Changing cities every day looks exciting on a map, but it involves packing, checking out of accommodation and finding a new place to stay. For your first independent bus holiday, it’s worth comparing this route with one that involves fewer changes and staying in one place.
What to think about in advance
Draw up two versions of the same trip. In the first, work out the journey time from your base accommodation to the bus stop and back after each day’s outing. In the second, add the time needed for packing your suitcase, checking out, waiting for the keys and checking in. This will reveal the true cost of changing hotels in terms of hours.
How to apply this when travelling
A single base is more convenient when there’s a reliable bus service to your chosen destinations. Staying for a few nights is justified if you’d otherwise have to travel a long way back every evening. Don’t choose a base just because it’s cheap: an inconvenient location can wipe out any savings.
Check before taking the next step
Before booking, write down all your overnight stays and coach journeys in a calendar. Mark the decisions that can still be changed without losing money, and those that already tie you to a specific date. Check your entire door-to-door route: a short journey with inconvenient stops can sometimes take up more of your valuable time than a longer, direct option.
Useful information before your trip
Also check: what documents are required for a coach journey to Europe, how to prepare for an overnight coach journey, and the rules for carrying luggage on a coach. Find the latest coach services and route options on RedRay.
Photo sources: image 1 (CC BY 2.0), image 2 (CC BY-SA 2.0).
Questions and answers
When should you change hotels mid-journey?
When it eliminates long return journeys and leaves enough time for a relaxed check-in.
What should the outcome of your planning be?
You should know where you’re staying, where you’re setting off from the next day, and which parts of the itinerary can be cut short.
When should you check the bus timetable for the last time?
Check the service after booking, again 24 hours before departure, and once more on your way to the bus stop. Save the service number and the operator’s confirmation offline.
How much time should you allow before boarding the bus?
Follow the operator’s recommendations and allow extra time for public transport, finding the platform and checking your documents. For international journeys, it’s better to arrive early than to plan a tight connection.