woodbury Common's 220 stores and a $10.00 dinner coupon to Positano Grill.

See website for complete ticketing information about these shopping tours.

About GotoBus.com

Getting what you came for- How to select the best touring option

Many travelers ask us about our services and what they can expect from their tour guide. Will I be tied to the hip of my guide or be left to navigate on my own? The answer to that question is “It depends.” Before booking a tour you should think about your personality traits and the needs of your traveling companions. Selecting the tour that best fits your personality will allow you to make the most of your vacation and ensure that you get what you were expecting.

GotoBus currently offers three levels of touring options. You can find the tour level listed in the tour details.

Level 1:
If you like to wander free and explore new places on your own then a Level 1- Unescorted tour is your best bet.

Level 1-- Unescorted Tour: Essentially a self-guided tour. You will have transfers between activities and accommodations but there will no one organizing activities for you.

Check out a Level 1-- Unescorted Tour

Level 2:
If you prefer having someone around to answer questions and troubleshoot problems a Level 2—Semi-Guided Tour would be a good option.

Level 2—Semi-Guided Tour: Tour guide will organize the group and arrange for any optional attractions and meal stops. These tours are perfect for those who like some structure to the day, but want more free time and meals on their own. Tour guide will be available to assist passengers if any problems arise.

Check out a Level 2—Semi-Guided Tour

Level 3:
If you enjoy having a knowledgeable guide who can tell you about the historical significance of the sites you are seeing then I would recommend a Level 3--Fully-Guided Tour.

Level 3--Fully-Guided Tour: Tour guide will organize the group and arrange for any optional attractions and meal stops. In addition, the guide will conduct an informative tour of sights throughout the trip. The tour may be conducted in more than one language.

Check out a Level 3--Fully-Guided Tour

GotoBus Expands Online Travel Service to China

Cambridge, MA September 8, 2008 -- GotoBus, the leading online ticketing company for inter-city bus lines and bus tours, has expanded tour service to China. With the existing leadership in their U.S. and Canadian tour service, the company is actively increasing their international offerings.

GotoBus introduces travelers to popular destinations in the post-Olympic China such as Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guilin, Nanjing and Tibet. Whether it is exploring ancient cities or modern architecture that excites you, visitors can find a tour that is perfectly suited to their needs and within budget. These tours range in duration from 4 to 16 days and many cover more than one city allowing travelers to become fully immersed in Chinese culture.

Beijing Tours: These tours include numerous sightseeing opportunities with stops at the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall of China, and the Ming Tombs.

Xi'an Tours: Visit the famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses, as well as, the Ancient City Wall which was constructed in the early Ming Dynasty.

Shanghai Tours: A tour through Shanghai reveals the beauty of Yu Garden, the Bund, and the Jade Buddha Temple. Shopping on Nanjing Lu, one of the world's busiest commercial streets is not to be missed!

Guilin Tours: Explore the scenery in Guilin with a cruise on the Li River and discover the Reed Flute Cave. The natural views here are said to be the "Best under Heaven."

Nanjing Tours: This location features the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Nanjing Museum and much more.

Tibet Tours: Travel through Lhasa to see the Tibet Museum and Potala Palace. Check out the Drepung and Jokhang monasteries to learn more about Buddhist history.

In addition to these traditional tours, GotoBus has also released a unique Date your Love in China 8-Day Tour. Departing in November, January, and March, this cross-cultural dating tour explores some of China's most awe-inspiring sites while meeting up to 150 single women throughout the excursion. This tour travels through Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou. It is the perfect combination of sightseeing, enjoying fine local cuisine and dating.

All new China tours are fully narrated by a bilingual, experienced local guide. Additional details and ticketing information can be found at GotoBus China Tours.

GotoBus.com covers diversified inter-city bus and bus tour service including the Chinatown Bus which connects major US cities. Expanding bus travel service to China cannot be more natural to the online ticketing company for bus travel.

About GotoBus.com
GotoBus is the leading online marketplace for bus tickets and tours. The GotoBus online booking system, similar to those used by major airlines, makes it easy for travelers to quickly compare schedules, prices, and pickup/drop-off locations for over 200 bus companies throughout the United States and Canada. GotoBus.com is the fastest growing gateway for bus travel on the Internet. In February 2007, The Washington Post featured GotoBus.com as one of the best travel websites and named it "Best of the Web" in the "Motorcoaches" category.

5 Steps to Finding Your Perfect Bus Tour

Planning a trip can be exhausting. You finally decided to take a bus tour, which include the transportation, hotels, a well-planned itinerary, plus a travel expert who have the insider scoop and will guide you through the journey.

Nice, isn't it? You get on the bus, put down your luggage, kick back, and someone will take care of the rest. However, before getting on the bus, there is some homework for you to do. We have designed a five-step guide for you to easily find your perfect bus tour.

1. Going through a Travel Agency.

This is a world of collaboration. Instead of hitting tens and hundreds of different tour operators, a smart way will be going through a travel agency where you can compare all the tour itineraries, schedules and prices all in one stop. Online travel agencies have gone a long way to make it easy for travelers to search their trips efficiently by key words, times and locations. A lot of times travel agencies also offer additional discounts and promotional vacation packages for those who travel on a tight budget.

2. Knowing your Limits.

Before planning for a trip, ask yourself some questions: Where does the trip start? For how many days? Where are the places you want to visit? And how much do you plan to spend without breaking your bank? Most of the online travel sites allow travelers to search for trips by using the 3 Ds: Departure, Destination, and Duration.

Another question that is commonly neglected by travelers is “How intense the bus tour you want it to be?” Do you want to visit lots of places in a weekend getaway, or you want to take it slow by staying in one place? With an escorted tour, visiting a lot of attractions in a short amount of time maybe perfect for those who want to get the most out of their journey; however, not so much for those who prefer to relax and take their time. If you're not sure about the intensity of the tour, pick up your phone and call the agency to talk to a real person.

3. What is Included?

As the travel industry gets fiercely competitive, travel agencies are tightening their margins to attract more customers. It is not uncommon for travelers to find too-good-to-be-true travel deals with a little extra time and effort researching online. However, what you see is not always what you get. For a bus tour, transportation and accommodation are almost always included. Other factors you might want to take into account include: Does the tour provide airport/hotel pick-up? Which attractions are paid for and which ones are optional (admission fees not included)? Is the travel insurance included? What hotels are you staying in?

4. What Language Do You Speak?

This one seems obvious but is neglected very often. Most of travel agencies in the U.S. require tour guides who speak English. However, there are many tours out there that are guided by people who speak multiple languages. It is not uncommon to find someone who is trilingual and can guide a tour in fluent English, Spanish, and Chinese. For those who speak English as a second language, it could be nice to find a tour that is guided in your mother tongue. On the other hand, if you prefer the tour guide to speak one language instead of switching among five other languages, you might want to avoid multiple language tours.

5. Rules, Rules, Rules

Is there a refund policy? What is the cancellation policy? Do they take credit card or check? Visit the website and understand the legal aspect of the agency will not only protect you for your rights, but also give you some ideas of when and how you want to book a tour.

Afterall, knowing what to expect and plan ahead is always the safest way to enjoy your trip!

For more information about escorted bus tours and great travel deals, visit GotoBus.com, a leading online travel agency offers bus tours and vacation packages throughout more than 200 operators in the U.S. and Canada.

Getting Around the USA--When is the Bus Your Best Option?

Visitors to the US have many options when it comes to getting around. In the land of (relatively) cheap gas and expensive trains, renting a car is often the most appealing option. On the other hand, for journeys between cities that are further than a few hours drive, flying quickly becomes a viable option. Still there are other times when the best option is taking the bus. How should you determine when this is your best option? Read on.

Bus travel in the US

Whether or not it is warranted, bus travel has a somewhat beleaguered reputation in the U.S. Many consider line run bus service to offer the most basic level of service. In truth there is a wide range of service offered, from luxury to budget, depending on the bus carrier. The bus industry in the United States is dominated by Greyhound, which is the only bus company with service nationwide. Several other companies such as Trailways and Coach USA are made up of independently owned bus companies that share marketing functions and branding. In addition there are several strong regional players in the bus industry, although they may share service with Greyhound on certain routes.

A newer development in the bus industry is the “Chinatown bus”. This is a term used to describe low priced bus companies that operate paired down service on selected routes and charge much less than traditional bus companies. Originally these carriers tended to operate in, and cater to, the Chinese immigrant community. Now the phenomenon appeals to a much wider group of customers. Another trend in the bus industry is luxury service that competes more directly with the airlines. These carriers offer first class amenities and luxury coaches. They tend to be most successful for destinations that are fewer than 6 hours apart.

So, how should you decide when the bus is your best option? Here are a few questions that might help you make your decision:

1. What is your budget? If you are on a tight budget you won’t be able to beat the bus for price. It is by far the least expensive way to get between destinations in the U.S. This is particularly true on heavily traveled routes in the Northeast where there is a lot of competition.


2. Will you need a car once you get to your destination? In many U.S. cities (ie. New York, Boston, Washington DC) a car is not only unnecessary but will be a burden to drive and to park once you arrive.


3. How far are you going? If you are traveling less than a five or six hours it is probably faster to take the bus than to fly when you factor in waiting time at the airport. Moreover, the bus will likely drop you off in the downtown core so you do not have to find your way into the city once you arrive.


4. Where are you going? It is worth noting that for many more remote destinations in the US, the bus is really the only public transportation option. If you do not drive, taking the bus may be your only choice.


5. How much time do you have? If your trip is not rushed, you might enjoy the more leisurely pace of bus travel. If you are under time pressure, the bus is probably not the best choice as it is subject to traffic delays and usually takes a little longer than other modes of transportation.

Overall, the bus is a great option for visitors to the US who are looking for transportation between major US cities and more remote destinations alike. As gas prices rise and train service sees more cuts, it will undoubtedly be an even more popular way to get around going forward.

Lila Kahn is the Marketing Manager of GotoBus.com, the leading online marketplace for bus tickets and tours in the USA. You can find out more information about the company and contact information for the author at: http://www.gotobus.com/