If one traveller is delayed, it affects everyone once the tickets have been booked onto the flight. It’s not constant rushing that helps, but a clear routine in the morning.
What to plan in advance
Specify separately the time you’ll be ready with your luggage and the time you’ll actually leave the accommodation. By the former, you should have finished breakfast, packed your bags and settled your bill. If there’s a shared bathroom, agree on the order of use the night before. Don’t leave the keys and payment as the last thing to sort out.
How to apply this when travelling
Prepare a simple contingency plan for minor delays that doesn’t compromise safety or transport regulations. Don’t plan to hold up the bus by asking friends to wait for you. If the group splits up on the way to the bus stop, everyone should know its exact address and have their own ticket.
Check before taking the next step
It’s best to finalise arrangements before purchasing non-refundable tickets. Every adult should know their own route and have access to their own boarding pass. The organiser helps to coordinate the trip, but should not be the only person without whose mobile phone the whole group would lose their tickets, addresses and contact details.
Useful information before your journey
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-SA 4.0), image 2 (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Questions and answers
Why are two different time points needed?
The ‘be ready’ time gives you the chance to check your belongings and keys before it’s actually time to leave.
What should every adult have to hand?
Their ticket, the exact bus stop, the organiser’s contact details and a plan in case the group gets separated.
What should you check the day before the coach departs?
Check the boarding time and address, your documents, your phone’s battery level, the weather forecast and any updates from the transport provider. Save your ticket and contact details offline.
How much time should you allow before boarding the coach?
Follow the operator’s advice 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.