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Coach Holiday Expert

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Coach Holiday Expert – Here to Help

Why Am I A Coach Holiday Expert?

Why Am I the Coach Holiday Expert?

I’ve got over 36 years of taking people on coach holidays all over the world. I’ve taken over 9,500 people away on holidays. I’ve also taking special interest groups and private groups.

I’ve been taking people on coach holidays all over the world for over 30 years.

When I first started taking people to Europe you had to go on a bus because there weren’t budget airlines – unimaginable now!

I’ve taken over 9,500 people on holiday all over the world.

Coach Holiday Expert

My Travel Experience

I’ve been to many places in my time working as a coach holiday Tour Manager (yes very lucky!)

The places I’ve visited most include;

Australia

I’ve been lucky enough to visit around 8 times. I’ve done wildflowers tours, wildlife tours, a fab tour driving all the way down the East Coast of Australia and the Best of Australia tour several times.

I’ve also done the Best of Australia and New Zealand combination trip.

China

When I first went to China the Yangtse Gorge Dam flooding was within 100 days of starting. I wanted to see the Yangtse Gorge before it was flooded and I’ve been lucky enough to go back and do the same journey when it was fully flooded and the dam completed.

I’ve done a variety of tours in China including a beautiful Waterways of China tour which travelled on the Grand Canal, and an extended Yangtse Cruise which went all the way into Shanghai.

I was also in China just after the Beijing Olympics. What an intriguing country it is.

The Azores

When I was first asked to take tours to the Azores I didn’t know where they were. I’ve been lucky enough to take the Azores Island Hopping tour around 8 times.

This beautiful archipelago sits in the mid-Atlantic ridge, between Portugal and the US. It’s packed with variety – each island is different. It’s an autonomous region of Portugal, but very different. It’s a special place and worth a visit, for the scenery and the whale watching too.

Lake Garda and Lake Como

In my early career, I spent a season living in Lake Garda, before returning for a season in Lake Como the following year. Both places hold a special place in my heart having spent so much time there.

I was a resort-based Tour Manager when I was there. The group would travel non-stop overnight by coach to Lake Garda or Lake Como, stay with me for a week and then go home again.

Over my 36-year career I have taken people on holidays to

  • Most of Europe including France (+30 trips), Portugal, Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy (+50 trips), Azores (+8 trips), Norway, Estonia, Poland (+10 trips), Germany (+30 trips), Austria
  • Morocco
  • Russia
  • Australia (+8 trips) and New Zealand
  • China (+8 trips)
  • Singapore and Bangkok (+8 trips)
  • Plus plenty of trips around the UK (lost count!) including 15 trips to Shetland in last 2 years, tours of the UK, railway tours, Scottish Highland tours, special events, sporting events, theatre tours and much more

How Does Being a Coach Holiday Expert Help You?

Having taken so many people on holiday over the years I know what makes a great holiday experience and what can cause issues.

Touring holidays are fantastic ways to see and do a great deal – often more than you could manage on your own.

I’m here to help you have the best touring holiday possible by sharing my expertise, knowledge and tips, gained during my career.

coach holiday finder

Coach Holiday Expert

What Type of Coach Traveller Are You?

Take this very quick quiz which will help you get an idea of the type of holiday that might suit you best.

Coach Holiday Expert

Coach Holiday Reviews

Knowing the right questions to ask and understanding what you are buying is key to finding the right coach or touring holiday for you.

My holiday and itinerary reviews are designed to give you a deeper insight into the holiday experience.

I’ve included lots of things that I think are useful to know, and things you might want to find out more about depending on what’s important to you when you travel.

My goal is to help you find the perfect touring holiday.

coach holiday expert tour manager the professional traveller

Coach Holiday Expert

My Coach Holiday Experience

I have spent 36 years taking coach holidays all over the world.

I started taking coach holidays before the internet, before modern computers and before cheap flights came along. We weren’t quite steam driven in those days but I do wonder how we managed and how everything worked!

I have lots of experience including;

  • River cruise holidays.
  • Stay and explore holidays.
  • Special interest holidays.
  • Active holidays.

Being a Tour Manager has been so much more than a job for me, it has been a lifestyle and a career and one that I have loved.

Not only have I met and travelled with thousands of lovely people, I have also seen and visited many wonderful places and have had the chance to learn about them before and from local guides when there in person.

Years of experience are great but they don’t necessarily mean you are a coach holiday expert.

I have also invested a great deal of effort into honing my skills and knowledge when it comes to coach holidays including;

  • Taking first departure tours which involved on-the-spot problem fixing due to itinerary and supplier issues.
  • Taking private group tours including alumni groups.
  • Training other tour managers.
  • Updating tour manuals and information for other tour managers.
  • Providing tour briefings to other tour managers.
  • Taking over coach holidays at the last minute in the event of illness or accident of tour manager or coach driver.

The Professional Traveller -Testimonials

Shetland 2022

“It was a pleasure to meet you. Your unfailing cheerfulness, attention to detail and knowledge of Shetland was much appreciated” – Bonnie

Shetland 2022

“Thank you so much for the wonderful trip to the Shetland Islands. You are so knowledgeable and organised that it really made the trip special.” Judy

England, Scotland, and Wales 2019

“We have thoroughly enjoyed touring the UK with you. The orientation walks were good to help us get our bearings so we could explore on our own. Your great sense of humour made the bus rides seem shorter and you always seemed to know when we had questions or problems.” – Barbara & Marion

England, Scotland, and Wales 2019

“We had the most wonderful trip! Thank you so much for your leadership and guidance. Your card detailing places for afternoon tea was so thoughtful and helpful. England, Scotland, and Wales are such beautiful countries – we enjoyed every minute and much of that enjoyment was because of your hard work and commitment” Mary & George

England, Scotland, and Wales 2019

“Thank you for taking such excellent care of our group! From your initial email and follow up I knew you would be good but I had no idea what a superstar you would be. Your handout schedule was the best ever (and I am not an OAT/GCT beginner) and helped me plan. The bus talks were perfectly timed and enjoyable. You are the one who made this a grand Grand Circle trip.” Glen

England, Scotland, and Wales 2019

“You are a fabulous person and an accomplished program director. We felt that we were well cared for by you at all times. Your organisation and communication skills are vast and because of you our journey of delight and learning was perfect” Sue & Bill

Azores 2017

“This has been our first SAGA holiday and we have had a great time. Many thanks for being a wonderful and kind guide and sorting everything out to make it go smoothly” Mel & Elizabeth

Azores 2015

“Thank you so much for your excellent leading. You contributed a lot to the success of a very enjoyable trip – I love the Azores!” Mary

Azores 2015

“Many thanks Melanie for your professionalism and for your enthusiasm, knowledge and caring! We have had a wonderful holiday” Alice & Jenny

coach holiday finder

Money Saving Resources & Essentials

Here are all the money-saving travel resources I use;

Essentials

  • Priority Pass – airport membership scheme. Standard Plus membership is great.
  • Lounge Pass – buy lounge access on a pay-as-you-go basis
  • Coverwise – great value annual travel insurance
  • Medical Cover – ideal for travellers with more complex medical conditions

Getting There

  • Omnio – search all transport options in one place here – flights, buses and trains
  • The Trainline – you can book train and bus travel in 45 countries on this site
  • Kayak

Hotels, Holidays & Accommodation

Things to Do

  • Get Your Guide – private tours, group tours & loads of activities to choose from
  • Viator – even more tours and activities in destinations all over the world

Saving When Travelling

  • Discover Car Hire – deals all over the world
  • Car Hire Excess – way cheaper than paying car hire companies to reduce excess
  • ESim – cheap mobile calls wherever you are going

Travel Essentials

My Coach Holiday Articles

You Might Also Like

Travel Resources – everything I use all in one place

Travel Inspiration – trip reports, reviews, book reviews, and more to help you get ideas for your next adventure

Travel Essentials – reviews of tried and tested travel gear

Travel More and Spend Less – articles, guides, and hacks to help you squeeze the most from your travel budget

Annual Travel Insurance – all you need to know about this travel essential

Airport Lounges – Everything you need to know including lots about Priority Pass

The Scottish Highlands – holiday cottages, hotels, things to do, and much more to help you get the most from your holiday

Invergordon Cruise Port – all you need to know to help your plan your visit

Loch Ness Tour – details of a 1/2 day private tour that goes to Loch Ness!

Coach Holiday Expert – holiday reviews, articles, and advice to help you have the best coach holiday

About Melanie – background and travel experience

About the Professional Traveller – what this website is all about and why it was set up

Work with Me – details of the travel review services I provide to destinations, hotels, and holiday companies

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