The bus was full... every seat filled. The Destination was New York City. It was time to leave. A young man leaped into the bus and appeared confused and alarmed. He had a decided accent - British. He was holding money and reached out to the driver.

As the driver explained that the bus was full and it was time to leave, the young man became more distressed. He said he had traveled from England to see his young son, who was seriously injured in an automobile accident while visiting America with his mother. They were waiting in one of the small towns in Northeastern Pennsylvania on the way to New York

The Driver continued to explain that the bus was full and he would have to wait the four hours for the next one. Visibly distressed, the young man explained that such a wait might be to late, since his son's injuries were life threatening.

An elderly passenger stood and walked toward the front of the bus, her ticket in her hand. She handed it to the young man, who was surprised and relieved. He tried to give her the cash he had offered the driver, but she smiled as she left the bus, shook her head, and told him to "pass it on." The young man nodded. His quick smile indicated that he knew what she meant and would surely help another in trouble if the need arose.

Crises like this do not always arise on bus trips, but when they do they show us what America's travelers are like. Many similar tales are told as we travel across our country and around the world. We are a country of "helpers" and do not hesitate to reach out to those in need. Opportunities arise every day on buses, trains and planes.

Traveling by car with family and friends has its rewards, also, but there is nothing quite like reaching out to strangers as we "take care of each other" in our travels.

Other experiences bring people together who never would have met otherwise. Sometimes it is just a one-time conversation, like the one between a young reporter, forced to sit in "First Class" because of his height, who met the "giant" newspaper publisher, Randolph Hearst. The advice he received from this icon during that two-hour flight played a big role in his success as a newspaper columnist... and was the motivating factor in his "passing it on" to young reporter "wannabes" through school visits and other appearances..

It would not be difficult to find reports of travel encounters that led to marriage, business partnerships, and just plain lasting friendships. So, although traveling by car is sometimes necessary, one should consider the rewards that can come from experiences while traveling with the masses, which can last a lifetime.

Take the bus, Gus...