"I proved to myself I can do it": Gemma’s first solo coach trip with Galloway

 

Meet Gemma

Gemma is an autistic traveller from Ipswich who has always loved theatre, days out, and collecting memories with her dad. She’d wanted to visit the Coronation Street set for years, but travelling far from home on her own always felt a little too daunting.

 

"A few months ago I thought, ‘I’m 37 - if I don’t start now, when am I going to?’ So I booked it."

 

That simple click was a turning point. For Gemma, it wasn’t just about a trip to Manchester, it was about proving to herself that she could do something she’d always dreamed of, completely on her own.

 

Taking the first step

 

Before confirming her booking, Gemma phoned our office to talk through what would help her feel comfortable on the day. She explained that she carries an autism medical alert card from the National Autistic Society and shared her communication preferences.

 

"I felt listened to and respected," she said.

 

To make sure everything felt clear and predictable, we sent Gemma her tickets by post, along with easy-to-follow information, from pick-up times and rest stops to what to wear and what to expect at the venue.

 

"I’m a very visual person," Gemma told us. "Seeing the trip photos and clear text really helped me know what to expect."

The journey: calm, clear and full of kindness

 

On the morning of the trip, Gemma arrived with a mix of nerves and excitement. But as soon as she stepped onto the coach, her worries began to fade.

 

"Once I got on the coach, my anxiety dropped. Everything had a plan."

 

Despite torrential rain on the motorway, our driver kept everyone informed and upbeat. They shared updates about traffic, chatted with passengers, and made the journey feel light-hearted and relaxed.

 

At the venue, the group wore yellow wristbands to stay together, making queuing and entry simple. Clear timing for breaks ("45 minutes for toilets, drink, snack, then back on the coach’) helped Gemma keep her routine, which made a big difference.

 

"It was really smooth and faultless. I got home buzzing and went straight to the website to book another trip."

That evening, she called her mum to share the news: she’d done it and loved it.

 

Confidence, community and what’s next

 

For Gemma, that one trip opened up a new world. Since her Coronation Street adventure, she’s lined up Elvis Evolution and Disney On Ice, and she’s booking Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) with her dad, part of a growing father-daughter tradition of shared experiences.

She’s also begun encouraging friends in the autistic community to give coach travel a try.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Being uncomfortable sometimes is a good thing, it’s how I learn," she says. "Just because I’m autistic doesn’t mean I can’t travel. I just needed the right support."

 

Gemma’s tips for first-time or anxious travellers:

• Call us first. Ask anything - routes, stops, accessibility, timings. We’ll walk you through it.

• Bring what reassures you. Alert cards, written plans, a favourite snack or headphones.

• Plan the routine. Note pick-up time, seat yourself comfortably, and know when the break is.

• Start with a day trip you’re excited about. Motivation beats nerves every time.

• Remember why you’re going. You’re building confidence and making memories.

 

How we support neurodivergent travellers:

• At Galloway, we want every passenger to feel informed, supported and comfortable, no matter their needs.

• Clear pre-trip info by post/email (times, stops, venue entry, what to bring).

• Friendly driver updates during the journey (traffic, weather, timing).

• Simple group systems such as wristbands at venues.

• Easy contact options - phone, email, or message us on social media.

• Flexibility to preferences - tell us what helps (communication style, seating, reminders).

 

Our goal is simple: travel that feels safe, welcoming and achievable for everyone.

 

If you’d like to talk through a trip before you book, our team is here to help.

 

Editor’s note on language: Gemma describes herself as an autistic person; we’ve used her preferred language throughout.