Good preparation helps to ensure that your budget takes into account not only tickets, but also local expenses and different currencies. Below is a practical guide for international coach travel. If the matter concerns health, medication or special needs, please discuss your personal arrangements with your doctor and the coach operator.
What to do before buying tickets or packing
Create a table organised by country: buses, local transport, accommodation, food, communications and paid attractions. Calculate bank charges and any potential cash payments separately.
How to organise your belongings and information
Gather everything you need in one accessible place, but divide critically important items between your main and backup options. Check instructions, expiry dates, battery levels and that everything is in working order at home. Take photos of important details without sharing too much personal information.
Risks to avoid
Don’t use up your contingency fund in the first few days, and don’t plan your budget based on the most favourable exchange rate. Check the refund policies for each ticket and accommodation booking.
What to do during your trip
When boarding, check the flight number, the exact stop and the baggage rules. During stopovers, make a note of the return time, do not leave valuables in the cabin, and check your documents, phone and wallet after every stop. Report any issues to the crew immediately, rather than waiting until the end of the journey.
Contingency plan
Save the contact details of the operator, your insurer, your accommodation and a loved one offline. A small financial reserve, a fully charged mobile phone and the arrival address saved in your phone will help you stay calm if the platform changes, you lose signal or the coach is delayed.
Quick checklist
- check your ticket, documents and exact address;
- prepare a main and a backup plan;
- save contact details and a map offline;
- keep important items in your hand luggage;
- bear in mind the rules of the carrier and any transit countries.
How to check this advice before you travel
Compare the advice with the specific details of your flight: duration, transit countries, season and the rules of your particular carrier. For documents, use the websites of border control and consular services; for health matters, follow your doctor’s personal advice; and for luggage and boarding, refer to the information on your ticket. Double-check everything the day before, as even sound general advice may not account for sudden changes to the timetable, platform or local requirements.
Before you set off, check the packing list for a long coach journey and the list of documents required for travel to Europe. Search for current services on RedRay.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I set aside as a contingency?
The amount depends on the route, but it should cover at least the cost of unexpected travel, accommodation or a replacement ticket.
When should you check the rules again?
The day before you set off and before your return journey: the requirements of the transport operator, border authorities and local services may change.