A journey to remember: Why coach travel matters more than ever

When I booked a First World War battlefield tour to Ypres in Belgiumn with my teenage son, it wasn’t for work – it was for us. He’s always been fascinated by history, and this seemed the perfect short adventure together. What I didn’t expect was how much it would remind me why our coach sector matters, not just for tourism and transport but for connection, culture and community.

We travelled with Leger Shearings, one of our RHA Coaches’ members, on its Silver Service package. From start to finish, nothing was too much trouble. The booking process was simple, with clear options for every budget, from standard tours to more luxurious travel. We were collected by taxi, seamlessly transferred to the coach, and greeted by our drivers, Harry and Christian.

Collaboration and community

They were more than drivers, they were hosts. Warm, professional and endlessly helpful, they kept everyone supplied with tea, coffee and conversation. The coach itself was spotless and comfortable, with reclining seats, charging points, and thoughtful touches that made the journey smooth and enjoyable. Harry and Christian took great pride in their work, keeping the coach immaculate inside and out, and ensuring every passenger felt cared for.

Our guide, Peter, brought the journey to life. A qualified historian and former member of the Royal Air Force, his knowledge of the First World War was extraordinary. He didn’t just talk at us, he involved us, drawing on the insights of passengers who shared their own family stories and experiences.

Our group was a wonderful mix: Teenagers, young adults, couples, and older travellers, including some with mobility aids. It was a vivid reminder that coach travel is one of the most inclusive, accessible forms of transport – giving everyone the chance to share in the same experience, at the same pace.

One of the most moving moments came when Peter arranged a detour to the site where Welsh poet Hedd Wyn fell in 1917. The visit brought a tear to the eye for many of us. A guest on board shared how his own father had been involved in the National Eisteddfod, the Welsh festival of literature and music, where the poet’s posthumous bardic chair – known as the Eisteddfod Chair – was famously draped in black cloth when news of his death arrived. Hearing that story, surrounded by fellow travellers paying their respects was a profoundly moving experience.

Another powerful moment came when Peter guided us to a small cemetery to help a passenger locate her grandfather’s grave. As the sun began to set, he expertly found it among the rows of white headstones. We took photos for her and her grandson – capturing the instant they discovered the resting place of a man they’d only ever known from family stories. It was one of those experiences that stays with you forever.

What struck me throughout was the sense of collaboration and community – values we hold close at the RHA. The tour company, the drivers, the guide, the local cafés and restaurants, all working together to deliver something seamless, safe and memorable. Every lunch stop was perfectly organised, with local businesses welcoming us like old friends. One restaurant told us that three coach groups were dining that day. An important reminder that coach tourism isn’t just good for travellers, it’s vital for local economies across Europe that depend on it.

The impact was evident everywhere we went, from hotels, restaurants and museums to small family-run cafés and souvenir shops.The coach sector fuels European tourism, supporting jobs and communities while giving visitors like us unforgettable experiences.

Each evening, my son and I attended the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate, held every night at 8pm since 1928 (except during the Second World War). Standing shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of people from around the world, listening to the bugles, honouring those who had fallen. I felt a powerful sense of unity and gratitude.

Experiences that enrich lives

Coach travel makes experiences such as this possible, bringing people together to learn, reflect, and connect. It’s travel at a human pace: Sustainable, sociable and supportive.

As we approach changes such as the 90/180-day travel limits and the new EU Entry/Exit System, it’s important that our policymakers understand what’s at stake.

Coach operators are trusted partners in connecting the UK with Europe, supporting tourism, education, remembrance, and family travel. We need to make sure these essential journeys remain viable and welcoming on both sides of the Channel.

For me, as someone who loves their work and often throws themselves into it, this trip was a gift. A chance to slow down and spend real, quality time with my son. It reminded me that our industry doesn’t just move goods or people; it moves hearts and minds too.

That’s why we must protect and champion our coach sector. It enriches lives, underpins economies, and connects people across generations and borders.

We’ll be booking again next year.