Tour Operators and Travel Agencies: From Adventure Travel to Luxury Cruises
At the start of the pandemic, the role of travel agencies and tour operators came into sharp focus. Many who were away from home at the time needed to return as quickly as they could, and having someone who could handle all the logistics proved invaluable. Though revenues were reduced, the same capability proved equally necessary during those windows when the more adventurous could seek to get away from where they had been locked down.
Now that we are near enough back to normality, many will be tempted to go for the do-it-yourself option on the internet, but we need to not forget those harsh lessons from a few years ago as well. For those more complex itineraries, having an intermediary sort out things for you remains a worthwhile asset. Here then is a list of ones to check out before an overseas trip.
Oasis Overland is a travel company that has been operating for over 25 years, offering unique adventure trips and expeditions different from traditional holiday packages. With a personalised service and financial security, Oasis aims to provide travellers with an exceptional experience, having been responsible for over half of their bookings through recommendations from satisfied customers. Operating in Africa, South America, Central Asia, and South East Asia, Oasis Overland offers trips ranging from one week to 47 weeks. The company prides itself on its exploratory approach, taking travellers off the beaten path while also visiting famous sites. With various travel styles available, including overlanding, festivals & special events, and more affordable options like the UK Overland Taster Weekend and trips under £1000, Oasis Overland has something for every adventure seeker. The company's commitment to responsible travel is reflected in its membership with organisations such as Trust My Travel, ATTA, ASTA, and ATAS.
Balkan Natural Adventure is a top tour operator specialising in self-guided hiking tours through the Peaks of the Balkans region, encompassing Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. Their offerings include guided and self-guided tours for various durations, with options to climb the highest peaks of each country within a week. The company prides itself on small groups, excellent guide-to-guest ratios, fast office support, and in-depth local knowledge. They have received numerous five-star reviews from satisfied clients on platforms like Tripadvisor, Google, and Facebook. BNA also provides ski touring experiences and a unique Via Ferrata adventure in Kosovo. Their team ensures a well-organized trip with excellent logistics, allowing hikers to focus on the experience. Clients have praised their professionalism, care for customers' needs, and arrangements for accommodation and meals during the tours. BNA holds partnerships with major travel companies and has been featured in various media outlets.
For 28 years, Saddle Skedaddle has been passionate about inspiring people to travel by bike. They offer various types of cycling holidays including road, gravel riding, leisure, mountain biking, family cycling, adventure cycling, and e-bike tours. Their holidays cater to different grades and abilities, with options for self-guided or small group tours. Highlights include riding along the Brittany coast in France, exploring Tuscany's "Strade Bianche," and travelling from St Malo to Nice in Italy. Discounts are available for early bookings. Customers praise their excellent service and high standards.
Alfa Travel is a travel company specializing in coach and self-drive holidays throughout the UK and Ireland. They offer quality, value-for-money trips to popular destinations as well as lesser-known gems. Alfa Travel prides itself on excellent customer service, high standards, and no hidden fees. Their brochure features a variety of tours for 2025, which can be ordered or viewed online. The company also offers group bookings and has received positive reviews from Tripadvisor. Employee-owned since July 2015, Alfa Travel guarantees a stress-free holiday experience with dedicated staff, luxury coaches, and quality hotels. Contact them for booking enquiries or visit their website for more information.
Leger Holidays offers award-winning coach holidays and rail tours to explore some of Europe's most breathtaking destinations, with over 40 years of experience in providing escorted tours to countries including Italy, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Spain, UK, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Japan, USA, Vietnam, and more. Our luxurious coach experience features personal touchscreens for entertainment, deluxe armchair-style seats, individual charging points, and a choice of double or single seats, while last-minute deals are also available to help you find a great escape at short notice. As an ABTA and ATOL protected company, you can book with confidence, knowing that your financial security is assured.
Exodus is a leading adventure travel company with over 50 years of experience taking people on extraordinary journeys to over 90 countries. Their holidays range from walking and cycling tours to culture, wildlife experiences, and family-friendly adventures. They are committed to responsible travel practices and work closely with local communities and suppliers. Exodus offers award-winning itineraries, including those featuring Ancient Egypt and the Silk Road, as well as unforgettable experiences in top destinations like Africa, Central America, the Arctic, and Antarctica. Contact their team of expert explorers for travel inspiration and advice on preparing for specific activities. For more information, visit their website or request a brochure.
Walks Worldwide is a company that specialises in walking and trekking holidays around the world. They offer a range of options, including guided group, private-guided, self-guided, centre-based, classic routes, coastal walks, culinary walks, cultural discovery, nature, point to point, short breaks, and snowshoeing trips. Their destinations include Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. The company has received positive reviews from previous customers for their well-organized tours, varied walking routes, and friendly atmosphere. Interested individuals can sign up for e-newsletters to stay updated on holiday offers and information. Walks Worldwide is a brand of The Natural Travel Collection Ltd and is financially protected by ABTOT and ATOL.
Hurtigruten offers two types of voyages to explore Norway's coast: Signature Voyages and Original Voyages. Signature trips include all-inclusive food, drinks, and expert guidance with up to 14 ports. Original Voyages follow the traditional route from Bergen to Kirkenes, providing a local experience. Discounts of up to 25% are available for selected Coastal Express and North Cape Line sailings this winter. The company also focuses on eco-friendly practices and sustainable travel. Contact Hurtigruten for more information or book online.
Since 1962, we've been crafting exceptional holidays to worldwide destinations for over 60 years. Our expert Holiday Directors ensure memorable experiences, sharing local insights and leading tours to famous landmarks. With a focus on authentic shared experiences and responsible travel, Travelsphere offers guided holiday types catering to various traveller preferences. Discover incredible itineraries in Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, South America, and Australasia.
Cycling Holidays Europe: Discover the best cycling destinations in Europe with B'Spoke Tours. Our mission is to create unforgettable cycling holidays by sharing our passion for travelling by bike. From leisurely tours of the Cotswolds and Sussex regions to challenging road cycling in Catalunya, we offer a range of tailor-made tours suitable for all abilities. Explore iconic destinations such as Croatia, Portugal, Provence, Mallorca, and more with expert support and top-of-the-range bikes. Book now with confidence thanks to our ABTA and ATOL protection.
Cycling for Softies offers customisable cycling holidays tailored to various types of riders, including long-distance lovers, speed demons, everyday riders, and those who enjoy leisurely meanders. Their focus is on easy routes with rest stops at quaint villages, historical monuments, activities, and delicious food and wine. The company provides excellent customer service, ABTA and ATOL protection, and eco-friendly holidays in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the UK. Their team of cycling experts designs itineraries based on clients' requirements and ensures a sustainable travel experience. Cycling for Softies has been featured in various publications and won multiple awards for their services.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers a variety of cruise itineraries to imaginative and unusual destinations, including the Norwegian Fjords. Their team meticulously plans each journey to ensure access to amazing places, often docking in the heart of cities. With smaller-sized ships that provide more personalised experiences, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers a variety of cruises for various interests such as local cultures, landscapes, history, wildlife, and last-minute deals. Their fleet includes the Bolette, one of their largest ships with warm amenities and classic design, allowing an ocean cruising experience. The company prides itself on providing unique journeys and excellent customer service, winning several awards for customer experience and best cruise line.
Regent Holidays is a travel company offering various types of holidays including Arctic cruises, autumn auroras, cruise holidays, family adventure holidays, and cultural tours. They have over 50 years of experience and a team of experts to help plan tailor-made trips. Their destinations range from Norway and Kazakhstan to lesser-known places like Albania and the Faroe Islands. They also offer inspiration for travellers through their featured holidays and travel blog. Regent Holidays is committed to providing authentic travel experiences and excellent customer service.
Rainbow is a travel company specialising in wildlife experiences in Africa, Latin America, and Madagascar. They offer tailor-made holidays created by experts who have lived and immersed themselves in the destinations they promote. Rainbow aims to provide authentic, sustainable travel experiences while contributing positively to conservation efforts and local communities. The company has been operating for over 25 years with a team of Travel Specialists who have extensive knowledge of the regions they serve. Rainbow is committed to responsible travel practices, partnering with conservation experts and NGOs to curate ethical wildlife encounters. Their mission is to inspire people to discover the beauty of our planet while minimizing negative impacts on it.
Pura Aventura, a Fully ATOL and ABTOT protected company certified as a B Corp since 2020, offers exceptional holidays tailored to beautiful destinations for the past 25 years. With a Platinum 5-star Feefo rating, they cater to hiking enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking authentic local experiences. Their trips have been featured in various reputable publications, including The Financial Times, National Geographic, Telegraph, Times, BBC Radio 4, and The Guardian.
Hayes & Jarvis offers personalised, exceptional travel experiences since 1952. Browse our website for inspiration, then discuss your preferences with our Travel Consultants to create unique itineraries tailored just for you. Our Destination Specialists hand-pick accommodations and carefully select experiences based on your specific preferences. We cater to various holiday types, including luxury culture holidays, beach holidays, safari holidays, and train holidays. With over 60 destinations worldwide, we can suggest travel dates based on your preferred locations or propose different destinations based on your planned travel dates. Our expertise allows us to combine the best experiences and accommodations to design dream holidays for you.
G Adventures offers small group travel deals during their biggest sale of the year, with discounted prices on various tours in different locations. Tours range from 7 to 15 days and include destinations like Japan, the Canary Islands, Costa Rica, Antarctica, Madeira, Egypt, and Greece. Solo travellers can also enjoy solo-only adventures designed for connection with a group. G Adventures guarantees departures, employs locally based guides, supports local communities, and offers flexibility while creating a positive impact on travel destinations.
Crystal Cruises offers luxury travel experiences on their reimagined ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. Guests can enjoy exceptional dining options, including the Nobu restaurant Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa, Osteria D’Ovidio Italian fine dining, Waterside Restaurant with ocean views, Vintage Room gourmet food and wine pairing, Bistro for casual dining, Trident Grill poolside restaurant, Tastes Kitchen & Bar, Scoops Gelato Bar, Marketplace buffet-style restaurant, and Aurora Spa and Fitness facilities. Destinations include 281 destinations in 112 countries. Crystal Cruises offers unique experiences, perfect comfort and sophistication, world-class dining, and outstanding entertainment.
Lagrange Holidays is an online platform for booking self-catering holidays in France, specializing in a wide range of accommodations including maisonettes, villas, holiday villages, hotels, chalets, cottages, and mobile homes. The company caters for various holiday types such as all-inclusive, entertainment & children's clubs, spa & relaxation, chalets, flexible stays, Antilles - Guadeloupe Martinique, hotel-clubs, hotels foot of the slopes, holiday houses, new Lagrange properties, holidays outside of France, ski-in/ski-out, large properties, and cities. Lagrange Holidays offers a secure payment system that accepts American Express, Mastercard, and Visa for bookings.
Cox & Kings, established in 1758, is a leading travel company with over 265 years of experience arranging high-quality small group tours and tailor-made holidays to captivating destinations worldwide. Their offerings cater to diverse interests in culture and adventure, with expert guides, signature experiences, and flexible options for solo travellers. Group tours provide superior value through sightseeing, spare time, and guided tours, while tailor-made holidays are customisable to individual preferences. Late availability tours are also available for those planning last-minute travel. Destinations range from Africa to South America with various categories like culture, adventure, family adventures, oases & kasbahs, and more. Cox & Kings guarantees departures, offers expert support, and maintains a maximum group size of 18 guests on most tours for a personalised experience.
Go Andes is a UK-based South America holiday specialist with a team of experienced professionals who have lived and travelled extensively in the region. Offering tailor-made packages, flexibility, high-quality experiences, and expert advice, Go Andes helps create authentic adventures to destinations like Peru (including Machu Picchu), Ecuador (Galápagos Cruises), and more. With ATOL protection, customers can book with confidence while enjoying unique itineraries tailored to their needs.
Netflights is an online flight comparison platform that has been in operation since 1992. It searches thousands of routes and compares hundreds of airlines daily to find the cheapest flights for users, offering deals on more than just flights but also holidays and car hire. With over 86 customers flying with them every night and 1.5 million people using their services annually, Netflights is a trusted source for affordable travel solutions. Protected by ABTA & ATOL, Netflights offers financially protected flight-inclusive holidays to the UK, ensuring the safety of travellers' bookings and money. The platform provides travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and accepts various payment methods for secure transactions.
Great Rail Journeys offers a range of escorted tours, river cruises, and independent holidays. They provide unique travel experiences to popular destinations including Switzerland, Italy, India, USA, Vatican City, Scotland, Japan, Canada, South Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, and many more. Their team of destination experts helps plan your journey, with professional UK Tour Managers accompanying groups. The company guarantees a price promise and excellent customer reviews. Clients can easily book online or over the phone. They offer 2-for-1 flight upgrades to India and exclusive brochures. Great Rail Journeys provide information on various ways to travel, including Bernina Express, Amadeus Queen River Cruises, and Rocky Mountaineer Independent Holidays. Additionally, customers can request free brochures and manage bookings through the website or travel agent portal. The company follows sustainable practices and has a customer care team for queries and assistance.
Turn Wild leads expeditions to some of the world's most challenging natural environments, catering to individuals with limited holiday time. Their emphasis on preparation ensures a memorable experience in wild spaces. Offering treks across various locations including Greenland, Norway, and the UK, Turn Wild aims to help city dwellers escape daily stresses and immerse themselves in expedition life. Preparation includes wild camping skills, equipment preparation, hiking training, and injury avoidance techniques taught through pre-expedition Zoom sessions.
Titan Travel offers a range of travel packages, including holidays to various destinations such as India's Golden Triangle with Ranthambore National Park, Southern Sights and Sounds, and New York City. Their tours include multiple excursions and visits, meals, VIP door-to-door travel service, and active traveller pace. Titan Travel prides itself on providing more value, knowledgeable tour managers, flexibility, and a VIP travel service with smooth transfers and unlimited mileage. They have won several awards for their cruises and tours. The company is committed to responsible travel and has a customer support team to help with any queries.
Discover the World is a travel company offering personalised adventures with trusted expertise, first-hand destination experience, and full financial protection through ATOL and ABTA. They create tailor-made holidays based on customers' preferences and have received multiple awards for their services. The company aims to help disadvantaged schoolchildren experience travelling by launching an Education Bursary Fund.
Trailfinders is a travel company that has provided tailor-made travel worldwide for over 54 years, with over 750 experienced and highly trained Travel Consultants. They offer one-on-one service, spending over 2,000 hours a year organizing travel, and have numerous applications to help plan trips quickly and safely. Their team provides inspiration through articles and personalised recommendations, and their app, ViewTrail, allows users to manage their bookings on the go. Trailfinders has been trusted for over five decades and is ATOL certified.
The Camping and Caravanning Club
The Camping & Caravanning Club offers various camping and accommodation options beyond summer, including checking availability and booking campsites, celebrating Christmas with the club, joining the organisation for exclusive benefits, and enjoying winter escapes at top sites. The platform provides resources such as search filters, favourite locations, and member-exclusive discounts. Additionally, insurance and breakdown cover are available for caravans, campervans, and motorhomes. The site offers technical help, self-catering properties, and opportunities to attend manoeuvring courses or hire a motorhome. Useful links include information about the company, privacy policy, terms & conditions, cookie policy, careers, modern slavery policy, club shop & gifts, competitions, overseas visitors contact information, media centre, and FAQs. The Camping and Caravanning Club aims to make camping safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
As the UK's leading travel brand, Jet2holidays provides ATOL-protected arrangements including accommodation, flights, transfers and 22kg baggage allowance to more than 50 destinations across Europe and beyond. Their myJet2 membership programme includes customer service benefits, holiday recommendations and centralised booking management. The company provides various accommodation options, from self-catering to all-inclusive, with free child places available on select bookings. Jet2holidays holds Which? Recommended Provider status and Tripadvisor's Best Airline - UK recognition.
Ramble Worldwide offers a range of walking holidays, including self-guided and group tours, across Europe and worldwide. Their itineraries cover various destinations such as Andorra, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey. They cater to different walking abilities and interests, with options for city breaks, coast and islands, culture, flight-free travel, food and wine, landscape, long distance paths, mountains, pilgrimage routes, wellness, wildlife and nature, and winter activities. Ramble Worldwide is a Which? Recommended Provider for Walking Tours for the second year running and has been operating as an independent walking holiday specialist since 1946. They are committed to responsible travel and investing their surplus profits in outdoor charities, conservation projects, and walking initiatives throughout the UK and supporting local communities worldwide.
On The Go Tours is an award-winning travel company offering group tours and private holidays to more than 70 worldwide destinations, including Egypt, India, Iceland, Morocco, Turkey, Japan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Greece. They cater to different traveller types such as solo, family, couples, seniors, and offer various themed tours like festive, wildlife, sailing & cruising, Northern Lights, beach & culture, culinary, special events, Christmas & New Year, Thanksgiving Vacations, ANZAC Day Tours, Easter breaks, and bucket list favourites.
Adventure Consultants offers over 100 expeditions, treks, courses, and ascents in the Himalayas, Antarctica, Arctic, South America, and the Seven Summits. They provide world-class mountain guiding services, climbing schools, and high-quality logistics with professional staff and good food. The company has a legacy of climbing expeditions to Earth's highest peaks and treks to remote corners worldwide. Clients can enjoy small groups, quality experiences, and expert guidance from experienced mountaineers. Adventure Consultants pioneered guided expeditions in the early 1990s and offers dispatches, news, and updates on their climbs.
Adventure Consultants offers over 100 expeditions, treks, courses, and ascents in the Himalayas, Antarctica, Arctic, South America, and the Seven Summits. They provide world-class mountain guiding services, climbing schools, and high-quality logistics with professional staff and good food. The company has a legacy of climbing expeditions to Earth's highest peaks and treks to remote corners worldwide. Clients can enjoy small groups, quality experiences, and expert guidance from experienced mountaineers. Adventure Consultants pioneered guided expeditions in the early 1990's and offers dispatches, news, and updates on their climbs.
