Knowing what to expect on travel days helps you get the most out of your tour. This guide covers everything from your pre-departure checklist to pick-up timings and what happens at the end of your trip.
Before You Depart
Prepare at least one to two weeks before your tour date. Work through this checklist:
- Check passport validity (at least 3 months beyond your return date from the Schengen Area)
- Confirm visa status if required
- Arrange travel insurance
- Inform your bank of overseas travel
- Check mobile roaming and data plans
- Review your itinerary carefully
Hotel details and final departure information are usually emailed 24 hours before departure. If you have not received them, contact our team.
What to carry in your day bag:
- Passport and visa documents
- Travel insurance details
- Emergency contact numbers
- Medication and prescriptions
- Local currency
Luggage Allowances
Coach Tours
You are entitled to one main suitcase and one item of hand luggage per person.
Main suitcase:
- Maximum weight: 23 kg
- Maximum dimensions: 90 x 75 x 43 cm
Hand luggage:
- Maximum weight: 5 kg
- Maximum dimensions: 20 x 20 x 48 cm
Drivers will assist with loading and unloading one suitcase per person. Luggage exceeding the permitted weight or size may incur a non-negotiable charge of ÂŁ10 per bag per day. Only one suitcase is allowed - additional bags will not be accepted.
Hand luggage should contain essentials: medication, travel documents, valuables and items needed during the journey. Luggage in coach lockers is generally only accessible at hotels or the final stop.
Some hotels may not have lifts - passengers are responsible for transporting luggage to and from their rooms. We strongly recommend checking your luggage weight before departure.
Flight Tours
Airline baggage rules apply. Standard allowance is typically one checked bag up to 23 kg, with cabin baggage depending on the airline. Excess baggage fees are the passenger's responsibility. Check your airline ticket for specific baggage allowance details.
All luggage is carried at the owner's risk. Clearly label all bags. Star Tours cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage.
Coach Travel
Channel Crossings
Most European coach tours cross via Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk, or Eurotunnel from Folkestone on selected departures. Star Tours reserves the right to adjust ports or crossing methods due to operational requirements, availability or weather.
Tour routing may occasionally operate in reverse order depending on the departure date - this does not affect the overall sightseeing included.
Daily Travel Hours
Touring holidays involve travelling between multiple cities and countries. Some days may include extended coach travel, early departures, late hotel check-ins and full sightseeing schedules combined with travel.
Tips for staying comfortable:
- Wear relaxed clothing and suitable footwear
- Keep water and dry snacks in hand luggage
- Carry essential items: medication, tissues, travel documents
Regular comfort stops are scheduled approximately every few hours. Itineraries are carefully planned to balance travel time with sightseeing.
Seating Arrangements
Seats are allocated based on booking numbers and operational planning. Specific seat numbers cannot be guaranteed and allocations may be adjusted for logistical or safety reasons.
- Families wishing to sit together must book under the same reference number and pick-up point
- If separate booking references are used, inform Star Tours at the time of booking
- Children are not permitted to sit in the front seats of the coach for safety reasons
- Medical or personal seating requests cannot be guaranteed unless required by law
Eurostar and Train Travel
For tours that include Eurostar or train segments, arrive at the station in good time. Allow sufficient time for security checks and passport control where applicable.
For certain rail segments, passengers may travel independently before meeting the Tour Manager at the destination. Clear joining instructions are provided before departure.
Passengers are responsible for handling their own luggage during train journeys. Rail operators have their own luggage size restrictions which must be followed.
Airport Check-In
For flight-based tours, arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure unless otherwise advised. Airline check-in, baggage and security procedures are managed directly by the airline.
For some flight tours, passengers travel independently and meet the Tour Manager at the destination airport or hotel. Full joining instructions are provided before departure.
Travel documentation to carry:
- Valid passport and any required visas
- Relevant travel authorisations
- Airline tickets or e-ticket confirmations
Star Tours cannot accept responsibility for denied boarding due to documentation issues or late arrival at the airport.
Pick-Up Points and Timings
Arrive at your pick-up point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If you miss the coach, you are responsible for arranging your own transport to rejoin the group. Refunds are not available for missed departures.
Some pick-up points may require a supplement charge depending on passenger numbers. This is confirmed at the time of booking.
European tours - return: Return journeys typically arrive in Dover between 20:00 and 22:00, then continue to London pick-up points between 22:00 and 01:00 (+1 day). These are approximate times and may vary due to traffic, border control or road conditions.
UK tours - return: Arrival back into Wembley is generally 20:00 to 22:00 subject to traffic.
Allow flexibility when arranging onward travel after your tour.
For further assistance contact Star Tours on 020 8900 2323 or visit startours.co.uk.