Before you go:
How far in advance do I have to book?
The earlier the better! Subject to availability, booking for day excursions can be as late as the day before. Exceptionally, we have actually taken a booking on the coach prior to departure!
Do I need to pay a deposit?
A non refundable deposit is required on all of our day trips and holidays. When you book online you must pay in full but if you ring our booking line you can pay a deposit by card over the phone or send us a cheque. You can pay the balance due 1 month before departure. A deposit of £10 per person is required on all day trips and a deposit of £25 per person is required on all holidays.
Do I need a Passport?
All persons travelling to Europe require a FULL British passport. If they are from countries outside of the EEC, a Visa for travelling within the area covered by the tour/excursion may be required. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PERSON TRAVELLING TO ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE THE NECESSARY PASSPORTS AND OTHER DOCUMENTATION FOR TRAVELLING WITHIN EUROPE. On certain occasions, you may be asked to give your date of birth when booking, to comply with HM Customs requests.
No refunds can be made if any person arrives to travel and does not have the correct documentation.
Do I need travel insurance?
This is not compulsory to travel on Crosskeys Coaches. However, it is advisable when travelling within Europe, to have the minimum cover, by obtaining from the Post Office an E111 CARD, which is free of charge. Please allow time for receipt of form etc.
You may, if you wish, approach your own insurance broker.
Purchasing Goods:
What are my allowances and what can I buy?
A full list of tobacco goods and alcohol products that you may buy, are available on the HM Customs/Revenue site, some of which are reprinted at the end of the FAQ’s.
We do restrict quantity of beer and wine, subject to the driver’s discretion with view to luggage carried aboard and space available, and the weight carrying ability of the vehicle.
You may not purchase explosives or weapons, which include fireworks, knives and flick combs or any article deemed as an offence weapon. Illegal substances cannot be bought or carried on any of Crosskeys vehicles.
Shopping:
How do I pay for goods?
The currency in Europe is the Euro. Sterling can be changed in advance through your bank, at a bureau de change or at a good rate, in most Post Offices. (Also E111, see above).
Some hypermarkets in the Calais/Boulogne area and certain shops in Belgium, will accept sterling currency and give you your change in Euros. Visa is accepted at many outlets, but some will only take cash/debit card. It is always advisable to carry at least £ 10 worth of euros so that you can at least get a cup of tea!
General Queries:
Coaches
Most of our coaches have air conditioning, reclining seats, toilet and refreshment facilities, and seat between 49 & 70 persons dependant on model. We also have 2x24 seat, and 1x 16 seat coaches, but these are basic vehicles with no facilities.
Occasionally, a different vehicle to that advertised, may used due to operational or maintenance situations.
Is there a seat reservation policy?
Provided a request is made at the time of booking, subject to availability, every effort will be made to seat you where asked.
Can I bring my wheelchair and is their access for a disabled person?
Most wheelchairs can be accommodated in the luggage hold, provided it can be folded down. Motorised wheelchairs – subject to height – can also be accommodated provided the owner can bring a loading ramp. It is not the driver’s responsibility to lift heavy or awkward vehicles/objects into or onto the coach.
Most disabled person can access the coach interior. There are at least 3-5 steps to the seating area, and the continental door entry can be steep for some. Please state when booking if you are disabled as we will try and seat you near the front as possible. Some coaches do have a ‘drop’ step, but if you require a ‘box’ or step to gain access, please bring your own, as insurance does not cover the driver in the event of any injury caused to a person by the use of a step or box. Also, please remember that the driver will assist wherever possible, but he is not a trained helper and so cannot be expected to lift people into the coach.
How do I pay / book?
You may reserve your tour/excursion by writing to the address at the top of the web page. (See contact us)
By telephone on 01303 272625
By fax on 01303 274085
In person at our depot. A Map of Crosskeys Coaches can be found on our Links Page. Directions are in the ‘contact us’ section above.
You may pay by cash, Visa or cash card, cheque.
Visa and cash card bookings can be taken over the telephone.
Where do I join the coach?
You can see maps of our pick up points on our Links Page
We have a number of pick up points to suit most people. When you select a trip on our Day Trips/Events page, you can select a pick up point and time.
Are animals allowed?
Unfortunately, we do not allow animals on our coaches.