7 Coach travel myths you shouldn’t believe


1. You’re stuck with the group

Sure, when we’re travelling from one destination to the next you’ll be in close confines with your travel group, but once we arrive you are free to go, do and see whatever you please. We might also mention that most groups we’ve accompanied grew to like each other so much that they actually ended up spending most of their free time together as well!

2. They’re all American. Or Australian. Or Asian.

They are not. We have a lovely, diverse bunch of people on all of our tours. They vary in age, gender and nationality. In fact, we’ve had coach tour groups with up to 20 nationalities on one bus! How’s that for a multi-national travel experience?

One of our group tours enjoying their time in the Swiss Alps
One of our groups on tour enjoying their time in the Swiss Alps
3. Everyone is in your face, all the time

Yes, you are on a coach together and yes, you will spend your travel time with one group for the entirety of the tour. But think about it this way – you get the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and you’ll have the time to really get to know one another. Then, when you have free time and free days you can break from the pack to meet locals, explore solo or simply spend the day relaxing on your own.

4. It’s uncomfortable

Our coaches are really well-tended, with super comfortable seats and all the amenities you could wish for. Additionally, the accommodation venues our tour groups stay at are mostly 3-star and 4-star hotels with en-suite bathrooms (breakfast included). This is about as comfortable as you’re gonna get.

coach_travel_children
Travelling on a coach
5. It’s more a 20-something-young, free and drunk person’s type of tour

We love culture, good food and make a point of providing our guests with a well-rounded travel experience. Some tour-goers do like to let their hair down on occasion, but this is by choice and will never be allowed on the bus or encouraged during communal excursions.

6. You will spend endless hours on a friggin’ bus

Yes, there will be times when you will spend extended time on the bus. But you do need to get around somehow and sitting on a coach with reclining seats and an in-bus movie to distract you isn’t all that bad. You could also take the time to drink in the passing scenery or jot down travel mementoes in a journal. Sure, you could get around by train or aeroplane if you want to cut down on travel time, but the coach is able to get into small villages and towns along the way – this way you get to experience local flavours you would miss out on otherwise.

Take in the sights, experience nature, have a stress-free time
Take in the sights, experience nature, have a stress-free time

7. It’s expensive

Nope. Completely untrue. When you travel by coach with Expat Explore, breakfasts, walking tours and accommodation have all been paid for. Budget-minded travellers can also save their spending money by hunting down the tasty street-side fare for lunch and dinner, using local public transport services, and hiring a bike or travelling on foot during free exploration periods.  Here’s to safe, affordable and hassle-free travelling along some of the most scenic routes.


There’s no reason to dismiss an awesome, affordable, well-planned tour that visits your favourite European destinations simply because you’ll be travelling by coach. In fact, it should be seen as a bonus! Here’s to safe, hassle-free travelling along Europe’s most scenic routes!


11 responses to “7 Coach travel myths you shouldn’t believe”

  1. Is Egypt safe yet? Everytime I can afford or decide to try Egypt there are terrorists or something! Would like to plan this for next year. What do you think?

    • Hello Pam! Three of our employees recently travelled to Egypt. They all agreed that had it not been for what was on the news, they would never have thought of Egypt is “unsafe”. As a UK based company, we follow the advice of the British Foreign office (www.gov.co.uk), and based on the information they provide, all three cities we visit in Egypt fall within the “green zone”. If you want to find out more about our tours to Egypt please hop over to this page > https://expatexplore.com/destination/middle-east-africa/egypt/

  2. Hi I have been asking on a couple of your forums when dates who l be released for West Coast tour. Looking at doing it in mid April and not sure if you will have tour departing then or if we need to look at other options

    • Hi Maree,

      Thank you for your message,

      Please not that we will no longer be running the USA West Coast Explorer in 2020.

      Should you be interested in any of our other tours, please click here.

  3. Good morning
    My daughter is working in China but want to go on your Ireland tour with you. How can she get a visa from China?
    Can someone please help with info?

    • Hi Mariette,

      Thank you for your message. How exciting that your daughter is interested in our Ireland tour!

      Please note that we are not a registered visa agent however, we do supply our travelers with visa supporting documents for their trip that they can submit to their local embassy. Click here for more information about visas.

      Should you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

  4. No. It’s not 3 or 4 stars. The hotels assigned on the “Jewel of Europe” were 1 and 2 stars and need to be delisted.

    • Hi Rossetta,

      Thank you for your feedback.

      I do apologize for the discomfort at the hotel, one of our consultants will be in contact with you to review your post accommodation.

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