what is a motor coach tour operator

What is a Motor Coach? Discover Everything You Need to Know

History of Motor Coaches

Benefits of choosing a motor coach, popular destinations for motor coach travel, how to select the right motor coach company, cost of motor coach travel, environmental impact of motor coaches, future trends of what is a motor coach in industry, tips for a comfortable motor coach journey, safety measures for motor coach travelers, prominent motor coach manufacturers, faqs about what is a motor coach.

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What is a Motor Coach?

Motor coaches play a vital role in the transportation industry, offering comfortable, safe, and eco-friendly travel solutions for passengers of all kinds. With their versatile capabilities and modern amenities, motor coaches continue to be a popular choice for group excursions, sightseeing tours, and commuter routes. Discover What is a Motor Coach…

The history of motor coach dates back to the early 20th century when the first motorized buses were introduced to replace horse-drawn carriages. Over the years, advancements in technology and design have transformed motor coaches into sophisticated vehicles equipped with modern amenities and safety features.

Choosing a motor coach for travel offers several benefits, including cost-effectiveness, convenience, and environmental sustainability. Compared to other modes of transportation, motor coaches provide affordable fares, flexible scheduling, and reduced carbon emissions, making them an eco-friendly choice for travelers.

Motor coaches travel to a wide range of destinations, including national parks, tourist attractions, and major cities. Popular routes include cross-country tours, scenic drives, and cultural excursions, offering passengers the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes and historical landmarks.

When selecting a motor coach company, it’s essential to consider factors such as reputation, safety record, and fleet quality. Researching customer reviews, requesting quotes, and verifying certifications can help travelers make informed decisions and ensure a pleasant travel experience.

The cost of motor coach travel varies depending on factors such as distance, duration, and amenities. Generally, chartering a coach for a group excursion or event is more cost-effective than individual tickets for other modes of transportation, making it an economical choice for large groups.

Motor coaches are recognized for their low environmental impact compared to other modes of transportation, such as cars and airplanes. With advancements in fuel efficiency and emissions reduction technologies, modern coaches contribute to reducing carbon footprints and preserving natural resources.

The motor coach industry is witnessing several trends shaping the future of transportation, including the adoption of electric and autonomous vehicles, the integration of smart technologies, and the expansion of eco-friendly initiatives. These trends aim to improve efficiency, sustainability, and passenger experience in the evolving landscape of mobility.

To ensure a comfortable motor coach journey, passengers can follow these tips:

• Dress in layers for changing weather conditions.
• Stay hydrated and pack snacks for the journey.
• Bring entertainment such as books, music, or movies.
• Stretch and move around during rest stops to avoid stiffness.
• Respect fellow passengers and follow onboard rules and guidelines.

Safety is paramount when traveling by motor coach. Passengers can take the following safety measures:

• Buckle up and remain seated while the coach is in motion.
• Listen to safety instructions provided by the driver.
• Keep belongings secure and avoid blocking aisles or emergency exits.
• Report any suspicious behavior or concerns to the driver or authorities.
• Stay informed about emergency procedures and evacuation routes.

Several manufacturers produce motor coaches worldwide, including industry leaders such as:

• MCI (Motor Coach Industries)

Comparison Between Motor Coaches and Other Modes of Transportation

Motor coaches offer distinct advantages compared to other modes of MM transportation , such as trains, planes, and cars. While trains and planes may offer faster travel times, motor coaches provide flexibility, affordability, and accessibility, making them a preferred choice for group travel and scenic tours.

• Yes, many motor coaches are equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps to accommodate passengers with mobility challenges.
• Policies regarding pets vary among motor coach companies, so it’s best to check with the specific company before traveling with pets.
• It’s recommended to book a motor coach several weeks or months in advance, especially for peak travel seasons or large events.
• Many modern motor coaches are equipped with onboard restrooms for passenger convenience during long journeys

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What Is a Motorcoach?

Ken Presley 04/21/2022 Check Lists Group Planners Shuttle Bus Sports Teams

Table of Contents

Types of Motorcoaches

• The Pros and Cons of Traveling by Motorcoach

How to Charter a Motorcoach

A motorcoach is a type of large Class A bus. Depending on the model, these spacious coaches can easily accommodate anywhere from 30-60 people. Whether you’re planning a wine trip, corporate team building activity or school field trip, motorcoaches can allow your entire group to travel in comfort and luxury.

While these buses might be more often considered for long trips, they’re just as convenient for local or short trips. With the convenient booking process, you’ll be on the road in no time, enjoying sightseeing and many amenities along the way.

Since the original horse-drawn carriages, motorcoaches have gone through several changes in design and features. Today, there are several different types of motorcoaches available to choose from. 

Along with the standard motorcoaches used for traveling, there are buses available for specific purposes. Party buses, which are designed to look like limos on the inside, are often used for bar hopping or bachelor or bachelorette parties. Tour buses, also known as band buses or music buses, are another type.

Other types of motorcoaches include:

• Activity buses. 
• Charter buses.
• Greyhound buses.
• Field trip buses.

Class A motorcoaches are equipped with a variety of amenities to enhance your traveling experience. You’ll be able to take advantage of great visibility while you relax in the comfortable reclining seats. 

Compared to other types of travel, you’ll also have plenty of storage for your luggage and belongings on a motorcoach. Most have space both on and under the bus, giving you more than enough room to bring along everything you need for your trip.

You can also expect your motorcoach to have electricity, onboard Wi-Fi and entertainment like video screens to make your journey more enjoyable.

The Pros and Cons of Traveling by Motorcoach 

While traveling by motorcoach might not offer as much privacy as other types of travel, there are several advantages . You’ll be able to:

• Sit back, relax and enjoy the sights as you travel to your destination.
• Save compared to what you’d spend on private autos or other modes of public transportation. 
• Experience an eco-friendly way to travel.

You can also trust in the safety of a professional driver and a maintained, rigorously tested and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)-mandated bus.

No matter where your next adventure is, BusRates makes it possible for you to travel comfortably, conveniently and affordably. From party buses to luxury full-size motorcoaches, we’re equipped to meet all your needs. 

Reach out today to learn more or fill out a quote request form  to get started. 

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Motorcoach Standards

We Invented Carpooling

Each Cosmos motorcoach features plush, reclining seats with headrests, individual air-conditioning vents, and extra legroom. A high-fidelity sound system delivers interesting and informative Tour Director commentary directly to your seat. Our custom of daily seat rotation gives everyone the opportunity to take in the views from a variety of vantage points throughout the trip! 

Experienced & Professional Drivers

Cosmos drivers are dedicated to sharing the world’s great destinations with our guests. From the major highways to the off-the-beaten-path roadways, your driver is highly skilled, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful through every mile. Your driver takes pride in maintaining a safe, clean, and comfortable coach to make traveling with us a true pleasure. With courteous help in boarding and disembarking, along with careful baggage handling, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the view. We’re proud to say that our guests consistently give the highest praise to our heroes behind the wheel!

Free Wi-Fi Onboard

Our state-of-the-art motorcoaches offer free Wi-Fi in North America and Europe, as well as video monitors. Stay connected with family and friends with quality wireless Internet connection, and browse online to learn even more about your new destinations.  

Note—Free connectivity features browsing only; downloading is not available. Some tour departures may not offer this service. Unfortunately, details regarding signal coverage are unavailable prior to touring. Some countries—such as Iceland, Israel, and Jordan—and certain regions of other countries do not have Wi-Fi service coverage, so free Wi-Fi is not available. When local coaches are used for transfers or occasionally for sightseeing tours, wireless service is not guaranteed.

Fewer Passengers = Extra Comfort

Your comfort is our first priority. With the average number of just 36 guests on a Cosmos motorcoach, you’re invited to stretch your legs, relax, and enjoy the ride with the extra space you deserve. And, in South America, Asia, and Africa, tours are never larger than 24 guests! 

Our Commitment To Clean

As a part of our commitment to your health and well-being, we practice enhanced cleaning procedures on our Motorcoaches and other vehicles throughout every trip, including additional daily disinfecting procedures that go above and beyond our already strict health and safety procedures. Our clean and comfortable motorcoaches are equipped with state-of-the-art air filters that continuously purify the cabin air as well as provide comfortable climate control and ventilation. For the comfort and consideration of all passengers, our motorcoaches are non-smoking. However, there are ample opportunities for smoking breaks during frequent stops along the way if you wish.

Sustainable Travel

Cosmos is committed to reducing transportation-related energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Our motorcoaches are a maximum of five years old, and feature the latest technology in emission control and reduction. Our modern motorcoaches are on average seven times more energy and fuel efficient than single-occupancy automobiles, and are able to travel 206.6 passenger miles per gallon! Each motorcoach replaces as many as 55 passenger cars on the roads, slashing fuel usage and pollution emissions.

Onboard Restrooms

Motorcoaches in Europe and North America are equipped with an emergency restroom. For transfers and sightseeing in London, this amenity is not available. We use the term “emergency restroom” because this amenity is not intended for use in lieu of the restrooms at your hotel or frequent comfort stops throughout the day.

Coach tourism in 2021: What does the industry think?

Taking the temperature of the coach tourism industry in 2021 is as difficult as it has ever been. Many operators involved are looking ahead with optimism, yet the extent of that positivity varies. Domestic bookings are strong, but there are two elephants in the room: Social distancing and the medium-term viability of continental trips.

In late April, routeone was able to hear the views of six Coach Tourism Association (CTA) members on where they see the industry going for the remainder of 2021. All four Home Nations were represented through a panel that comprised:

• Robert Easton, Eastons Holidays of Norwich
• Jason Edwards, Edwards Coaches of Llantrisant
• Margaret Finnis, J&K Coaches of Derry/Londonderry
• Kevin Mayne, Maynes Coaches of Buckie
• Dave Parry, Parrys International of Cheslyn Hay
• Robert Shaw, Harry Shaw of Coventry and CTA Chair.

Will the predicted coach tourism boom in 2021 materialise?

Views on whether 2021 will eventually deliver the boom in domestic coach tourism that was earlier predicted are mixed. What is clear is that there is sensitivity among some customers to wider messaging. An unfortunate utterance from a politician can lead to a rash of cancellations. Positive omens – either from a figure in authority or via an operator’s own channels – can quickly set phones ringing.

Robert Shaw points out that Harry Shaw is still observing a ‘wait and see’ approach by some of its clients.

Robert has previously predicted that the domestic season will extend later than normal, but he now believes that it will also see a lot of late booking activity.

“People are reluctant to commit without any definite outcome,” he says.

Jason agrees that the start of 2021’s season will be a “slow burner,” although he is confident that it will take off later. Key for Edwards is restoring confidence and getting its vehicles back to being seen on the road. A confidence building exercise is not only for travellers; it is identical for staff. “That positive energy, balanced with realism, needs to come to the fore now,” he says.

2021 coach tourism season in Scotland likely to be extended

Tour companies are already making it clear that they want to see the season in Scotland extended, adds Kevin. Many ‘incoming’ visitors to the north of the country are from elsewhere in the UK, and Maynes sees a “fairly decent” season ahead with those customers. It is also building interest in its own holiday programme, which has been helped by the decision to utilise television advertising.

“There is a pent-up demand for getting away,” Kevin continues. Maynes advertises its holidays from around Perth northwards, and the TV campaign – which makes use of STV’s Growth Fund – has delivered. “We can tell when the advert has been shown because the phone starts ringing,” he says.

Robert Easton and Dave are open minded on what 2021 will deliver. Neither think that it will bring total relief from the crisis that has enveloped coaching. Each of their respective businesses would normally carry out a lot of tours abroad, and that remains a difficult workstream to make accurate predictions for.

Predictions for continental tours resumption impossible

There is – at the time of writing – no clarity on when restriction-free continental departures might return. In some cases that has led to customers becoming frustrated with the lack of guidance on when they may expect to travel abroad again. That can cause them to seek refunds after having earlier agreed to defer bookings. Such an approach is far from ideal for companies that have built a portion of their businesses on tours abroad.

Despite that position, both operators look at the domestic market with hope. Parrys has added extra dates for British departures, and it has also introduced some day trips for the remainder of the year.

One announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson about the relaxation of restrictions in England saw a spike in confidence among Parrys’ customers.

Of 1,000 people who booked after that, 735 opted for domestic tours later in 2021. A mere 27 went for continental departures this year. Ordinarily, over half of Parrys’ tours would be to foreign destinations, which underlines the scale of the challenge facing coach tourism from the UK to other countries.

Eastons has seen a similar trend. Refunds for continental trips continue to outweigh receipts for those departures, but the domestic market looks strong, says Robert Easton. A recent brochure launch generated 1,000 bookings within less than a week. But there is one difficulty with domestic tours that all members of the panel agree on: Demand means that there is a growing reluctance or inability from hotels to be as accommodating of groups as they would typically be.

Eastons has also seen a surprisingly high amount of interest from single travellers. Sourcing sufficient rooms for those customers is already very difficult, Robert Easton continues.

J&K Coaches has found that some hotels are still keen enough to work with groups, but Margaret has observed a reluctance in other cases. “They are seeing such a surge in demand from families that they don’t need coaches,” she says. In Northern Ireland, hotels are already able to command high rates and that looks set to continue, she adds.

Edwards was fortunate in that it secured a good amount of hotel stock some time ago. Jason expects that demand will become even heavier in the summer, although it is possible that as other countries reopen, pressure on UK rooms may be relieved. That aside, the remainder of the year could still be tricky for operators that do not have them reserved already, he adds.

Social distancing uncertainty makes planning difficult

Multiple panellists agree that planning the remainder of the year’s domestic programme is further aggravated by the ongoing lack of certainty over social distancing.

Dave points out that a coach’s usable capacity is defined solely by the operator’s risk assessment.

But there is a degree of unease about carrying a full passenger load before current social distancing guidance is removed.

It surrounds the risk of pictures of a full coach being published on social media. Even though operating in such a manner could be entirely in compliance with a risk assessment, two contributors note that exposure to ill-informed criticism could be damaging.

Ongoing uncertainty about the end point for social distancing guidance is also compromising attractions’ willingness to take coach bookings. It is further the case that venues are increasingly reluctant to offer group rates. Uncertainty about whether attractions will need to implement social distancing over the summer months now means that they are cautious about how many, if any, coach passengers they will accept, Parrys has found.

Many customers now ‘just want to go’

Opinions are mixed on how the industry should promote the measures it takes to ensure cleanliness and how it portrays its environmental credentials. There is no argument that work on developing both of those should be undertaken; how it should be communicated is the point of discussion.

The argument for heavily promoting cleanliness is clear, although one panel member observes that it is impossible to guarantee that no passenger infected asymptomatically with COVID-19 has been carried. But it is likely the case that if the coach industry makes its endeavours known, that may grow confidence among attractions to accept larger groups.

An alternative school of thought is that many travellers are not overly concerned about the work that operators are doing and expect it as a default. “They just want to go,” says one panellist. The same is true for Euro VI. Customers have little concern about emissions, although Robert Shaw notes that such an attitude could change in the long term as ‘Generation Greta’ comes to the fore.

Attracting new customers may mean making changes

The opportunity to attract new customers to coach tourism has been cited as part of the potential fallout from the challenges currently facing international travel, and particularly cruises. Margaret notes that COVID-19 has given an opportunity that may not otherwise have existed to overhaul products. She adds that the upheaval brought by the pandemic could influence how operators work together in the future.

Customers travelling for sometimes 10 or more hours by coach to reach their destination may be difficult to sustain, she says.

Instead, there is an increasing argument in some cases for flying them to the nearest airport and utilising a local partner operator to handle the transfer and touring requirements.

“We have got to think out of the box now,” adds Kevin. A trend towards flying has benefitted Maynes; in an ordinary year, the operator would derive a lot of work from groups arriving in northern Scotland by air. Robert Easton agrees. Eastons is a holiday business, not solely a coach operator. It has seen success with walking tours, while trips on its heritage vehicles for customers on other companies’ tours to Norfolk is further diversification that is showing early positive signs.

Dave takes a slightly different view. Parrys’ continental programme majors on delivering an experience that cannot be matched when travelling by other modes. By default, some of those tours involve long distances. But the Staffordshire operator ensures that overnight stops mid-journey are taken in locations that add interest.

It had seen strong bookings for 2020 on that basis and had attracted what Dave calls “a new type of client.” They are the travellers that do not purchase based on price. There may be even more of them when travel returns in a meaningful way, he adds. Eastons is in a similar position, and it will seek to diversify its continental offering from 2022, says Robert Easton.

Industry looks towards long-term positivity

There is much else to consider for the future of coach tourism, the panel of experts agree. 2021 may well shape up strongly, but the overriding view now is that it will represent more of a transition towards longer-term recovery. There are also wider concerns around the implications of Brexit and the repayment of business continuity loans. While those issues were scarcely covered in the discussion, they are real and present considerations for the coach tourism business, panellists agree.

Consensus was also reached that assuring customers that their money is safe will be key in the future. The amount of refunds issued since March 2020 has hurt the industry greatly, but it has been a necessary evil. A trouble-free return of monies gives clients confidence to book in the future. Communicating that reimbursement will be made with no argument will become a central part of the short- and medium-term until the industry, and society, is fully back to normal, the operators that took part in the roundtable each recognise.

That norm may not return until 2022. But with the commitment to excellence and coach tourism’s best interests that was on show at the joint CTA and routeone roundtable, the industry remains in good hands and – no doubt – has a strong future to look forward to.

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Winners will be notified on 13 August 2024 following independent judging, and announced in the August issue of routeone.

Small group travel vs coach tours: which is better?

Because group travel is so much more than the inside of a bus…

Whether you’re exploring your home country or taking an international adventure, the idea of booking a tour can be overwhelming… especially if you’re torn between a coach tour and small group travel. The main difference between the two styles comes down to the size of the group; coach tours use huge motor coaches that hold up to 60 people, while small groups are (plot twist)… small, averaging about 10 travellers per group and often utilising custom vans and local means of transportation.

Over the past 30 years, Intrepid has figured out what travellers really want on a group tour: the ease and peace of mind of travelling with others, a mix of local secrets and authentic experiences so you can experience the pulse of a destination… and not just see it. Just because you’ve handed over the planning and logistics to a tour company shouldn’t mean you need to sacrifice comfort or settle for mediocre experiences.

We’ve weighed up the biggest factors to consider when booking a trip, so whether you’re in your 20s and embarking on your first trip to Europe or you’re a senior who’s always dreamed of seeing the Grand Canyon , you’ll be able to decide which style of travel is right for you. We may be biased, but the winner is pretty clear…

So you’ve made all the important decisions, like where you want to travel and when. But when you’re daydreaming about your perfect trip, how many people are travelling alongside you? Do you picture blending in with a crowd of 50 from your home country? Or getting to know an intimate group of travellers from all over the world?

If your answer leans more toward the latter, small-group travel is definitely for you. While group size can vary depending on the destination and type of trip, Intrepid averages about 10 people per tour — the perfect number to hop on a local bus, squeeze into a hole-in-the-wall restaurant and get to know people on a deeper level.

Intrepid travellers are folks of all ages and backgrounds, so you could spend your time with a combo of solo singles in their 20s, couples in their 40s, seniors, retirees and beyond. If travelling en masse and zoning out with a prerecorded headset is how you envision your holiday, a coach tour might be more your vibe, but for those looking for a unique adventure, more isn’t always merrier.

As the name implies, coach tours are just that: tours that utilize massive coach buses for long-distance travel. All fun and games until you’re filing off to grab lunch, right? Getting off a coach bus takes much longer than you’d think (especially if you do it multiple times a day), and don’t even get us started on the headache of choosing seats.

The benefit of travelling with small groups is you can explore like the locals do; think small 4WDs on a South African safari , tuk-tuks in Thailand and overnight trains in India . Travelling with a tight-knit crew will give you all the benefits and authentic experiences you’ll get if you go solo, minus all the stressful logistics and safety concerns.

We realised pretty quickly that when exploring a new destination, you need more than a guide … you need a local. Intrepid’s leaders aren’t just tour guides; they’re teachers and friends who know their country inside and out. They’ll be by your side for the major highlights, of course, but they’ll also happily provide recommendations for the best street food, help you learn the local language and steer you away from any experiences that don’t feel so… Intrepid. Unfortunately, not all coach tours can say the same, so it’s essential to work with a company that supports local economies, respects local cultures and protects the places we love to visit.

The small group sizes of Intrepid trips provide the perfect guide-to-traveller ratios, and you’ll never have to worry about not getting 1-1 time. Have a question about a local custom or want to chat about a football rivalry over dinner? Not so easy with a group of 50, but all part of the experience when your travel crew is small.

Itineraries

We’ve all been there… you’re stressing about needing a bathroom or a snack break but don’t want to be  that  person making the entire group stop. When you travel on a small group tour, bathroom breaks, snack stops, and photo ops can be as frequent as you’d like. Plus, with fewer people to keep track of, you’ll never have to worry about your driver leaving you behind (does everyone have this recurring nightmare, or is it just me?). Strict timelines and feeling like you’re being herded around just aren’t our speed.

Our speed is more like this: hitting the major highlights like the Acropolis, the Great Wall of China and Machu Picchu while also including some out-of-the-ordinary experiences in unexpected places. Think: sampling your way through a family-owned Greek pistachio farm, learning the art of Chinese cuisine at a homestay in Beijing, and sipping pisco sours with Peruvian locals. We speak from experience when we say these moments, the ones you never even knew existed, leave the longest-lasting memories.

Although most Intrepid trips have a base itinerary, there’s always time set aside for your own exploration or downtime. When dealing with a smaller group of people, itineraries can be reasonably customisable, allowing your guide to make appropriate, impromptu changes based on the group’s preference. For example, if you’re on a small group tour in Italy and half of your group is feeling museum-ed out… no problem! With guidance and tips from your expert local leaders, you’ll have the freedom to embark on a tour de pizza or a gelato crawl instead.

Accommodation

At Intrepid, one of our favourite ways to get to know a place is through its people… which is why we employ local guides, eat at family-run restaurants and incorporate community homestays into most trips. On coach tours, hotels usually have to accommodate 50+ people at once, so you could end up at a chain hotel that feels far from the centre of the action.

That might be cool if you simply want to scratch the surface, but Intrepid does things a little differently. A community-based tourism approach allows you to get to know a place through a local’s lens and ensures that you’ll be travelling in a way that positively impacts the communities you visit.

Some of our favourite Intrepid experiences are the ones that won’t show up on Google Maps or get reviewed on Tripadvisor; we’re talking about playing volleyball with indigenous locals on an overnight in Lake Titicaca, sharing a homecooked meal with a family during a rural Cambodian homestay, or getting a lesson on local traditions on a Varanasi homestay in India. Imagine trying to organise this with 50 people? Impossible.

The choice seems pretty clear. Small group travel is not only more comfortable and enjoyable, but it’s just an all-around better way to see the world. As the world’s largest travel  B Corporation , Intrepid wants to change the way we all see the world by creating positive change through the joy of travel. We want you to leave your trip with more cultural understanding and the knowledge that your trip benefits local people, communities and the planet. 

With a range of trip styles and themes catering to a diverse group of travellers, we’re confident there’s a small group adventure for you. Feeling inspired? Let’s go!

Explore top small group trips

Will travel for food. From al pastor in Mexico to camel burgers in Morocco, khao soi in Thailand to perfect tomatoes in Greece, I've traveled far and wide for a tasty meal. When I'm not abroad searching for the perfect bite, I'm enjoying some good ol' home cooking in my tiny Seattle kitchen.

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Motor Coach & Charter Bus Hire in the United States

Motor coach & charter bus hire in the united states, the international motorcoach group (img).

The International Motorcoach Group (IMG) is a network of premier bus companies throughout North America. The International Motorcoach Group (IMG) was formed in 1998, as a group of independent companies working together to form a North American network of operators that shared a commitment to excellence in customer service, safety, training and maintenance.

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Headquarter

IMG 1327 S. Fountain Drive, Olathe, KS, 66061 United States 888-447-3466 [email protected] www.imgcoach.com

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• Bronwyn Wilson , President

Gateway Cities:

• Atlanta, Georgia
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As an invitation only organization, IMG has grown to 52 companies who range in size, region and reflect a range of business models. From bus charter, luxury motorcoaches, limousines, school buses, shuttles, IMG companies offer a wide range and selection of vehicles to meet your transportation needs. With over 7,000 vehicles throughout North America and carrying over 21 million passengers, our customers have come to rely on IMG with confidence. IMG companies have a reputation for being many of the most trusted transportation providers. It is our shared commitment to “Setting the Standard” – that sets IMG companies apart and the first choice for so many.

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• TRANSPORTATION CHARTER SERVICES, INC. – Orange, California
• VILLAGE TRAVEL – Wichita, Kansas
• VOIGT’S MOTORCOACH TRAVEL – St. Augusta, Minnesota
• VANDALIA BUS LINES INC. – Caseyville, Illinois
• WILSON BUS LINES – East Templeton, Massachusetts
• YOUNG TRANSPORTATION – Asheville, North Carolina

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Motor coach tourism

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Escorted motor coach tourism is often perceived as a “poor relation,” with its continued role in the development of domestic and international tourism understated, and overlooked in the development of infrastructure and attractions by destination marketing organizations and city and transport planners. Its heyday was between the two world wars and the early 1970s, after railway dominance, but before airborne package tours (Walton 2011 ). During this period, motor coaches made an important contribution toward developing national and international tourism across the United States and Europe . Even with the development of airborne package tours, coach travel has continued to be an important component of package tourism and has developed strong links to tourism-related companies and destinations. From pairing with airlines to organize transfers and acting with attractions to build access areas to working with destination marketing organizations, accommodation providers, food service ...

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Chacko, H., and E. Nebel 1993 The Group Tour Industry: An Analysis of Motorcoach Tour Operators. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing 2(1):69-83.

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Hsu, C., and E. Lee 2002 Segmentation of Senior Motorcoach Travelers. Journal of Travel Research 40(4):364-373.

Walton, J. 2011 The Origins of the Modern Package Tour? British Motor-coach Tours in Europe, 1930-70. The Journal of Transport History 32(2):145-163.

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O’Regan, M. (2016). Motor coach tourism. In: Jafari, J., Xiao, H. (eds) Encyclopedia of Tourism. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01384-8_615

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Motor Coach Tourism Done Right: With Every Group Comes a Bus

Published May 10, 2023

Hundreds of cities across North America welcome visitors by the bus load daily, especially during the summer months. Destinations, attractions, accommodations, restaurants and retail centres use their OMCA mebership to invite tour operators to visit with their groups. Successfully marketing your destination to motor coach tours goes well beyond your sales and itineraries. Working to make your destination bus-friendly will go a long way to ensuring groups come to your destination – and stay a while.

Whether it is a day trip, an overnight trip, or a multi-day visit, every bus load of visitors comes with…a bus! A 56-passenger bus reaches around 40 feet in length and it can very difficult find the ideal space to offload and onboard passengers, in addition to parking the vehicle when not in use. Having a motor coach friendly destination will put your tour operators and motor coach drivers at ease on their next visit, and increase the odds of them adding repeat trips to their itineraries. Plus it reduces traffic congestion and idling, making group travel even more sustainable than it already is.

A great Ontario example of a motor coach friendly destination is the City of Kingston. Kingston recently hosted the IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism conference with hundreds of attendees shuttling around the city. OMCA president could not help but notice the designated motor coach parking areas at popular tourist destinations. Pictured below are multiple bus parking spaces with welcoming flags and inviting benches for travellers to rest their feet before boarding their next bus. Kingston takes it a step further by providing easily accessible motor coach services on their website: https://www.visitkingston.ca/travel-trade/services/motorcoach-services/.

As the motor coach tourism industry recovers from a harrowing pandemic, it is increasingly important for tourism partners to work together to find solutions for our motor coach and tour operators and rebuild the trust of our amazing group travellers.

Does your destination have excellent examples of how you make your area attractive to motor coaches? Send us your details to [email protected] !

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Toronto-based Intrepid is a treasure trove for small-scale sustainable tours, with more than 100 countries available to visit. With itineraries like lemur-spotting in the rural depths of Madagascar and cultural immersions across the Middle East, this storied adventure company is perfect for accessing some of the most remote corners of the globe.

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Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

New Zealand, French Polynesia, and Greenland are just a few of the dazzling destinations frequented by Lindblad Expeditions, a storied tour operator that's been working in tandem with National Geographic since 2004. While warm weather destinations span from Baja California to the Amazon, the company has earned abundant acclaim for their immersive Antarctic expeditions focusing on native wildlife amidst stunning scenery.

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Maple Leaf Adventures

The spectacular beauty of Canada is on full display with Maple Leaf Adventures, a small-ship cruise operator that's been in the business since 1986. While the bulk of their itineraries focus on showcasing locations across western Canada, gastronomes can also join in on the fun with a curated Craft Beer Cruise or Wines And Islands excursion across British Columbia.

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MT Sobek has been a leader in the adventure travel industry for more than half a century. Today, travelers can choose from some 200 journeys around the world. Each one is designed to inspire and exhilarate, with interest categories like multi-adventure, family adventure, wildlife and safari, adventure cruising, hiking and trekking, cultural discovery, and rafting and kayaking.

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Nantahala Outdoor Center

Beginning as a small-scale rafting tour company back in 1972, Nantahala Outdoor Center has expanded far beyond just the rivers of North Carolina, operating tours from southern Iceland to the Zambezi River. Though their scope has expanded on an international scale, the company still excels at domestic adventure, showcasing the incredible rafting opportunities across the Southern United States.

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Adventure travelers have long turned to REI to outfit their travels; with REI Adventures, they’ll also find more than 100 fully curated experiences across the United States. These active travel itineraries might involve cycling near Zion National Park, hiking through Yellowstone and Grand Teton, kayaking at Point Reyes, or enjoying a weekend of backpacking close to home.

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Stubborn Mule Travel

A perfect fit for all ages, Stubborn Mule Travel has curated a wide variety of itineraries designed specifically for traveling families. Destinations span across five continents, and as an added bonus, the company also offers unique itinerary stops based off of the interests of each individual guest.

Photo courtesy of 104kelly // Getty Images

Thomson Safaris

Best known as the home of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania has earned worldwide acclaim for its abundant natural beauty — a quality that Thomson Safaris has been highlighting for more than 40 years. While there’s no going wrong with a classic safari, the company also offers food-focused tours and even plane excursions, each one led by a team of expert local guides.

Photo courtesy of Urban Events Global Team

Urban Events Global

Kevin Knight founded Urban Events Global as a travel company for African American adventure seekers looking to explore with like-minded travelers. The company hosts regular camping weekends, as well as group tours to destinations like Ghana, Dubai, Greece, and Jamaica. They can also plan a custom trip itinerary for you.

Photo courtesy of Ren Fuller // Women High On Adventure

WHOA Travel

WHOA Travel works with women guides and business owners to build unique travel experiences. WHOA group adventures are scheduled all over the world, from Kilimanjaro and Peru to Iceland and Bavaria. 

Photo courtesy of Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions specializes in “amazing outdoor adventures for all women.” The company leads trips to more than two dozen countries around the globe, with activities like canoeing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, surfing, sailing, and yoga.

Photo courtesy of Beth Peluse / Zephyr Adventures

Zephyr Adventures

Equipped with a roster of trips that span from strenuous mountain hikes to e-biking excursions, Zephyr Adventures offers a diverse range of options for your next getaway. For a glimpse into the beauty of coastal New England, the Acadia National Park Hiking Adventure is a top choice, while those who prefer a more laid-back itinerary can spring for the Czech Republic Breweries and Walking Adventure.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Brandon withrow.

Brandon Withrow is a travel journalist based in...   Read More

Brandon Withrow is a travel journalist based in Northwest Ohio, covering ecotourism, wildlife, outdoor adventures, and eco-friendly stays, as well as the secrets of underrated cities. He appears in The Daily Beast, BBC Travel, Canadian Geographic, Business Insider, The Hill, and Sierra Magazine. You can find him at  www.brandonwithrow.com ,  @bwithrow  on Twitter, and  @bgwithrow  on Instagram.

Chez Chesak

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Dave Stamboulis

Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer...   Read More

Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos appear in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand , which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to updating the Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe. 

Jacky Runice

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home...   Read More

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She...   Read More

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for   Insider,   Fodor's Travel ,   Yahoo ,  the Huffington Post , the  Washington Post,   Viator  and  Reviewed  among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer.    Jamie can be reached at  [email protected]  and can be found on  Twitter ,  Instagram  and  TikTok .

Marla Cimini

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion...   Read More

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is:  www.marlacimini.com  

Meg St-Esprit

Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh...   Read More

Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh who covers family travel, lifestyle, education, and parenting. With their four kids in tow, she and her husband love to travel anywhere and everywhere — but have a soft spot for camping and outdoor adventures. In fact, her kids are well on their way to achieving their goal of visiting all 124 state parks in Pennsylvania. Meg believes travel doesn’t need to be luxurious or costly to be valuable, and aims to share that with her audience. Meg’s work has appeared in publications such as  The New York Times, Thrillist, The Washington Post, Fodor’s, Yahoo, Good Housekeeping, Romper , and more. Follow Meg on Instagram and Twitter at @megstesprit or check out her work on  https://megstesprit.com/

Melanie Reffes

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in...   Read More

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

Nicky Omohundro

Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of Read More

Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of LittleFamilyAdventure.com , the popular family travel & lifestyle website that inspires families to leave no child left inside. Since 2013 LFA has been providing inspiration to get families outdoors, eat well, and travel everywhere from their own backyard to around the world. Always up for a family adventure, she has traveled to 37 states and 6 countries to zip-line through a Costa Rican rainforest, see Finland’s Northern Lights, and go camping throughout the US. Nicky is the co-founder of Tourism WorX a travel consultancy group. Connect with her Twitter  and Instagram .

Olivia Christine Perez

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel...   Read More

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel wellness expert, author, and the creator of  O. Christine : a travel and wellness platform inspiring thousands of people to travel more and get outdoors for their wellness. Living with an autoimmune disease herself, Olivia helps people find wellness through the outdoors, self-care adventures, and mindful travel experiences. You can follow her work at  ochristine.com  and  instagram.com/ochristine.

Shea Peters

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent...   Read More

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent world traveler that looks to the history of a location in order to tell the story. Growing up in a Southern family that loves to travel, Shea has seen 44 of the 50 US states and believes that every place has a story worth telling, regardless of how populated or rural. She's currently a regular contributor discussing travel, culture, history, food, wellness, and business at Travel + Leisure, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah Daily, Women’s Health, TripAdvisor, Cosmo, and Revolt TV. When she's not traveling, rooting for some unlikable sports team, or taking a pilates class, you can find Shea in her rooftop garden that is currently flourishing above the streets of New York City. You can follow Shea on  Instagram  and  Twitter .

Tamara Gane

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best...   Read More

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.