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16 Essential Coach Holiday Hand Luggage Items – Expert Guide

Last updated on July 2nd, 2025 at 08:14 pm

Planning on taking a coach holiday?

The size available for hand luggage on coach holidays is much smaller than on airplanes.

Here on some helpful tips based on my 36 years as a coach holiday tour manager to help you plan and pack your coach holiday hand luggage.

Links You Might Find Helpful:
Huge Selection of Escorted Tours from Tour Radar
10 Must Know Things Before Booking a Coach Holiday
Coach Holidays – Everything You Need to Know

Coach Holiday Hand Luggage – Luggage Size

What size is coach holiday hand luggage?

Generally coach overhead space is much smaller than a plane. A small case of 45x36x20cm is probably the maximum you could fit. You could also take a smaller flight bag and keep it by your feet, leaving the overhead space for coats and jackets.

The overhead racks on coaches are much smaller than the overhead lockers/bins on planes. For most coaches, a small case that is 45x36x20cm is probably about as big as you will manage. For some coaches, even this is too big.

The overhead racks on coaches are really designed for jackets and coats rather than luggage.

A smaller bag is helpful as it can easily fit by your feet, leaving the overhead rack for your coats and jackets.

If your bag is too big it can end up in the locker underneath the coach which can make it difficult to access during the day.

Check out this flight bag which is an ideal size for fitting under the seat infront of your (and still leaving room for your feet!)

16 Essential Coach Holiday Hand Luggage Items – Expert Guide

Last updated on July 2nd, 2025 at 08:14 pmPlanning on taking a coach holiday? The size available for hand luggage on coach holidays is much smaller than on airplanes. Here on some helpful tips based on my 36 years as a coach holiday tour manager to help you plan and pack your coach holiday hand…

coach holiday hand luggage post picture

16 Coach Holiday Hand Luggage Essential Items

Here’s an idea of some things that might be handy to keep in your coach holiday hand luggage. This is based on travelling on the coach during the day for example when out on tours and travelling between destinations.

  1. An extra layer of clothing if travelling somewhere colder – is always handy and a cardigan is ideal.
  2. Waterproof – a foldable pac a mac or poncho is ideal for unexpected rain. You could take an umbrella but they can be difficult to manage and to dry out.
  3. Drink and a snack – travelling can be unpredictable sometimes so having a drink and snack can keep you going in case of any delays.
  4. Travel fan – ideal if you are travelling somewhere warm as it helps reduce the risk of travel sickness and overheating. (You might like my article on the best seats on a coach to help avoid travel sickness, and my guide to managing travel sickness.)
  5. Sunscreen – essential if you are travelling somewhere hot. Don’t apply it on the coach though as the smell can be overpowering for others and it can stain the upholstery.
  6. Hat – whether you are travelling somewhere hot or somewhere cold a hat is great to have handy.
  7. Battery backup charger – if you rely on your electrical devices then having a spare battery bank in your bag is really handy. You can get battery or solar powered ones.
  8. Charging lead – if you are taking a backup charger then you are going to need a charging lead as well. Also handy if there are USB sockets on the coach.
  9. Ginger sweets or ginger tablets – ideal if you are at risk of getting coach sick. Sweets will deal with low-level feelings of nausea and tablets will help when travelling on twisty roads.
  10. Headphones/earbuds – sometimes you just need to enjoy a bit of music, catch up on an audiobook or just blot out the tour guide! Headphones or earbuds can also help if you suffer from motion sickness. They can also help if someone is talking too much!
  11. Book or ebook reader – sometimes there isn’t much to see other than motorway signs so a book or an ebook reader can help you catch up on reading while you are travelling.
  12. Medication – if you need any medication during the day then keep it handy and keep it in your hand luggage bag so it’s with you when you need it.
  13. Map – some travellers like to follow along with where they are on a map. If you don’t have a map of the area there should be local and area maps available at the local tourism offices. Hotels often have maps too.
  14. Antibacterial Wipes – handy for any spills, for keeping you feeling fresh, for helping to keep you cool, and as emergency toilet roll if none is available when you make a visit.
  15. Hand sanitiser – helpful to have wherever you are travelling to keep your hand fresh and clean.
  16. Copy of your holiday itinerary – handy so you know what you should be doing and when and to help you plan your free time.

Coach Holiday Hand Luggage Conclusion

  • The overhead storage racks on coaches are much smaller than on planes, or trains. A small suitcase is unlikely to fit into it.
  • Snacks and drinks will help keep you going in the event of any delays
  • Extra clothing depending on the local weather conditions is always handy

Links You Might Find Helpful:
Huge Selection of Escorted Tours from Tour Radar
10 Must Know Things Before Booking a Coach Holiday
Coach Holidays – Everything You Need to Know

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11 Coach Holiday Hacks – for an even better holiday experience

10 Things to Know About a Coach Holiday Before You Book

Find lots more resources and guides on my Coach Holiday page

Further Reading

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