One of the most convenient and cheapest ways to see America is by riding a Greyhound bus. This interstate bus system connects all major cities in the United States providing them with frequent and convenient service. The bus system even has an international service which connects the Canadian cities of Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal to the Continental United States. At the southern border Greyhound also makes connection with cities in Mexico.

It's network even extends to some of the smaller towns and out-of-the-way communities in the great expanse of the country. Traveling by bus may take longer than flying by plane, but the terminals are located in the center of most cities and there is easy access to the downtown area. At night these terminals are carefully supervised and patrolled by security guards so as to guarantee safety. If a person in the terminal cannot produce an ongoing ticket to another destination, he will be required to leave. The purpose of this policy is to safeguard the security of passengers and discourage beggars from loitering around the premises. Some terminals in major cities are opened around the clock, while others may close after midnight and open again in the morning.

Greyhound also offers a variety of discount fares for the cross-country travelers who may like to visit many places across the continent. For them there is the Ameripass. This pass is designed for budget travelers and can be a great saving over the regular fare. This pass can be purchased for periods from as short as one week to as long as thirty days. It enables the traveler to visit any city along the Greyhound route within the purchased time limit. What is being purchased, therefore, is not distance but time.

These buses are comfortable and air-conditioned. They are all equipped with toilets in the rear to add to the convenience of the passengers but there are some very severe rules of conduct which are strictly enforced. On all buses smoking is prohibited and the consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed. For those passengers who use a pocket-sized stereo like a Walkman transistor for personal entertainment, the law requires that the volume be turned down so as not to disturb the other passengers.

The drivers are well-trained, very courteous and professional and always introduce themselves at the beginning of their route. They stop frequently along the journey to permit smokers to grab a quick cigarette or for other to pick up a snack at a fast food restaurant.

Although bus travel may not be suited to everyone's taste, it affords budget travelers and backpackers the chance to see America in comfort and safety and at a leisurely unhurried pace.