Coach holidays

Before we start, get used to the idea that the coach is merely the form of transport to guide you around the area you have chosen to visit.  Standards of vehicles are incredibly high with all manner of amenities on board, so you can be sure of a safe, comfortable and relaxing time in the hands of expert drivers and guides. The coaches can vary in size from small mini bus style vehicles of around 12 seats up to coaches seating around 50. Some are 'standard' and many are now 'luxury' vehicles with a range of facilities on board to aid your comfort and enjoyment. Safety is a huge feature, with seat belts compulsory in Europe and drivers being heavily monitored for breaks and standards of driving.

There are generally three main types of holiday, touring, tour and stay and holidays where the coach gets you purely to and from your holiday destination. 

• Touring Holidays will take you through an area or series of areas or countries, helping you to see the best that area has to offer. 
  
  
• Tour and Stay will combine a touring holiday with the benefit of a hotel stay at the end of your trip, to rest and relax for a few days before returning home.

Both touring and tour and stay holidays can begin with a flight to your chosen destination where you will meet your coach for your holiday.  These are sometimes referred to as Fly and Tour.  Touring holidays are often known as Escorted tours or holidays as there is a Tour Manager in addition to a driver who guides the entire tour.  You may even have local guides in some cities and areas to add local knowledge.  Tour Managers are usually highly educated with a background in history, geography or the arts.  This knowledge is what makes a tour manager so useful, as they can really bring a holiday to life.  A good manager will make your holiday something special!

There are clear benefits to taking a coach based holiday when touring around:

• Everything is taken care of for you, from check-in to the travel arrangements
• Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery and sights
• No need to worry about parking and which roads to take, so no getting lost!
• Your pre-planned itinerary will take you to the best places on your trip in an organised manner, giving a balance of free time and planned trips
• You will have either a guide or a driver acting as a guide, to advise you on where you are travelling, with commentary, insight and stories to bring the area and country to life
• Your chosen trip should clearly highlight what is and isn't included
• You will be travelling with like minded people who share the same interests, so you can make instant friends!
• Your touring holiday will give you real variety with new experiences every day - it is a great way to 'try' a new destination.  If you really love it you can go back and spend longer in your favourite places.
• Touring holidays are excellent value for money

So what of the downsides?  Well there are some, as there are with all holidays, but this depends on how you view them.

• You may find you have limited time in museums, galleries and places of interest as there is an itinerary to stick to.
• Each day is fixed to a timetable so you may find you are getting up early some days when you actually want a lie in!  However on the upside you do make the most of your time on this type of holiday!
• Hidden costs - you may have to pay for entrance fees depending on your chosen tour company.  Always check this when booking.
• You may have a large group of up to 50 people, so the tours can sometimes lack the personal touch.
• Included food can sometimes be limited to pre planned selections by the tour company, however you can always ask for other items.
• You will need to unpack and pack again each day - so always best to travel light and think ahead about what you will wear each day!

In our destination guides we have listed the companies that we recommend for touring holidays, tour and stay where available and luxury coach tours.

Who do we recommend?

Check our list below of some of the companies we recommend.  Be sure to check out your favourite destinations on our links for further options and you can be booking your holiday in no time at all!

Top coach holiday destinations

Further guides on fly drive and touring holidays