Though holidays are a relaxing experience, packing rarely is. Trying to pack light while also having enough clothes, checking (and double checking) your airline’s baggage allowance, and ensuring your liquids are going to fit in that tiny bag at airport security. It’s a lot to think about. With an Insight Vacations tour, every aspect of your journey is coordinated to ensure a smooth and seamless experience so that you can relax and enjoy traveling in style. Here are the most common Insight Vacations luggage questions answered, so you know exactly what you’re in for on one of our ‘Business Class’ tours.
Our customers’ luggage questions:
“What size or type carry on bag is acceptable?” – Melissa Wheatley Elam
You’re allowed one carry-on bag per person, which must fit under your coach seat or in the small overhead compartment – please not this must not exceed a weight of 7kg (15.4lbs), and must not exceed dimensions of 12”x11”x6” (30x28x14cm). You hand luggage cannot have wheels or a telescopic handle.
“What is the overhead on the bus like? Will a small square hard bag fit or does it need to be soft?” – Janet Kusser
Hard bags will not fit under the seats or in the overhead storage on the bus – hard bags or suitcases with need to go under the bus, and soft hand baggage can be kept below the seats on-board or in the overhead storage.
“Does the bus drop you at your hotel or do you need to walk with luggage?” – Kelly Frisina
Your coach driver will always take you as close to your hotel door as possible, but in some cases (eg. If the hotel has a long, narrow driveway) there will be a short walk from the coach. Luckily your checked baggage will be portered to your room at every stay, so you only need to think about carrying your hand luggage.
“Do you have lug your luggage around all the time?” – Marilyn
Absolutely not – porterage is included for each guest’s suitcase throughout the tour (one item per person) which means that you only have to bring your hand luggage on and off the coach each day. The porters will deliver all suitcases to the coach, where the Travel Director will check them and the driver load them into the baggage compartment. Your Travel Director will provide a blue luggage tag which we advise you to use as this assists with identification and security.
On arrival at each hotel, suitcases will be delivered to your rooms by the hotel porters. We suggest that you may wish to pack toiletries and any personal items you may want immediately on arrival in your hand baggage where they are instantly available.
“Is it safe to leave the hand luggage that goes under your coach seat or in the small overhead compartment on the bus?” – Joi Vassar Bixler
We recommend that you keep their wallet, keys, phone and passport/identity card with you at all times and not leave these items on the coach. Should you leave hand luggage on the coach, please note this is at your own risk.
“If bags easily fit under an airplane seat will they be acceptable on a bus?” – Laurie Wrona Slafkes
If your bag is soft and does not have wheels or a telescopic handle, then you will be able to stow it on the bus – otherwise, any hard suitcases with wheels will have to be stowed undercarriage.
“Are small rolling suitcases allowed as carry-ons and stored in the luggage area of the bus? (This is in addition to the 50-pound-limit luggage that Insight takes to the bus.)” – Cindy Perkins Smith
You can bring one item of hand luggage that is light enough to be carried onto the coach and small enough to fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. Unfortunately, luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit and will have to be stowed undercarriage.
“If you are only allowed one piece of luggage and a small personal carryon, then what happens to CPAP machines and their cases? Do we need to stuff that in the large suitcase?” – Annemarie Chabot
No! We can accommodate requests for additional luggage where there is a medical need (such as CPAP machines) free of charge. This is not to say that guests can request an extra full size case to carry a CPAP machine, we would agree a reasonable request based on what it being brought (the same is applicable to any necessary medical equipment). Just make sure you let us know in advance of travel if you need to request additional luggage for medical equipment.
Other frequently asked Insight Vacations luggage questions:
Can I bring an extra bag on tour and does it cost me extra?
Owing to weight and space capacity, the Insight Vacations luggage restrictions mean guests are restricted to one large suitcase per person and one hand piece per person, limited in size to fit under the seat of in overhead shelf. For the same reason of weight and space regulations, unfortunately it is not possible to bring an extra bag.
Should I pack an umbrella?
Our mantra is it’s better safe than sorry, so bringing an umbrella is advised. The weather in Europe in particular is very variable, so we suggest that you pack an umbrella as well as layers of clothing that can be added or removed as necessary.
What should I bring on to the coach during the day?
We always recommend that you pack a reusable water bottle for your trip, helping reduce your holiday plastic waste. In North America, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia and Western Europe, all water is safe to drink. Other essentials you’ll need with you every day are local currency, sunscreen, and any snacks you wish to have en route.
What items are not available as part of the porterage service? Do I need to tip the porter at each hotel?
Porterage is available for your checked bags, so you will have to take your hand luggage from the coach to the hotel yourself. As for tipping, when travelling with Insight Vacations certain tips and gratuities are included in your tour package – and that includes baggage handling at hotels, service charges and tips for hotel waiting staff (for included meals), which will be taken care of by your Travel Director.
I have a medical condition, what equipment can/can’t bring?
You will need to pack a plentiful supply of any medication that you may need while on vacation. All prescriptions should be filled up-to-date and in their original packaging. Always pack prescriptions in your carry-on bag with copies of your prescription paperwork as your checked luggage may not always be easily accessible.
We recommend that you research the rules around taking your medication to your destination country and what proof of treatment you’re expected to bring with you. For example, you can avoid any issues at airport customs in Spain by having your prescription drugs and doctor’s letter readily available. However, not all European countries have the same regulations.
Every day over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol are not carried on the coach. Your Travel Director will be able to advise you where to purchase items if needed.
Should I bring snacks and water with me on the coach?
Absolutely – we will make frequent comfort stops where you can taste local drinks and snacks, but sweets and chocolate are a must for travelling! We do politely request that guests do not to bring certain items such or hot or smelly food onboard that may cause offence to other travellers and would request that these are consumed before, but sandwiches and sweets etc. are absolutely fine.
Now that’s all your Insight Vacations luggage questions answered, the only thing that’s left to do is pack!
