Going on a group trip is great: atmosphere, shared memories, good ideas... But it can quickly turn into a headache when everyone arrives with an XXL suitcase, 4 pillows and a toiletry bag worthy of a supermarket shelf.
Let's be honest: no one wants to wait 20 minutes for Jean-Pierre to find his second anorak "just in case" in the hold.
So how can we make life easier? Traveling light can be learned! And trust us, your friends (and the bus driver) will thank you.
Here are France-Bus' tips for smart packing, whether you're heading off for a city break, a nature getaway, or a full week of exploring.
The Must-Have List (and What to Avoid at All Costs)
Must-haves:
1 pair of versatile pants or shorts
2-3 t-shirts that go with everything
1 sweater or cardigan (even in summer, the bus air conditioning can be treacherous)
1 pair of comfortable shoes (we insist, your feet deserve a vacation too)
A small toiletry bag (mini version)
Phone charger (otherwise, prepare to beg your friends…)
A water bottle and some snacks
Avoid (unless you like suffering):
7 pairs of shoes for 4 days – you're not in a fashion show.
Hair dryer, curling iron AND straightener – it's either one or... nothing.
The "just in case" (third coat, 800-page book never opened, mug collection).
👉 Golden rule: If you are unsure about taking it, don't take it.
🏙 City discovery weekend (2 to 3 days)
Ideal for : students on a cultural trip to Lyon or other large city, young professionals who treat themselves to a stag/hen party in Barcelona, or even retirees who take advantage of the Alsatian Christmas markets for a weekend.
In the city, everything moves quickly: museums, restaurants, rooftops, shopping... So you need practical luggage that allows you to go seamlessly from the modern art museum to a cocktail on a terrace without looking like a lost hiker.
Ideal luggage : large backpack (30-40 L) or small cabin suitcase with wheels (35-40 cm).
Recommended weight : 6-8 kg max.
Smart inventory :
1 pair of comfortable pants/skirts for walking
2 t-shirts/nice shirts
1 elegant outfit (restaurant, rooftop, club)
1 pair of comfortable shoes + 1 pair that are a little more chic
Light accessories (scarf, jewelry, belt that changes everything)
Price of a piece of luggage : quality backpack from €60, cabin suitcase between €80 and €120.
🌿 Long weekend in nature (3 to 4 days)
Ideal for : a group of friends going camping in the Jura, a small group of students trying their hand at hiking in the Pyrenees, or retired couples in search of fresh air in the Morvan park.
Here, forget the cobblestone streets: make way for trails, mud, and morning dew. Your luggage must be compact, sturdy, and ready to face all weather conditions.
Ideal luggage : large backpack (40-50 L) → the wheeled suitcase is your enemy on the trails!
Recommended weight : 8-10 kg.
Smart inventory :
Outdoor clothing (lightweight pants, shorts, fleece)
K-way or windbreaker jacket
A single pair of sturdy shoes
Water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen
Small snacks for hiking (chocolate counts as moral medicine)
Price of a piece of luggage : decent hiking backpack from €70, technical models around €120-150.
🚍 A full week exploring a region
Ideal for : A school trip in Tuscany, a jazz club tour with a group of friends across Belgium, or a week of regional discoveries for retirees by bus in the Loire Valley.
The principle: we move around a lot, we change hotels, we get on and off the bus regularly. The key is luggage that's sturdy but not bulky, easy to handle and easy to stow in the hold.
Ideal luggage : sturdy cabin suitcase (40-45 cm) or soft travel bag (45-55 L).
Recommended weight : 10-12 kg.
Smart inventory :
3 versatile bottoms (jeans, shorts, light pants)
5-6 tops (which combine easily)
1 sweater + 1 light jacket
2 pairs of shoes max (walking + leisure)
Mini toiletry bag
Small foldable bag for day trips
Price of a piece of luggage : sturdy cabin suitcase between €100 and €150, good quality travel bag between €80 and €120.
👉 Remember that you'll be getting on and off the bus several times, sometimes on cobblestone or narrow streets. It's better to have compact luggage than a monster to lug around.
Common baggage: the best friend in the group
Rather than all carrying 10 tubes of toothpaste, consider collective luggage.
A small shared bag (10-15 L) that you take turns managing can contain:
basic pharmacy (bandages, aspirin, mosquito repellent)
large shared formats (toothpaste, shower gel, sunscreen)
collective accessories (multi-socket charger, card games, bottle opener – never underestimate its importance!)
👉 Result: more space in your personal bags, and real group solidarity. Bonus: the person in charge of the "common bag" changes every day, which creates a little excitement.
Travel light, travel happy
Less luggage means less stress, fewer arguments in the hold, and most importantly, more energy to enjoy your trip. Every kilo saved means more time to enjoy a drink on a terrace, go for a walk, or visit a castle.
And to make sure everything runs smoothly, you also need to think about transportation.
France-Bus is the ideal partner for your group getaways : whether you are a group of students heading to Barcelona, a hiking club in search of fresh air in the Jura or a group of retirees curious about discover a little-known region, you can count on:
of the buses and minibuses suitable for all group sizes,
the comfort of traveling together without worrying about logistics,
the flexibility to make multiple stops and discover several destinations in a single stay.
With light luggage and a trip organized by France-Bus, all you have to do is enjoy the atmosphere and collect souvenirs.
👉 In summary: pack your XXL suitcases, keep the essentials, and Let France-Bus take you where the best stories begin!
