Good preparation helps to ensure that long periods of sitting are broken up by gentle movement, without having to exercise in the aisle whilst the bus is in motion. Below is a practical guide for international coach travel. If the topic concerns health, medication or special needs, please discuss any personal decisions with your doctor and the coach operator.
What to do before buying your ticket or packing
At authorised stops, take a short walk and gently move your feet and shoulders. If you have vascular, joint or other medical conditions, ask your doctor for personalised advice.
How to organise your belongings and information
Gather everything you need in one accessible place, but divide essential items between your main and backup options. Check instructions, expiry dates, battery levels or functionality at home. Take photos of important details without sharing too much personal information.
Risks to avoid
Do not perform any sudden movements, do not stand in the aisle whilst the bus is moving, and do not stray far from the bus. Pain, swelling or a sudden deterioration in your well-being require professional attention.
What to do during the journey
When boarding, check the journey number, the exact stop and the luggage rules. During breaks, make a note of the return time, do not leave valuables in the coach, and check your documents, mobile phone and wallet after every stop. Report any problems to the crew immediately, rather than waiting until the end of the journey.
Contingency plan
Save the contact details for the transport operator, your insurance provider, your accommodation and a close friend or relative offline. A small financial reserve, a fully charged phone and the arrival address saved in your notes 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 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 the particular carrier. For documents, use the websites of border control and consular services; for health matters, seek individual advice from your doctor; 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 timetables, platforms 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 often should you move around?
Base your decisions on the stops, how you’re feeling and medical advice; even a short, gentle walk is better than an intense workout.
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 have changed.