You’ve booked the trip. It’s on the calendar, and now you’ve got something really lovely to look forward to.
Maybe you’ve already told a few friends where you’re going. Maybe you’ve looked through the itinerary a couple of times and started thinking about what you’ll bring.
Then the practical questions start coming up.
What should you pack? What needs to stay with you on the coach? Where did you put that departure information? And who’s going to look after the cat, who may or may not approve of this whole arrangement?
If this is your first bus tour from Edmonton, getting a few things organized ahead of time can make departure day feel much more relaxed. You absolutely don’t need to have your suitcase sitting by the door three weeks early, but there are a few things worth taking care of before the last minute.
Read Your Departure Information Before the Night Before
It’s very easy to put travel information aside and think, “I’ll look at that closer to the trip.” You’ve got other things going on, and departure still feels a long way off.
Then suddenly it’s tomorrow.
Take time to review the information provided for your tour. Confirm your pickup location, when you need to arrive, and the departure and return dates. Pickup arrangements vary by tour, so make sure you’re using the details provided to you for your particular trip.
You’ll also want to plan how you’re going to get to the pickup point. If someone is driving you, set that up well in advance and share the location and time with them. If you’re thinking about leaving your vehicle parked nearby, confirm the parking arrangements rather than assuming parking is available.
Keep your departure information somewhere you can easily find it. A printed copy, a saved email or both are absolutely fine. Whatever works for you.
And if anything isn’t clear, please ask us. We would really rather help you sort it out beforehand than have you worrying about it on departure morning.
Get Your Documents and Important Information Together
The documents you’ll need depend on where you’re going and whether your trip includes a flight or a border crossing, so this is something to check well ahead of departure.
If you need a passport, make sure you check its expiry date and the validity requirements for your destination. Finding it in the drawer is a good start. Finding out it expired six months ago? Less good.
Keep your booking information, relevant insurance details and important contact numbers together so you’re not searching through several emails when you need something. If you have travel insurance, also make sure you know where to find the policy details and assistance number.
Even if you normally keep everything on your phone, a paper copy of essential information can be very handy.
Phones are wonderful. Until the battery dies at precisely the wrong moment.
Pack for the Trip You’re Taking
Have another look at your itinerary before you start pulling things out of the closet. Think about the outings you’ll be doing, the weather you’re likely to encounter and whether there’s anything you’ll need particular clothing for.
Layers are really useful when mornings are cool, afternoons warm up or the temperature indoors feels quite different from outside. A light jacket or sweater that’s easy to reach will probably get plenty of use.
Comfortable footwear is also very important. Bring shoes you already know you can wear for an outing, because the lovely pair that pinches after twenty minutes is probably going to keep pinching, even somewhere scenic.
Check the luggage guidelines before filling your suitcase, and try to choose clothing you can mix and match. It’s also nice to leave a little room for something you might buy along the way.
You probably don’t need three outfits for every day.
Although, honestly, we understand how that happens.
Give Your Day Bag Some Thought
It’s worth thinking about your day bag separately from your suitcase, because what you pack in it can make the journey much more comfortable.
Keep anything you might need during the day close at hand. Your glasses, medications, travel documents, phone, tissues, something to read and an extra layer are all worth considering. Choose a bag you can comfortably carry and make sure the things you use most often are easy to find.
Keep medications with you rather than counting on being able to get into your main luggage during the day. If anything needs special storage, make those arrangements ahead of time.
And think about your own everyday habits. If there’s something you regularly reach for halfway through the morning, you’ll probably want it just as much while you’re traveling.
Take Care of the Little Things at Home
There’s always something, isn’t there?
The plants need watering. The mail needs checking. You’ve got an appointment you completely forgot about. And the cat still expects dinner at exactly the same time, whether you’re home or not.
Make a short list of what needs attention while you’re away, and give yourself time to arrange it. If someone is looking after your home or pets, make sure they have the instructions and contact information they need.
It’s also a good idea to leave your trip dates and a way to reach you with someone you trust. If someone is picking you up when you return, share those arrangements beforehand, too.
These jobs don’t take up much space on a travel checklist, but getting them done can make a really big difference to how settled you feel when you leave.
Check Your Phone, Camera and Chargers
Charge your devices before departure and make sure you’ve packed the right cables. It sounds obvious, but it’s very easy to bring a charger that belongs to something still sitting at home.
Also, check that you have room for photographs. You don’t want to arrive at a beautiful viewpoint and discover your phone is full of old screenshots and pictures of receipts.
Save important contact numbers and travel information somewhere easy to access. If you’re traveling outside Canada, check your mobile plan so you understand roaming charges and your options before using your phone.
For overseas trips, also check whether you need a plug adapter and whether your devices are compatible with the destination’s electrical supply.
These are much easier things to sort out at home than when your battery is almost empty and you really want one more photograph.
Make Departure Morning Easy on Yourself
Have your bags ready the evening before, apart from anything you still need to use, and put your documents and day bag together where you’ll remember them.
Check how long it will take to reach your pickup location and allow some extra time. Traffic and construction don’t take the morning off just because you’re going on holiday.
Before leaving, make sure you have your documents, medications, glasses, phone and wallet. Those are the things worth checking twice.
Then you can head out without feeling quite so rushed, which is a very nice way to begin a trip.
We’re Happy to Help You Get Ready
Your first tour will naturally come with a few questions, and you’re absolutely welcome to ask them.
If you’re already booked, contact Pro Tours about anything you’d like clarified before departure. We’re happy to talk through the details so you feel prepared.
If you’re still deciding, our guide to choosing the right bus tour from Edmonton can help. You can also browse our upcoming bus tours from Edmonton and see what catches your interest.
Get those practical things sorted out, leave a little room in your suitcase, and let yourself enjoy the anticipation.
That’s part of the holiday, too.