Coach trips with your mates - what could possibly go wrong? You’ve got a big day out, you’re buzzing for the festival, the sun’s shining (hopefully) and your mate’s packed enough cans to open a mobile pub.
But as anyone who’s ever travelled in a group knows, the journey can be just as chaotic as the destination - unless you’ve got a game plan.
So whether you're heading to a muddy field with 10 mates or making your way to the coast with the birthday crew, here’s how to survive a coach trip with your friends (without questioning your life choices by mile 12).
1. Pick your seat like it’s a life decision.
The back row? Danger zone. That's where the loudest, rowdiest and most questionable snack combinations live. Up front? Peace and maybe a polite nap.
Where you sit sets the tone. If you’re the “Mum” of the group, position yourself near the front (you’ll naturally end up organising the loo stops anyway). If you thrive on chaos, you know where to go.
2. Nominate a playlist dictator (and set boundaries).
Someone will whip out their speaker and insist on playing the same 2007 club remix for the entire journey. Do yourselves a favour and agree on a communal playlist beforehand.
Better yet, rotate the aux every 30 minutes. Democracy wins. Unless someone plays Nickelback, in which case all bets are off.
3. Snack wisely (and generously).
Coach trips bring out the snack gremlin in all of us. So stock up. But choose snacks that won’t stink out the whole coach (we’re looking at you, egg mayo sandwich.)
Pro tip: Bring a variety and offer them around. Sharing snacks = instant goodwill and cementing lifelong friendships.
4. Respect the toilet breaks.
If the organiser says “we’re stopping in 20 minutes,” do not wait until you’re five minutes away to start the group panic. Plan ahead, people.
And please - if the driver says it’s a quick stop, don’t vanish for half an hour trying to find the perfect sausage roll.
5. Bring a power bank. Seriously.
Your phone is your lifeline to maps, playlists, memes and emergency screenshots from the group chat. When it dies, you're one step closer to social exile (or worse: boredom).
Spare power banks are hero-level stuff. Pack one and watch yourself become the most loved person on board.
6. Know your group roles.
Every coach trip has the same characters. The DJ. The over-packer. The organiser who’s lowkey losing their mind. The one who thought this was a "quiet getaway". Embrace it. Know your role. Don’t fight it.
Just don’t be the person who turns up late, forgot their ID and didn’t even download the itinerary. We all know a few of those…
7. Enjoy the journey (yes, really!)
Between the terrible jokes, snack bartering and group selfies, something magic happens on a coach trip. It’s where memories start. It’s the pre-party. The calm before the chaos.
So sit back, relax and soak it all in. You’ve got plenty of time to lose the plot once you arrive.
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Bonus tip: Book your coach the easy way.
Don’t let sorting transport be the stressful part. Coachhop lets you compare trusted providers and book a private coach or minibus for your crew in minutes. No faff. No phone calls. Just easy, modern group travel.
Ready to roll? Get your free instant quote today.