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A feature which is a firm part of my travel itinerary in most cities I visit, is the Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Tour. Most major cities have these tours, generally double decker buses with an open top. If you are travelling with family and friends this is the best way to see all the major attractions in the city you are visiting.

The tour runs in a loop lasting anywhere from an hour to two hours. If the city is widespread, then there may be multiple loops easily identifiable by colours. The tour starts from point A and returns to the same point at the end of the tour.

There are multiple buses reaching each tour bus stop every half hour, so you can join any time of the day at any of the stops on the tour. Just find the tour bus stop nearest to you.

The tour ticket may be for one day or upto three days depending on the tour company and are available online at a discount or you can buy when you board the bus at any of the stops.

Why do I recommend this tour?

I’m a history buff and an avid tourist. The first time I visit a city, I need to visit all the “touristy” places. Well isn’t that why you are visiting London – to see the Big Ben, Paris – to see the Eiffel Tower and so on.

And this tour checks all the boxes.

   It’s informative. You will visit multiple tourist attractions, some you did not even know about.

On the bus you get a map of the city with the stops listed and live historical commentary on the attractions you pass. You also get told little known fun facts, only the local guides can tell you.

   It’s economical. Cuts the cost of taxis as this tour takes you to all the major attractions on one ticket.

Large groups can travel together. Unlike a taxi which can only seat 4 people, the bus can accommodate larger groups of families and friends.

   It’s a tour at your own pace and interest. You can get off at any of the stops you would like to further explore and take another bus from the same stop when you are done. Though I would recommend you sit through the whole loop the first time around and then make a decision on the stops you want to get off at.

   Night time tour. Most of the tickets include a night time tour around the city. This helps as one does not venture out in the night in an unknown city.

   Cuts the language barrier. Most tours are in English, so you need not feel apprehensive about an unknown language.

Essentials you need when you go on this tour –

A water bottle
A cap/hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Healthy snacks

It gets quite hot on top of the bus, specially during the summer months. Sunscreen is a must as is a water bottle. Cover your head and shade your eyes from the sun’s glare. Do keep a few munchies to tide you over incase the tour is long and you don’t want to get off.

And now I’d like to share a secret here.

I look up the tour of the city I’m travelling to online before booking my hotel room and book a room near one of the stops on the tour. Why? Because I then use this tour as a taxi to take me to the tourist spots at my convenience.

There you have it.

This article is by Shivani Khanna