The Web site is equipped with Lonely Planet online guides to help you plan your journey. You can start anywhere you want in the network and break your trip up into sections. Depending on the trip options, whether you choose from the Busabout Explorer, Eastern Trekker or Busabout Adventures, you could travel for a few days or months. (Go to each one to see what's offered.) From the pictures of travelers, it also looks like this would be a terrific way to meet folks. One group is clinking beer glasses. Another is on bikes. Busabout recommends that you book as much of your journey ahead, but you can change your booking if needed. Cancellations need to be within 24 hours for a full refund. There is also help with finding accommodations and a system where you can book ahead while you are on the bus.

A technology feature I find interesting, particularly for parents who have high school age students or sons and daughters in college who are heading off alone, the Busabout system keeps track of where people get on and off the bus. If you haven't heard from Junior or Juniorita for awhile, the company may be able to give a possible location. Last place seen--Paris.

Thanks to Intelligent Travel for pointing this company out. Spend some time poking around Busabout's Web site and you'll be imagining all sorts of possibilities. If this company comes up with trips for families, I say they are REALLY onto something.