Good preparation helps ensure that your valuables remain under control without the constant stress of repacking. Below is a practical guide for international coach travel. If the issue 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
Divide your cash and cards between two secure places, make a note of your bank’s helpline numbers and enable notifications. Keep your phone, documents and medicines in your hand luggage.
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
Do not leave your wallet, laptop or passport in the seat pocket. At stops, take your essential items with you, even if you’re only stepping out for a few minutes.
What to do during your 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 on board, and check your documents, mobile phone and wallet after every stop. Report any problems to the crew immediately, not after the flight has ended.
Contingency plan
Save the contact details for the transport operator, your insurer, your accommodation and a loved one offline. A small financial reserve, a fully charged mobile phone and the arrival address written down 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 carrier’s rules and those of transit countries.
How to check this advice before you travel
Compare the advice with the specific details of your journey: duration, transit countries, season and the rules of your particular carrier. For documents, use the websites of border 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 you travel, 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 departures on RedRay.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a small padlock?
It protects against accidental opening, but is no substitute for keeping an eye on your belongings and storing valuables safely.
When should I 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.