REAL Socialising – FAQ’s

The earlier the better will ensure your place. Subject to availability, booking for day excursions can be as late as the day before.

Reservations and bookings for day trips and short breaks are usually closed 4 to 6 weeks before the event date. If insufficient numbers have been booked, we reserve the right to cancel the activity and refund any monies paid. Ticket only, and events which involve other partners such as theatres, hotels and transport providers may have as little as a 4-week window for the sale of tickets/places. Therefore, it is important that you book before the advertised closed by date

GROUPS – A non-refundable deposit is required on all our day trips and short breaks. Final payment is required 6 weeks before departure unless otherwise stated.

INDIVIDUALS – When you book online you must pay in accordance with the individual requirements advertised online. Deposits and instalments are welcome for short breaks and events of a higher cost. You must pay the full balance due 6 weeks before departure.

TICKET ONLY - Events will be subject to separate payment conditions as laid down by the venue or ticket agent supplying the tickets. This will be advertised on the website.

We would recommend a travel insurance policy be taken out for all forms of travel; however, this is not compulsory. * It is advisable when travelling within Europe, to have the minimum cover for health matters, by obtaining an EHIC card from the Post Office which is free of charge. Please allow time for receipt of the card etc. NB: this is likely to change after Brexit when new regulations will be likely. You may find it cost-effective to take out an annual travel insurance policy and many banks and buildings societies now provide travel insurance as a benefit to your account. *NB: In the event of an emergency, medical or accident or for any other reason, REAL Socialising is not liable to provide any form of payment for medical or other support you may need such as repatriation. It is therefore recommended for your own peace of mind that you should have your own insurance cover in place, whilst away from home.

All persons travelling to Europe require a FULL British passport. If they are from countries outside of the EU, 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 or other personal information such as passport number when booking, to comply with HM Custom’s requests.

PLEASE NOTE: No refunds can be made if any person arrives to travel and does not have the correct documentation. Due to time constraints, it is unlikely that the tour can wait for you to collect your necessary documentation.

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 website. We do restrict the quantity of beer and wine, subject to the driver’s discretion with a 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 offensive weapon. Illegal substances cannot be bought or carried on any of REAL Socialising’s hired vehicles

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. 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 cards. It is always advisable to carry at least £10 worth of euros so that you can purchase light refreshments.

Most of our coaches hired for your pleasure will have air conditioning, reclining seats, toilet and refreshment facilities, and seats between 16 to 75 persons depending on the model. Occasionally, a different vehicle than that advertised may be used due to operational or maintenance situations.

Seats are usually taken on a first-come-first-served basis. If you have mobility difficulties and require an aisle seat for instance, then provided a request is made at the time of booking, subject to availability, every effort will be made to seat you where requested.

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 persons 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 using 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. Please advise of any special needs and requirements at the time of booking

You may reserve and pay for your booking online via our secure web page. You may pay by online bank transfer, PayPal, credit, or debit card. If you are part of a large group, we can arrange for separate group payments through your group organiser or social committee representative.

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. Larger groups booking at one time may request a dedicated pick-up point not listed on the website. Hythe, Red Lion Square Folkestone Bus Station Cheriton Post Office, Cheriton and Park Street, Ashford

Unfortunately, we do not have the facilities to allow animals on our coaches. (Except Guide Dogs)