Alfa Coach Holidays

From Packing to Pickup Points: A Beginner's Guide to Coach Travel

If you’re planning a first time coach holiday, you might be wondering how they work and what travel essentials you’ll need to bring along with you. Luckily, Alfa Holidays has plenty of intel on what to expect on a coach holiday and can provide you with all the information you could possibly need about the essentials for coach travel.

 

Whether you’re going on a rural coach trip to Scotland or one of our sightseeing coaches to London, our guide to coach travel covers all bases. Discover our tips for a coach holiday below.

What to Expect on a Coach Holiday

Considering a weekend coach trip, or maybe a royal coach trip for the week? Every coach trip is different, but they have one thing in common: you’re guaranteed a good time. Alfa Holidays’ escapes put an emphasis on comfort and convenience, with luxury coaches that get you exactly where you need to be, right on time. 

 

Our coaches will pick you up at your chosen pickup point and ensure you are dropped off right at the door of your UK hotel. From there, you’ll follow your holiday’s itinerary, packed with excursions, entertainment, and plenty of free time to explore your destination of choice. 

To us, the best getaways allow holidaymakers to truly escape – whether that means immersing themselves in attractions or taking the opportunity to unwind by the seaside. That’s why we make our escapes as simple and straightforward as possible, so you can focus on relaxing while we think about the road ahead.

What to Pack for a Coach Trip

Guests are allowed to bring one medium sized suitcase, no more than 69 cm x 28 cm x 46 cm (27 in x 11 in x 18 in) and weighing no more than 20 kg (44 lb) – plenty of room for all of your essentials. If you need to bring wheelchairs or walkers, we’re more than happy to accommodate! Just let us know ahead of time so that we can make sure that there is room in the luggage hold.

 

Let’s move on to travel essentials, guaranteed to make your journey that much more comfortable. Take a look at our coach holiday packing lists:

Essentials for Coach Travel

Tickets and travel documents
A refillable water bottle
Some light snacks
Personal entertainment

What to Wear on a Coach Tour

When it comes to packing for a coach trip, it’s important to consider your excursions, day-to-day activities, and relaxation outfits. You’ll also want to think about the time of year and weather, so you’re best prepared for both the warmth and the wet! 

It goes without saying that if you’re joining us on a summer coach trip to Blackpool, your wardrobe will look pretty different from if you’re on a Christmas market coach trip.

So, here are some things to consider packing:

  • A waterproof coat
  • A warm jumper/fleece
  • A scarf/hat
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Beach-appropriate shoes
  • A small bag or backpack

How Do Our Pickup Points Work?

We’re keen to help tourists reach a selection of their dream destinations, which is why we have over 400 pickup points, where your coach will take you to the nearest interchange. Here, you will switch coaches and travel to your destination of choice on board your main coach for the holiday.

Don’t worry, your luggage will be taken care of by our team, so you can rest assured that it’ll arrive directly at your hotel’s door with you.

Life on Board an Alfa Holidays Coach

We believe that your holiday begins the minute you step onto one of our Mercedes-Benz coaches. That’s why it’s important to us that you feel comfortable and well looked after during your many journeys on board. When travelling with Alfa Holidays, you can look forward to:

  • Reclining seats
  • Plenty of legroom
  • Air conditioning
  • A restroom
  • Wi-Fi (On a majority of coaches)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much spending money for a coach holiday?

During an Alfa Holiday, plenty of your excursions and meals are paid for as part of your holiday package. How much you choose to bring as spending money depends on what you’re looking to experience in your free time. Will you visit local attractions? Are you looking to buy souvenirs?

Do you need travel insurance for UK coach holidays?

When travelling around the UK, you won’t need travel insurance for your health, as you can access the NHS for free anywhere. If you’re looking for protection from non medical risks like stolen baggage, you may want to consider travel insurance.

Alfa also offers a Peace of Mind Guarantee – you can book your holiday, safe in the knowledge that if you have to postpone your holiday due to illness, a hospital appointment or jury service, you can move your holiday to another date in the future, with no amendment charges, other than the cost of the Peace of Mind Guarantee that you have already paid.

Also, if you are taken ill or have an accident whilst in the resort and can’t travel back on your scheduled date, we will also extend your stay and make the arrangements to bring you home with no extra cost to you!

Join an Alfa Holidays Escape

If you’re booking a first time coach holiday, there’s no better place to start than with Alfa Holidays. Now that you’ve got a better idea of what to pack for a coach trip, take a look at our coach holiday destinations and start planning your getaway.

Whether you’re planning a 2026 coach holiday or fancy a last minute coach holiday with a late deal, take a look at Alfa Holidays’ steam train trips in the UK now.