How to Plan a Memorable Group Travel Experience with Coach Hire

One of the best things about hiring a coach to transport your party, whether it's for a private or corporate occasion, is the sense of relaxed comfort during the journey and the satisfying feeling of everyone arriving at the venue feeling refreshed, happy and ready for the day (or night) ahead.

Only problem is, someone has to organise it, and if that particular person is you (and you've never hired a coach before) you're probably wondering if you've got all the bases covered so to speak. So let's take a look at the main things you need to consider to ensure your trip is remembered for all the right reasons, instead of it all going 'Pete Tong' and you getting the blame for it.

Type of trip being organised

Firstly, identify the type of outing you are planning for your group travel. There are many reasons for hiring a coach, and all can play a part in how you plan the event and what the likely chances are of success on the day. For example, is the purpose of the journey a day trip to the coast with a range of people on board of all different ages, maybe some who will need the toilet sooner than others? You might need to request a break (or two) along the way.

Is it a family and friends event, where you just need a standard coach with no fancy additions, or are you planning a corporate day out where impressions matter and you need the no holds barred executive coach that is going to hit the right note for the occasion. Just give some thought to the most appropriate level of coach you need so there's no disappointment on the day.

Choose a reputable coach provider

If you've set your mind to contacting a few coach providers directly, you'll need to properly devote some time to it, so you don't end up making any rookie errors and put the success of your trip at risk (and reaping the blame from your fellow travellers in the process). So you'll need to do some research, which takes a bit of time when done properly, and identify a selection of reliable providers who can cater for your needs. It doesn't necessarily mean you should only consider the biggest providers as there are plenty of capable smaller family type operators as well, so you'll need to look around. Look for a proven track record of great service combined with positive feedback, along with prices quoted and slowly narrow it down from there.

The itinerary

So assuming you need to create a plan from scratch, as may be the case if you have invited a party of foreign clients to experience some of the interesting destinations the UK has to offer, you need to decide what you're looking to achieve. Think about the interests of the group and what's likely to really engage them, does it need to be educational or cultural, or is what they really need a 'let your hair down' day of gut wrenching rides at Thorpe Park? Only you can decide, the coach company just provide the transport.

If you're going for longer distance travel, and particularly for a corporate event, then comfort is going to be key especially if you're picking the party up from the airport and they've already endured a long haul flight and are in no mood for another few hours of limited leg room. Are reclining seats, onboard entertainment and enough storage for luggage going to be needed? Use your judgement to think these things through and avoid mishaps.

Open communication

Try and establish a clear line of communication with the end provider (the actual coach hire company that you will be using) so you can make any adjustments to your booking if the need arises. Things that could change could include dates, times, exact passenger numbers and any specific requirements, not to mention pick-up or drop-off locations and designated stops. Depending on the complexity of your planned trip (and some can get very complicated) be up front with the provider from the start, and to foster a sense of goodwill, just explain the situation and that there may be some changes potentially at short notice. That way they can plan to some extent and it won't come as a completely unwelcome surprise.

So in conclusion, planning a memorable group travel experience which includes coach hire is going to take a bit of time and focus, but work out a plan and give it some thought before you start trying to book the coach. Work out exactly what kind of trip you are looking for and coordinate closely with the coach hire company.

Happy travels!