Hiring a coach is the perfect solution for so many kinds of group trips. Getting to a wedding or sporting event, traveling for work, and simply going on outings around the UK can be difficult and uncomfortable by train or car. But in a coach, you can relax, socialise and let your driver take you directly to your destination.

Once you’ve decided on taking a coach trip, the next step is planning. You’ll want to pack and prepare fully to make sure everything goes as smoothly and enjoyably as possible. Read on to see our top tips for doing just that.

Scheduling and flexibility

When you’re on the road, timing is everything. Departing on time with everyone on board is just the start. You’ll want to have a rough idea of where you’ll be at each point on your coach journey and how that will affect you.

You should consider when and where your coach might pause at rest stops and when and where you’ll get your meals. Will you eat lunch at a rest stop, or will you bring a packed lunch on board with you?

Also, think about the timing of your journey in relation to high traffic times like rush hour and the most congested roads on your trip. If you left an hour earlier or later, would traffic be better?

All this being said, you’ll need to plan for the possibility that your journey may not fit your expected schedule after all. For example, a road accident could force you into a detour. Therefore, build a little extra wiggle room into your schedule. It’s better to arrive early than late so that you don’t end up missing kick-off or a wedding because of traffic.

This is why you should also bring…

Snacks and water

You don’t want anyone to end up feeling ill because of hunger or dehydration when food isn’t at hand. It’s best to bring water and some simple snacks like crackers or nuts (as long as no-one is allergic), which can also help combat motion-sickness.

Decide how you’ll keep yourselves occupied during the trip

What you’ll do during your trip will probably depend upon where you’re going. If you’re heading to a work conference, the vibe might be quiet and business focused. On a trip for sightseeing, you might want to use your time on the coach to pass around leaflets for attractions or share facts about your destination. And if you’re heading to a wedding or hen party, maybe you’ll play music to bond and make some fun memories. A great idea is to get a playlist of the happy couple’s favourite songs.

When you’ve decided what you want to do, make sure you’re getting a coach that will have all the features that you’ll need. If you pick a coach with a microphone, you can even play games like home-made bingo, personalised to your trip.

Reach consensus and communicate as a group

With nearly any group endeavour, it’s crucial to communicate well and agree on expectations before you start. So, when you’re going on a coach trip together, make sure everyone knows what will happen and what they’re expected to do.

Once you’ve decided on the first points on this list, let everyone know what the plan is. That way, they’ll know whether they need to bring a sandwich or their own snacks, for example.

You’ll also want to make sure everyone is on the same page about your expectations for the journey. If everyone will be entertaining themselves individually or working quietly, people might want to bring their own earbuds or headphones, whereas otherwise, they wouldn’t. And if you find out people are planning to sleep on the journey, you might decide not to prepare a group game or a movie-watching experience after all.

Be prepared for the temperature and weather

There’s nothing worse than being too cold or too hot when you’re on a trip. You can address the issue of heat by choosing a coach with air conditioning. But if you’re taking your coach to an outdoor event in the chillier months, you may want to bring a blanket with you so that you can warm up during the journey home.

Of course, it’s wise in general to check the forecast before you leave and to dress in layers so that you can stay comfortable when the temperature changes.

Hygiene and medicine

It’s best to pack a small kit with basics for hygiene and first aid, including hand wipes and hand sanitiser. Don’t forget motion-sickness medicine!

Also, consider the event you’re going to when you pack your first aid kit. For example, if you’ll be doing a lot of walking, maybe you should bring some blister plasters.

Needless to say, all travellers should also make sure they bring any personal medication they’ll need for the day. If your passengers have medication that needs to be kept cool, try to hire a coach with a handy mini fridge.

Money

Bring some cash and coins with you as well as a credit or debit card. This is helpful if card machines are broken. If you’ll be travelling a considerable distance, you might want to alert your bank, so they know transactions far from your home aren’t fraud.

Chargers/battery packs

Hiring a coach with USB charging ports can be a huge help when you’re travelling. Just make sure you bring chargers that can fit into these ports. Battery packs can also be helpful if you want to use your devices a lot while you’re away from the coach.

Communicate with your hire company

We’ve discussed the importance of communication among your group already, but communication with your coach hire company is vital too. Tell them about your priorities, your needs and your goals for the trip. For example, if anyone in your group has disability needs, make sure to let your company know ahead of time.

Check the weather and road conditions as departure approaches

In the days before your trip and the morning of it, check weather and traffic bulletins to see whether you need to change your plans. Tell your coach hire company if you have any concerns.

Choose a reputable, highly reviewed coach hire company

We haven’t yet mentioned the most important factor – choosing a company that will do its part in making sure your trip goes perfectly.

Star Coaches is a coach hire company in Leeds with four decades of experience and a wealth of great reviews that speak to our quality service. Our drivers are DBS-checked, and our coaches are cleaned and inspected daily. With Star Coaches, you can be confident you’ll receive a professional service that has your transportation sorted, leaving you free to enjoy your trip in our comfortable luxury coach.

Request a quote today or ask any questions you have by emailing info@star-coaches.com or calling 01924 477111.