3. DETERMINE YOUR TRAVEL GROUP NEEDS

• Determine what size coach and what level of luxury or additional equipment you will need or desire.
• Determine whether or not you will need a coach on which smoking, alcoholic beverages or food are allowed.
• Determine if your group will include any disabled persons who may need boarding/disembarking assistance.
• Determine the TOTAL number of persons who will be travelling in your group.
• Determine the total length of your trip, including preferred time-of-day starting and ending times, departure and return points.
• Determine your itinerary, including time-of-day preferences for specific attractions.
• Determine who will serve as the responsible liaison to the motorcoach company for any en route changes or decisions.

For a UMA member motorcoach provider in your area, you should visit BusRates.com a database of motorcoach and charter providers. These are not brokers, all the companies listed own their coaches. Look for companies listed with the UMA Logo.

If you're considering a motorcoach company which is not a UMA member, you may also wish to check the USDOT's Passenger Carrier Safety Ratings list to certify that the carrier does NOT have an UNsatisfactory safety rating.

Read Part IV: Final Note