Global Coach Tours Blog

So Trafalgar have compiled this very useful guide to provide you with as much information as possible to help you prepare if you are lucky enough to be travelling with them on one of their coach tours.Take a look below before you travel on your remarkable global coach tour.

 

 

Luggage Allowance

This is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10” (76x45x25 cm) and a maximum weight of 50 lb (23 kg). Hotel porterage of this luggage is included in your Trafalgar holiday price. Hand luggage should be one piece per person and small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. This is your responsibility and should be carried on/off the coach with you. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach and cannot be accepted as carry-on luggage. If a second suitcase is carried, or if it exceeds the permitted weight and/or dimensions, a charge of €6/£5 per travelling day will be collected by your Travel Director. Airlines may have additional restrictions and may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Please note that airport porterage at the beginning and end of your guided holiday is not included. Loss or damage to luggage or any of your belongings is at your own risk, so please protect yourself with appropriate insurance.

 

Packing

 

Trafalgar advise that you pack each suitcase with day and evening clothing for each person when travelling as a couple. This is because in the unlikely event one of your suitcases is mislaid on your flight, you’ll still be able to manage. Ensure that your personal and holiday details are written on a label inside each suitcase (including name, address, telephone number, departure and return flight details), but write only your name and destination address on outside labels. Make sure that your luggage is in good secure condition, and use a TSA approved lock for US security checkpoints. Use a rigid style suitcase for protection when carrying fragile items. Check-in only your own suitcases. Do not carry items packed by other people. Under no circumstances ever accept packages or articles from anyone unknown to you to carry on board the aircraft. There are strict airport security regulations on items that may be carried on board aircraft such as liquids/gels and metal objects. These usually need to be placed in a clear bag for viewing at checkpoints. Please consult your airline or travel agent regarding these and other restricted items and how they must be displayed at airport security checkpoints. We suggest you pack only essential items for daytime use in your hand-baggage, both for your flight and while on the coach. For example, your camera, medicines, anything that you use frequently or is particularly valuable. Expensive items such as jewellry should be left at home for your peace of mind.

 

 

Clothing & Footwear

A general tip in regards to suitable clothing and footwear would be to make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes as a number of cities in Europe are developing as havens for pedestrians. What to Bring will depend upon your own personal preferences, where you are travelling to and the time of year you are travelling. Casual, lightweight, drip-dry clothing that requires little or no ironing is generally recommended. Laundry facilities are available at most of the places you stay, however, take sufficient clothing to last for about a week. Below is a list of clothing items to consider packing for your Trafalgar holiday:

• Good walking shoes

• Swimsuit

• Undergarments

• Sandals

• Socks

• Hat

• Sleepwear

• Shorts/skirts

• Jeans/trousers

• Warm jacket

• Pullover/cardigan

• Waterproof jacket

• Shirts/blouses

 

General Items

Below is a list of general items to consider packing for your Trafalgar holiday:

• Camera/memory cards

• Spare batteries/charger

• Medications & prescriptions

• Power plug adapters/ converter

• Toiletries • Collapsible umbrella

• Insect repellent

• Sunscreen

• Travel sewing kit

• Pocket calculator

• Plastic bags

• Travel alarm clock

• Water bottle

• Sunglasses (screw top lid)

• Sachets of washing powder

• Money belt or holster Essentials

• Passport (& Visas)

• Travel insurance policy

• Trafalgar documents

• Airline tickets

• Credit cards/pre-loaded currency cards

Tip:  Only take the essential identifiers like your drivers license and just two credit cards  in your wallet or purse – one to carry, another to be locked in your hotel room safe.

 

Budgeting

Trafalgar itineraries include many features that will save you money on your trip, including many highlight visits and sightseeing, as well as meals and entertainment. For personal items such as souvenirs, gifts, taxi fares, laundry and gratuities, we suggest you allow €9-€11 per day in Europe and £8-£10 per day in the UK.

 

Meals

 

Lunches are usually not included in your Trafalgar trip and individual requirements vary, but we suggest you allow €10/£9 per person per day. Where evening meals are not included, the cost will depend on the type and locations of restaurants used. As a guide, allow €25-€30/£22-£30 per day. You should budget for drinks with meals and refreshment stops during the day. Non-alcoholic drinks cost approximately €2-€3/£1.50-£2.50 each.