Frequently Asked Questions - Bus2alps

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is included in a Bus2alps trip?

Bus2alps weekend and long break trips include round-trip transportation (with the exception of our Meet Us There trips), accommodation at top-rated hostels or hotels in each destination, walking tours when applicable, breakfast, a Bus2alps trip leader, and exclusive Bus2alps discounts and activity options dependent on each destination (see the tour description page and itinerary for details of what is included in each tour). Day trips include round-trip transportation, a Bus2alps guide, and additional activities as specified on each individual tour description page. 

Bus2alps carefully selects what activities are included in the trips based on popularity. Bus2alps also offers add-ons, some of which can be booked at the time of the trip. These optional activities are at an exclusive discounted price for Bus2alps (see the detailed itinerary for each trip about optional activities).

Do I need to bring travel documents with me on Bus2alps trips?

Yes, when traveling with Bus2alps it is important to bring your original passport with you even if you are traveling within the country as your legal form of identification. In the event that it is necessary to check in with border control when passing between countries, you will need your travel documents in order to show that you are legally allowed to travel within Europe. If you are flying into a Bus2alps trip, it is imperative to bring your passport and check-in documents to the airport.

How do I pack for a Bus2alps trip? 

Bus2alps.com provides trip specific itineraries that include recommended items to pack. Your tour leader will send you an e-mail prior to departure with a reminder of necessary items to bring along with a weather forecast of your destination city to help you pack appropriately.

Most people bring a small suitcase along with a backpack or tote bag to bring around with them during the day. If you are flying into a Bus2alps trip, it is strongly advised that you look at your luggage allowance with the airline that you are using.

How much money should I bring with me?

Bus2alps.com provides trip specific itineraries with information on which activities are included and which activities are not. Please factor in money for meals, souvenirs and additional activities that you choose to do on your own. If you have further questions about activity prices or how much to budget, please email info@bus2alps.com.

If we are going to a destination that does not use euro, what do you recommend I do?

To receive the best currency exchange rate, we recommend that you withdraw money from an ATM when in the destination. If this is not a possibility, your tour leader will be able to point out banks, post offices, and other places where you can safely exchange money.

Do people travel by themselves on your tours?

Absolutely! Just because you are traveling on your own does not mean you should feel discouraged from joining one of our trips. In fact, it is an excellent way to meet other students not only from the city you are studying abroad in, but from other European cities as well. Many independent travelers have made lasting friendships while on Bus2alps trips.

What if I have an emergency on a trip?

Your tour leader will provide you with their phone number prior to trip departure and will also have their contact information posted in reception. In the event of an emergency, it is advised that you call your tour leader immediately for assistance.

In addition, we require your emergency contact information when booking any Bus2alps trips so that we are able to make the appropriate conacts if an emergency arises. 

Do I need to stick with the group the whole time?

Of course not! Our goal is to provide itineraries with the perfect balance of guided activities and free time, but activities are never mandatory. If you are interested in other aspects of a destination or want suggestions for alternative activities, your tour leader will be happy to provide them. Please note that before venturing off on your own, it is important to know the meeting point and time so that you can meet back up with the group when leaving a destination. If you wish to stay somewhere longer, please speak with your tour leader about making other arrangements.

Can I change my reservation?

Most likely. All reservation change requests need to be made in writing. Send us an email to info@bus2alps.com to find out what your options are!

If I am not able to use my ticket, is it possible for me to give it to my friend?

Yes. All passenger change requests need to be made in writing. Send us an email to info@bus2alps.com and we will provide you with the steps that need to be taken.

I’m having difficulties with my credit card on the Bus2alps site. What should I do?

Don’t panic! The first step is to speak to your bank. All purchases made on the Bus2alps website will appear as purchases being made in Switzerland as we are a Swiss-based company, so be sure your bank is aware you will be making Swiss purchases to avoid having your payment flagged as possible fraudulent activity. If you cannot resolve the problem with your bank, you should email info@bus2alps.com immediately so we can assist you with your booking.

What should I do if I never received my confirmation documents?

It is possible that the confirmation e-mail was sent to your spam folder as university email addresses often have strict spam filters. Please also be sure you are checking the email address associated with your Bus2alps account.

If you are still unable to locate your confirmation documents, please email info@bus2alps.com.

I am trying to book a Bus2alps trip, but it is no longer showing up on the site. What does this mean?

Unfortunately this means that the tour is sold out. If there is no other weekend that you can join us, e-mail info@bus2alps.com and we will be happy to put you on our waiting list. We will notify you if spots open up.

I have heard hostel rooms are really big and I will have to share a room with strangers. Is that true?

Bus2alps stays in top-rated hostels in all of our destinations so you can expect a fun, safe and clean environment. Hostels offer a vibrant, youthful atmosphere that allows you to kick back, relax and have a great time. The dormitory style rooms provide you with the opportunity to room with all of your friends instead of having to split up, or make new friends with other members of our group. The rooms are private to Bus2alps customers so that you can feel safe and comfortable at all times.

I have friends studying in a different city in Europe and from home. Can they join me on my trip?

All Bus2alps trips are designed for anyone in the world. We offer bus departures for various trips from Florence, Rome, Prague, and Barcelona, and can arrange other departures for groups, or you can book our Meet Us There option from anywhere in the world. You'll all receive rooming requests prior to the trip so you can request to room with your friends no matter where they are coming from.  

I am a school or program director and would like to organize a trip for my program through Bus2alps. Can you do this?

Absolutely. Another brand under the Bus2alps umbrella is 4.0 Tours, which specializes in organizing custom tours throughout Europe. Please email info@bus2alps.com and we will be happy to provide you with a free quote for your desired trip. You can also visit the 4.0 Tours website for more information. 

Are there any group discounts?

If you are a group of ten people or more, Bus2alps will organize a 10% discount for everyone in your group! Just email info@bus2alps.com to arrange this or get in touch with a Bus2alps guide. 

Do I receive a discount if I book more than one trip at a time?

This is the best way to save money on your whole semester. If you book 2 trips at once you'll receive a 5% discount and if you book 3 trips you'll receive a 7% discount, on top of the 5% discount you'll receive with a staff discount code. Grab a group of 10 or more for your multiple trips and you will receive an additional 10% off your booking.

If we already have accommodation booked or have friends where we are going, can we just pay for transportation?

It is possible to organize transportation only dependent on your desired trip and date. Please contact info@bus2alps.com for details.

We are a group looking to depart to a city you do not have trips departing from. Can we organize a trip?

Bus2alps organizes trips to most major cities in Europe. Therefore, we can easily create a customized trip departing from your city if you have a large enough group. Contact info@bus2alps.com with the total amount of people in your group, where you are departing from, and where you would like to travel to and we can put together a package for you.

We would like to join one of your trips, but we want to travel on a date different from what you offer. Can we get our own departure?

As above, we can organize custom tours if you have a large enough group. Contact info@bus2alps.com for more details.