Tips For Planning A Successful Group Trip Out In Winter

January has settled upon us with a sprinkling of snow, and the prospect of spring seems a long way away. After the whirl and excitement of the festive season, January can feel like a slog, but it doesn’t need to be all gloom and doom. It’s an ideal time to plan a group trip out when the most popular destinations are free from crowds and queues.

Winter weddings are also becoming increasingly popular, as it means in-demand venues are more likely to be available and affordable. They can also be wonderfully cosy and photogenic occasions with frosty backdrops and rustic decor schemes. Here’s a look at luxury coach hire options for your winter event, and how to make the most of it.

Get a clear idea of numbers

Before getting in touch with a coach hire company, consider the size of your group. This will ensure that the vehicle has capacity to accommodate everyone in comfort, and you are not paying for space that you don’t need. Options range from 16-seater standard minibuses if you just have a small group, or larger coaches with a capacity of up to 55 passengers.

Consider the features you need

Depending on the type of event you have planned, the length of your journey, and any special needs of your group members, you may require a coach with particular features. Heating systems are essential to ensure your comfort on winter journeys. Longer distance travel may be more convenient for you with an on-board toilet and spacious reclining seats.

If your party has a lot of extra bulky luggage, then boot storage will be a good option. If any of your group members have special needs such as limited mobility, check what assistance is available to help them board and disembark the vehicle and travel comfortably. 

Check the experience of the coach hire team

Travelling in winter can bring extra challenges, with adverse weather conditions and road closures. The coach hire company should have well-maintained vehicles that are equipped to handle winter conditions, and drivers who are confident and experienced at handling whatever the weather throws at them. 

The unpredictable weather may also mean that your plans change at the last minute, so check the booking terms and conditions carefully to see if the company is flexible regarding any changes and cancellations. If they have an experienced driving team, they may be able to make recommendations for alternative routes or schedules. 

Tips for planning a winter wedding 

If you are planning to get hitched in the winter, there’s no doubt that this can be a really magical experience. January and February are excellent dates to pick, because venues will be quieter after the Christmas rush, and may even offer great deals and discounts. Your guests are also less likely to have prior engagements at this time of the year.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of the season.

Getting the venue choice right

The choice of venue is key to a successful winter wedding. Cosy country pubs or hotels are great options for smaller gatherings where you want to have an informal and intimate atmosphere. The decorative touches can make all the difference, with candles, evergreen garlands and traditional winter foliage such as chrysanthemums and poinsettias.

Being prepared for any weather

Naturally, you will be hoping for a crisp frosty day with blue skies and maybe a light sprinkling of snow on the rooftops. However, as we all know, it does tend to rain a lot here in the UK and there is a strong possibility that it will on your wedding day. Therefore be realistic and plan for all weather eventualities. 

If the reception is at a different location to the ceremony, it’s a good idea to organise group transport well in advance to ensure that guests do not have to arrange their own car shares or rely on (unreliable) public transport. It also ensures that everyone will arrive dry, comfortable, and looking their best!

Also consider those all-important photo opportunities: do you have a contingency plan if it’s bucketing it down and outdoor pictures are out of the picture?

Finally, consider holding the ceremony slightly earlier in the day, so that you can make the most of the available daylight time for photographs, and take advantage of the long evening for a memorable party!