Whether you've been on countless day trips or it's your first, mastering the skill of packing light is essential! Coach trips offer a delightful blend of relaxation and exploration, and efficient packing is the secret to maximising enjoyment. This blog is here to be your essential guide, aiding you in preparing for coach day trips and elevating your overall experience. We'll cover what to pack to ensure your next coach trip is smooth, effortless, and comfortable.
For this packing guide, we’re assuming you’re taking a bag about the size of a standard backpack (see image above). If you have more space, you can fit more in, but we’ll cover all the essentials to make sure you have everything you need for your big day out.
Snacks and Water
Every coach journey needs tasty snacks and hydration. Our top picks are raw almonds, dried fruit, and apple slices with peanut butter. Don't forget a chocolate bar for that extra treat! On sunny days, pack ample water to stay hydrated, a must for any adventure, especially on a Bullocks Leisure Trip where you need to be ready for anything as they’re full of adventure! A good water bottle is the way forward. These small food items would be best placed in a Tupperware or similar to make sure they fit snugly in your backpack.
Comfort Items
Coach journeys, despite the coach's comfort, may pose some comfort challenges when you're seated for an extended period. Consider attaching neck pillows to your bag for convenience. Opt for comfortable clothing like soft jumpers and jogging bottoms, ensuring you stay warm and cosy without the need for extra packing.
Entertainment
Bring along small but indispensable items like a good book and a pair of headphones for music or podcasts. These little companions can transform long stretches on the road into delightful moments of entertainment and relaxation. The beauty of these items lies not only in their entertainment value but also in their practicality – easily stowable in your backpack or pocket, making them readily accessible whenever you desire a break from the scenic views or just want to immerse yourself in a captivating story or banging tunes.
Personal Care
Prioritising your well-being on a coach trip is a wise move, and that's where small self-care items come into play. Make sure to include essentials like hand sanitizer, tissues, and touch-up items for your makeup routine. These little treasures can easily find home in a dedicated small compartment within your bag, ensuring easy access without compromising much space. Having hand sanitizer allows you to maintain cleanliness, especially during travel stops, while tissues come in handy for unexpected situations. Additionally, having makeup essentials within reach lets you freshen up and feel your best, ensuring you step off the coach looking as vibrant as when you first embarked on your journey.
Travel Journal
Bringing a travel journal on a coach trip is a great idea. It helps you remember details, capture memories, and be creative. Whether you're jotting down thoughts, sketching, or planning future adventures, the journal adds a personal touch to your journey. It's a simple way to make the most of your time on the road and creates a lasting keepsake of your coach trip memories. You can buy small ones that will fit perfectly into a backpack, making it an easy addition to the list.
Weather Precautions
A compact mini-umbrella is a practical addition to your backpack, easily tucked away for unexpected showers, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable during your coach trips. Similarly, including suncream is a wise move, taking up minimal space and providing protection against unexpected bursts of sunshine. These items become your weather-ready companions, particularly crucial when exploring diverse landscapes, and are especially handy in England, where the weather can be notoriously unpredictable. Being prepared for both rain and sunshine ensures you can adapt to changing weather conditions seamlessly, enhancing your overall comfort and enjoyment during the coach journey.
Portable Charger and Cables
Don't risk your phone running out of battery during your day out. Consider getting a small portable charger for around £20, or more if you want a better quality one. It's a compact addition to your backpack, and make sure to pack neatly organised charging cables. This way, you can enjoy your day without worrying about your devices losing power.
Instant Camera
Embracing a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of the 2000s, instant cameras are making a trendy comeback. While smartphones and digital cameras serve for digital photos, an instant camera adds a unique touch to your memories. If you already have a smartphone, digital camera, or both, carrying an instant camera is an excellent choice. It allows you to instantly print photos, adding a creative and aesthetic flair to your photo album or travel journal. The best part is that both digital and instant cameras are compact, effortlessly fitting into your backpack for easy portability.
Reusable Bag
Having a foldable reusable bag in your backpack serves as a versatile solution for carrying any unexpected treasures you might stumble upon. This eco-friendly bag is not only lightweight and compact when folded but also unfolds to provide ample space for souvenirs or unplanned purchases. Whether you find unique trinkets at a local market, decide to pick up a book, or encounter unexpected items that catch your eye, this reusable bag ensures you can comfortably transport them without the need for disposable plastic bags. Its convenience lies not just in its portability and size but also in its positive impact on the environment, making it a thoughtful addition to your day-out essentials.
Guidebook
Last but not least is a small guidebook of where you’re heading. Our wonderful leisure trips always have itineraries and plans but if there’s anything in the area you want to see, make sure you don’t miss it by packing a small guidebook. Maybe make some notes on your phone or in your travel journal so you have a clear list!
And there you have it – a concise yet comprehensive list of essentials that effortlessly fit into your backpack, making it an ideal companion for a memorable coach trip day out with Bullocks. From staying hydrated with a reusable water bottle to capturing spontaneous moments with your camera or smartphone, this thoughtfully curated collection ensures you're well-prepared for a comfortable and enjoyable journey. So, pack your essentials, embark on your adventure with Bullocks, and make the most of every moment on your coach trip day out!
See all of our upcoming Leisure Trips here. We also do school and business hire, too.