For my 40th birthday I wanted to do something really exciting. My Mum bought me a ticket on an EDT to Bruges with a local company, Wrights Coaches. While I was nervous, I was also really excited and couldn’t wait for an adventure, even if it was on my own.
However, having never done anything like this before, I was so unsure about what to take with me. Could I leave things on the coach or would I have to carry it all around all day? Departing from North Walsham at 3:15am, reminded me that packing for a coach day trip is very different from packing for a regular day out.
With an early departure, a long journey and a full day of exploring ahead, there are a few things that can make the difference between a comfortable trip and wishing you’d packed a little more thoughtfully. So if you’re heading to Bruges on a coach trip, here’s what I’d recommend taking.
Pack for the journey, not just the destination
A lot of people focus entirely on what they’ll need once they arrive in Bruges, but on a trip like this, the coach journey itself is a big part of the day.
If, like me, you’re leaving in the middle of the night, comfort is key. I threw in a neck pillow at the very last minute and I was so glad I did. Getting some sleep in those first few hours is really important to being comfortable is key. If you want, add in a light blanket too!
I’d also suggest packing:
- Headphones or earbuds
- A power bank
- Tissues
- Hand sanitiser
- An eye mask if you struggle sleeping with lights around you
Coach temperatures also seem to have a habit of changing throughout the journey, so layers are definitely your friend.
Don’t forget snacks
With a 3:15am departure from North Walsham and no stops until the crossing, you have to really make sure you have everything you need. There’s a chance you might stop at a services along the way, but we didn’t until very close to the crossing.
A few easy options:
- Cereal bars
- Pastries
- Crisps
- Bottled water
- A flask of coffee if you need caffeine to function before sunrise
That said, I wouldn’t overdo it because one of the best things about visiting Bruges is the food. Don’t fill up too much along the way, but also don’t starve!
Comfortable clothes are essential
Bruges is absolutely beautiful, but it’s also one of those places where you can end up walking far more than you planned. The cobbled streets are lovely to look at but your feet may feel differently after several hours if you’ve chosen style over comfort.
For a coach trip, I’d recommend:
- Comfortable leggings, joggers or relaxed trousers
- Layers such as a t-shirt and hoodie
- A lightweight waterproof jacket
- Supportive trainers or walking shoes
Me being me, wore a dress and sandals but mainly because I don’t really own anything else. I did this trip early in May so it was fairly warm but what you wear will really depend on the time of year you visit.
What to keep in your day bag
Once you arrive, you’ll usually be away from the coach for most of the day, so everything you need should be easy to carry.
My essentials would be:
- Passport
- Purse and bank cards
- Portable phone charger
- Umbrella (depending on the time of year)
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Painkillers
- Lip balm
- Plasters
Think about the journey home too
The return trip is always the bit people underestimate. After a full day walking around Bruges, everyone climbs back onto the coach tired and ready to relax.
The ferry crossing meant I got to have dinner before getting on the coach again but it’s likely you won’t be able to sleep the whole way home. I got home around 2:30am, so it definitely wasn’t warm anymore like it was in Bruges.
A few small things can make all the difference:
- Fresh socks
- Extra snacks
- Downloaded podcasts or films
- A jumper for later in the evening
Final thoughts
Packing for a coach day trip to Bruges isn’t about taking lots of things, it’s more about packing smartly. A little planning makes a huge difference, especially if you’re setting off before most people are even thinking about getting out of bed. I wish I’d known how much I could leave on the coach ahead of my trip, and I would definitely pack differently if I did something like this again.
