I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER

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I bought a rail ticket to London that cost more than a flight to Málaga three changes, a bus replacement, and the heartbreak of a first-class breakfast “out of temperature.”

 

I should have taken the coach. While trains wrestle with delays, strikes and limp sandwiches, coach travel just gets on with it: affordable, efficient, and with a better view.

This issue shows why coach touring thrives.

 

We feature the Isle of Man’s drama, Gloucestershire’s elegance, and Heritage Sites that welcome groups with open arms—and cake. Christmas also takes centre stage, with twinkling high streets, pantos, and festive events tailor-made for groups.

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Elsewhere, Gardens of England remind us green spaces never go out of season, while a South East Showcase offers fresh itinerary ideas. We highlight Visit Southport too, a surprising mix of nostalgia, reinvention, and excellent scones.

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Finally, two sections Designed for Coach Operators deliver practical, straight-talking advice, and the CTA column previews WTM and next year’s Derry-Londonderry Conference.

As for me I’ll think twice before buying another train ticket.

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