Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions with regard to our coach travel procedures:
How much time will we spend on the bus?
It is difficult to tell you exactly how long you will spend on the coach as some driving days are longer than others. We can assure you that we try to make our journeys as comfortable as possible. Many of the countries we visit are vast and varied, and there will be some long driving days on your tour. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy watching the changing countryside as it rolls past your window, to share music with your fellow travellers, watch a few movies or get involved in some of the games and quizzes hosted by your tour leader. Where possible, we have also included stops at points of interest in order to give breaks during the long drives.
We have many early mornings so travellers also often take the time on the coach to rest. We make regular stops for your comfort every 2-2.5 hours, so you will get to stretch your legs and get something to eat on a regular basis.
What facilities can I expect aboard the coach?
- Full heating and air-conditioning
- 24-hour roadside assistance
- On-board toilet
- USB charging points (on most coaches)
- Full entertainment system
- Microphone
Is there a WiFi connection on board?
Our coaches do not have WiFi onboard but all the hotels on our accommodation roster offer WiFi.
Are there toilets on board and can we use them?
We do have a toilet on board. Although the toilet should always be open and available, we do ask passengers to use it in case of emergencies only. The reason for this is that the septic tank can get full quickly and there are limited locations where we can legally clean out the tanks.
How big are the overhead compartments?
The overhead storage compartments on the coaches we use are quite small (approximately 30cm deep and 20cm high). Travellers are allowed to keep daypacks with them aboard the coach. This is ideal to keep everyday necessities (e.g. camera, water bottle, sun cream, hat etc.) handy while travelling, sightseeing or on overnight excursions. Try to keep this bag as light as possible. Ideally, it should not exceed 7kg.
Can I sit in the front due to a medical concern?
Expat Explore has a policy on seat rotation that requires passengers to change seats each day. This way everyone gets to know their fellow travellers and has the opportunity to enjoy their journey from the front, middle and back of the bus throughout their tour. On each new drive day, each passenger will move two rows in a clockwise direction. On shorter tours, the rotation roster may be modified to four rows every day. As such, we, unfortunately, cannot promise the front seats to specific passengers who have knee problems or suffer from motion sickness ( we recommend bringing along tablets to counteract the latter).
How will I know what the coach procedures are?
On the first day of the tour, the tour guide will set the expectation of the passengers in terms of:
- Using the toilet on board
- Tipping the guides
- Seat rotation