Coach holidays: How have they changed since COVID-19?

Coach holidays as well as every other holiday has had to change and adapt since COVID-19 started. It has been nearly a year since our last blog post and we wanted to let you know that when we are able to travel, coach holidays are ‘Good to Go’! The excitement of vaccinations and the dream of travelling again, has made us want to start writing again.

So how has coach travel changed so far? What ‘new’ things do you need to be aware of?

Each tour operator has adapted their coach tours slightly differently and will continue to do so according to the COVID-19 Secure guidelines, which the government set, so let’s look at a few changes: 

Coach holiday changes onboard the coach 

Less passengers travelling on a coach: To allow social distancing, the number of passengers travelling has been reduced. Seating on the coach may have also changed. Solo travellers may get a double coach seat to themselves or be asked to sit by the window. Passengers who live together will sit next to each other.  

Enhanced Coach Cleaning:  Coaches will be cleaned at a higher standard and more frequent; especially touch points in and around the vehicle. Some coach operators are using a special sanitising aerosol to ensure nowhere is missed. 

Face coverings on board the coach: The coach driver and passengers on board the coach will wear face mask, if required at the time by the Health Authorities. You may be expected to provide a doctor’s note if you have been exempted from wearing one.

Boarding the coach:  Prior to boarding the coach your temperature may be checked. Social distancing will occur whilst boarding the coach depending upon where you sit on the coach. 

On board the coach: Some coach air-conditioning systems now contain air filters, purifying the air circulating within the coach. 

At the hotel 

Hotels have also had to introduce new measures to ensure the health and safety of those who wish to stay. Some of the changes you can expect are: 

Reception: There may be protective screens at reception or staff may be offering a contactless service 

Public spaces: To help ensure social distancing there may be a one- way system around the hotel. Other changes are there may be more space around the tables in the bar and restaurant area than normal. Whilst queuing you may also be reminded to keep your distanced.  Finally, public spaces will undergo enhanced deep cleaning .

Hotel rooms: After your hotel room has undergone a deep clean, then staff may not enter your room until you depart.  

Attractions and visits while on coach holidays

Each visitor attraction will be different, but the main things you will need to be aware of things we have already covered above: social distancing measures, use of face coverings and potential one-way systems. Staff at the venues will help ensure your visit goes as smoothly as possible.  

Insurance Policies 

If you are unsure whether to book a holiday, most travel insurance policies for coach holidays now include enhanced cover for Covid-19. This will help if you have to cancel holidays or if you prefer to change the departure date. Various policies exist and make sure you check the terms and conditions when looking for a suitable policy.   

Finally….   

Don’t worry if you feel a little overwhelmed with all of the changes, we want to reassure you that ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable coach holiday remains our main priority. Your coach driver will still be there to assist you, you still will be able to visit places (even if they are slightly different) and you will still have a wonderful break away!