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The best and worst package holiday companies revealed

Jet2 holidays topped the list, article bookmarked.

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A new survey of more than 8,000 UK travellers has ranked the best and worst package holiday providers in the UK.

Topping the list by from consumer champions Which ? Travel were budget breaks specialist Jet2 Holidays and global tour operator Kuoni.

Operators at the bottom of the pack included Best At Travel and flight and hotel provider eDreams, both criticised by respondents for poor service.

The survey of 8,361 UK adults was conducted in September 2022, with respondents asked about holidays taken since September 2019. Which? analysts then contrasted each operator’s ratings with their average price per day, based on both short haul and long haul holidays.

Along with Jet2 Holidays and Kuoni, long-established tour operator Trailfinders, ski and Lapland specialist Inghams and the UK’s largest independent travel agent, Hays Travel, also made the top five.

Jet2 and Kuoni received a customer satisfaction score of 84 per cent, while Trailfinders scored 82 per cent, Ingham’s 81 and Hays Travel 80 per cent.

Virgin Holidays was sixth on the list, also scoring 80 per cent, while British Airways Holidays was 13th, scoring 75 per cent. EasyJet holidays was ranked 19th of the 25 operators reviewed, scoring 73 per cent.

Online provider eDreams came bottom of the 25 operators ranked, receiving just two stars for how their holidays matched up with what was advertised. Despite being the cheapest in the survey, said Which? , the online agent scored just three out of five stars for value for money.

Best At Travel fell short on customer service and product description matching reality according to those surveyed, although it achieved an overall satisfaction score of 64 per cent.

Tui, despite having a similar offering to Jet2, was ranked 17th on the list by Which? , with the same satisfaction score (74 per cent) as online travel agents Expedia and On the Beach.

Which? said respondents had rated the holiday companies on criteria including the standard of customer service they received, how well descriptions of the holiday matched the reality, how well their trip was organised and value for money.

Praise for Jet2holidays included passengers saying, “you don’t feel like you’re just one of a herd”.

Several respondents said they were repeat customers of the firm owing to its reliability and consistently high levels of service, with one traveller remarking they “always” use Jet2 and they’ve “never been let down”.

Kuoni attracted similarly glowing comments, with one traveller saying the firm was “prepared to work with us to get exactly the holiday we wanted”, and another adding: “nothing was too much trouble - they went the extra mile.”

An eDreams spokesperson said it offers “dynamic packages” selected by the user rather than curated by the provider, so it was “not accurate” to compare it to “other companies that specialise in a more traditional package holiday offering”.

Meanwhile, a Tui spokesperson said: “This tiny survey isn’t at all reflective of the feedback we receive from our customers who enjoy holidaying with us every year”.

The UK’s best and worst holiday providers, according to Which?:

• Jet2 Holidays / Kuoni (84 per cent satisfaction)
• Trailfinders (82 per cent)
• Inghams (81 per cent)
• Hays Travel (80 per cent)
• Virgin Holidays (80 per cent)
• Barrhead Travel (79 per cent)
• Secret Escapes (79 per cent)
• Club Med (78 per cent)
• Saga (78 per cent)
• Mercury Holidays (77 per cent)
• Travel Republic (77 per cent)
• First Choice (76 per cent)
• British Airways Holidays (75 per cent)
• Co-Op Travel (75 per cent)
• Shearings Holidays (75 per cent)
• Expedia (74 per cent)
• On the Beach (74 per cent)
• Tui (74 per cent)
• easyJet Holidays (73 per cent)
• Love Holidays (71 per cent)
• Lastminute.com (70 per cent)
• Broadway Travel (69 per cent)
• Balkan Holidays (68 per cent)
• Best At Travel (65 per cent)
• eDreams (64 per cent)

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What are the Top 10 Travel Agents in the UK for 2021

• February 25, 2021

Top10TravelAgents.com – What are the best 10 Travel Agents in the UK for 2021?

Whether you are planning a staycation, holiday, getaway, or vacation in the UK, it is important to find the best UK travel agent. While technology has made it easy to book flights and holiday homes online, you still need a travel agent to make your vacation or holiday booking process and management as seamless as possible. The top 10 travel companies uk will handle all your travel needs, customize your holiday package, and guarantee you peace of mind, as most of them are ATOL protected. If you’re unsure which travel agent to use, this article will list the top 10 UK travel agents.

British Airways

British Airways is the UK’s largest holiday company. The company enjoys a global airline network that offers cheap flights and irresistible deals to unforgettable destinations. But why book your holiday with British Airways Holidays?

Besides the global coverage, the company is a member of ABTA and IATA . In addition, British Airways is ATOL protected, which provides cover for all travelers in case the worst should happen. The company also offers some of the best holiday packages, including city breaks and all-inclusive holidays. Booking is also easy through their website or app, and they offer excellent 24hr support.

Expedia is a leading travel agent globally, and helps travelers with everything from planning, to booking flights and accommodation, as well as assisting in renting cars, and much more. The website supports over 40 languages, which attracts bookings from right across the world. The company covers every aspect of traveling and holidaying, making Expedia a one-stop-shop for travelers to get the best holiday deals.

As you would expect with best travel agents uk, they are a member of IATA, and enjoy ATOL protection. In addition, customers say that they offer some of the best holiday packages on the internet. We especially liked their booking app, as well as their reward program, which was set up to thank their loyal clients, and customers can save even more money with this program, so it is certainly worth checking out.

EasyJet Holidays

Easyjet Holidays is a subsidiary of EasyJet Plc, a British Low-cost Airline operating domestic and international flights to over 75 destinations and 10,000 hotels throughout the world. Their global coverage and access to many accommodation facilities make them a leading UK travel agent.

When you book your vacation with EasyJet Holidays, you will have peace of mind knowing they are a member of ABTA and they enjoy ATOL protection. Easyjet holidays offer various cheap holiday packages, including city breaks, all-inclusive holidays, villa holidays, summer holidays, adult holidays, and much more. Most importantly, you can browse and book online using their app.

Loveholidays

Love Holidays is a fast-growing Uk travel agent that was launched in 2012. The agent offers great all-inclusive holiday packages from short to long-haul destinations. Whether you need an all-inclusive retreat, or an exotic beach holiday, this company will make it happen – without breaking the bank.

Besides being famous for their affordable packages, Love Holidays is a member of IATA and enjoys ATOL protection. Their website is setup in such a way that you can search based on your budget, temperature, and star rating. This ensures you get the perfect package based on your budget and needs. They also have a mobile application where you can book and manage your bookings.

On The Beach Holidays

On the Beach Holidays is an online travel agent uk specializing in short and medium-haul combinations of ‘Flight plus Hotel’ holiday deals to Europe. The company expanded internationally in 201, and shows no sign of stopping. We feel it is a top online travel agent, since it caters for both travelers and various 3rd party suppliers of flights, transfers, and accommodation.

The company enjoys ABTA and ATOL protection, which allows you to protect your cheap holiday packages. They are the best if you are booking holiday villas and city breaks, as well as for affordable family holidays.

TUI UK Group is a leading global tourism group with over 1600 agencies, 5 airlines, 150 aircraft, and over 400 hotels worldwide. The company caters to all tourism needs in one location, enabling them to cater to over 27 million customers in their 180 regions per year. They have a very accessible and user friendly app, where you can browse and plan your next holiday with ease. With their broad coverage, and being ABTA, and ATOL protected, you are assured of a fantastic experience with this travel company.

Southall Travel

Southall Travel Group is among the largest travel agents in the UK. The agent operates both physical and online bookings. They offer 24/7 support, and you are guaranteed to get the best deals on flights, accommodations, last-minute holidays, city breaks, and much more. In addition, the company enjoys ATOL protection and is a member of ABTA. Whether you want a luxury holiday, safari holidays, family holidays, or cheap holidays, they never disappoint and will match your needs to a package you can afford.

First Choice Holidays

The company is a subsidiary, and is a UK-based online travel agency. The agents’ holiday packages are about giving the best value. They have holiday packages to suit every budget and need. Whether you’re looking for city getaways, adult holidays, family vacations, or group retreats, you are guaranteed to find a holiday package that meets your specific needs. Besides allowing package customization, they also boast ATOL protection and membership to ABTA.

Jet2Holidays

As of 2018, Jet2Holidays was the second-largest tour operator in the UK. This UK travel agent overs value for money holiday deals to destinations across Europe, and beyond using a network of 9 UK airports. They have a huge selection of accommodation (from 2 star to 5 star), with various holiday packages catering for family holidays, luxury retreats, adult holidays, and all-inclusive holiday deals. They offer 24/7 support, and enjoy ATOL protection besides offering secure and globally recognized payment systems.

Sykes Cottages

Sykes Cottages is a leading independent holiday cottage rental company with over 25 years of experience. They have over 16,000-holiday homes across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Whether you need small luxury cottage for a couple, or accommodation for 20+ people, they have it all! At Sykes Cottages, there is something for everyone. The company also offers 24/7 support, and most of their cottages are pet-friendly, which is a plus for pet lovers. Using their mobile app or website, you can browse and book your ideal holiday cottage and make your holiday experience one to remember!

Top10TravelAgents.com – These where are the top 10 Travel Agents in the UK for 2021.

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• Enjoy the view from York ’s medieval walls before checking out the city’s vibrant markets and cosy pubs
• Step back in time when you visit the world-famous monument of Stonehenge , dating from 2,500 BCE
• Stroll cobbled streets in Edinburgh ’s Old Town and admire dramatic scenes in the Scottish Highlands
• Cruise Lake Windermere and tour Beatrix Potter’s home in the gorgeous Lake District National Park
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1. What countries are in the United Kingdom?

The United Kingdom (UK) is made up of 4 countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Great Britain includes England, Scotland and Wales.

2. Is the UK safe to visit?

Much like other countries in Northern Europe, you’ll find the UK is a safe place to travel. Similar to many European and Nordic countries, the UK ranks among the 40 safest nations in the Global Peace Index . You’ll find there’s also a modern healthcare system in place.

3. What is the best time of year to go to the UK?

While there’s no bad time to explore the UK, we recommend visiting sometime between April and October. In the UK, this spans spring, summer and autumn, and it’s when attractions have their longest opening hours.

Plus, temperatures are at their warmest from April to October – all the better for soaking up the sights. But, like the rest of Northern Europe, it’s worth remembering the weather can be changeable no matter the season.

Summer – June, July and August – is the most popular time of year to visit the UK. Not only because you’ll get the most daylight hours, but also because this is the warmest season.

In the countryside, you’ll see lush woodland and hillsides carpeted in purple heather. Meanwhile, the cities are bustling with visitors from around the world. You’ll also be able to take your pick from countless festivals celebrating the arts, food and more.

If you’d prefer to experience the UK at a quieter time of year, we recommend travelling in spring or autumn. After the chill of winter, April and May bring the joy of blooming flowers and longer days.

Or, visit during the autumn months of September and October, to see the trees turn fiery shades of orange and red. And if it gets chilly, just head for one of the snug pubs or cafés the UK is renowned for.

Read more about what to expect as the seasons change in this blog on the best time to visit the UK .

4. How many days do I need for my trip?

The amount of time you should spend in the UK depends on what you’d like to see and do during your visit.

If you’d like to experience more than one country within the UK, we recommend allowing at least 7-10 days for your trip. This way, you’ll have time to discover some of the top attractions in England, Scotland and Wales. And you’ll get to stay in more than one place.

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Travel with Nordic Visitor and you can pick the length of trip that suits you from these UK tour packages. Plus, you could extend your time in the UK by adding extra nights to your itinerary.

5. Where are the top places to visit in the UK?

The UK might seem small, given that it's just over a third of the size of Texas, and half that of Spain. But when it comes to culture, history and natural beauty, you’ll find that this group of British countries has so much to offer.

Plus, with distinct landscapes and different nations within easy reach of each other, you can experience a lot on one trip. To get you started, here are some of the UK’s must-visit spots:

England • London • Bath • Oxford • York • Stonehenge • Lake District National Park • Peak District National Park

Scotland • Edinburgh • Glen Coe • Glenfinnan • Isle of Skye • Loch Ness • Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Wales • Llandudno • Prestatyn • Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park

Find out more in this article about the best places to visit in the UK . If you’re interested in exploring Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as well, check out these 10 top spots on the Emerald Isle .

6. What are the top things to do?

With stunning scenery, lively cities and ancient historic sites, you’ll be spoiled for choice when deciding what to do in the UK. You could immerse yourself in postcard-perfect countryside, soak up local knowledge on guided city tours, and so much more.

Discover our local experts' top recommendations for things to do in the UK :

• • Visit museums and galleries that range from world-renowned attractions to hidden gems
• • Dive into the mysteries of the past as you explore prehistoric forts and Neolithic stone circles
• • Marvel at craggy peaks, glittering lakes and rambling forests in the UK’s national parks
• • Get a glimpse into the UK’s rich heritage when you visit fascinating Roman and Viking sites
• • Sample UK cuisine, whether it’s freshly caught fish and chips or a refined tasting menu
• • Take an invigorating walk by the coast and let the salty sea breeze blow the cobwebs away
• • Punctuate your days touring the UK with the much-loved British tradition of afternoon tea
• • See how kings and queens lived throughout the ages as you tour grand castles and palaces
• • Head into a relaxed pub at the end of the day to share stories over a glass of something local
• • Hunt for TV and movie filming locations from the likes of Harry Potter , Bridgerton and Outlander

7. What’s the best way to travel in Britain?

The best way for you to discover the UK depends on the kind of travel experience you’re looking for.

For instance, if you want the freedom to go at your own pace, then a self-drive tour of the UK is ideal. And although you’ll be taking the wheel yourself, you can relax knowing we are just a phone call away. If you need assistance during your trip, you can reach us anytime on our 24/7 helpline.

You’ll also have your own dedicated travel consultant to book your accommodation and arrange car hire with a tried-and-tested local partner. Plus, get a road map with recommended attractions and the suggested route for your trip drawn by hand.

This makes a self-drive tour the perfect way to see the UK’s must-see sights with opportunities to stop whenever you like along the way.

If you’d rather not drive, why not explore the UK in a guided group? Touring the UK with a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you and your fellow travellers will discover the UK together. And with a group size of up to just 15 guests, you’ll be able to travel in a comfortable minibus and get more time with your guide.

For the ultimate personalised travel experience, you could opt for a private tour of Scotland with your very own professional guide.

8. Who are Nordic Visitor’s UK travel experts?

Nordic Visitor’s travel experts are your eyes and ears on the ground. When you explore with us, you’ll get a dedicated travel consultant who’ll handle the details of your booking. This means you can relax and look forward to your trip while they organise your accommodation, local transport and excursions.

Not only that, but they have plenty of insider knowledge to share with you. Let your travel consultant know what your interests are and they’ll be happy to advise you on the experiences you won't want to miss.

For some insider information on your UK trip, read these  travel tips from a local expert .

9. What is included in a Nordic Visitor tour of Britain?

When you take a trip to the UK with Nordic Visitor, your travel package includes: • Accommodation • Daily breakfast • Local transport as detailed in your itinerary • Activities included in your tour package (with the chance to add optional excursions) • Personalised itinerary and printed guide with information about local attractions and practical travel tips • Access to our 24/7 helpline for on-trip support when you need it

Depending on the travel style you choose, your Nordic Visitor tour package will also come with:

• Self-drive tours
• • Car rental with a trusted supplier
• • Unlimited mileage
• • CDW insurance
• • Authorisation for 2 drivers
• Small group tours
• • A professional, English-speaking driver-guide
• • Transportation in a comfortable minibus
• • Some meals, as mentioned in your itinerary
• • Entrance fees to attractions specified in the itinerary

10. Does Nordic Visitor have a flexible booking policy?

Yes, Nordic Visitor offers optional Cancellation Protection which protects your payment. If you need to cancel your trip before you arrive, you won’t lose any money you’ve already paid us. Depending on the terms and conditions, you’ll be given a partial refund along with travel credit you can use with us in the future.

What’s more, with our Cancellation Protection we’ll rebook your entire tour once if you need to change dates, without additional fees. Learn more about this risk-free, flexible booking policy in our Book with Confidence terms .

If you don’t have Cancellation Protection with us, check out our normal booking terms . And we always recommend taking out personal travel insurance to cover you on your trip.

11. Why use Nordic Visitor instead of booking everything myself?

At Nordic Visitor, we’ll save you time and effort by planning your getaway for you.

When you arrange a trip yourself, you have to carry out all the research and book each part of your tour separately. And if you need to change your itinerary, you’ll need to do the legwork yourself.

Plus, as we're a UK-based travel agency, England, Scotland and Wales are on our doorstep. In other words, when you book with us you can be sure you’re getting an authentic travel experience organised by local experts.

Our travel consultants have designed your itinerary to ensure you take the most convenient and scenic route between stops. They’ll also book you into high-quality accommodation, and share their insider tips with you. You can rely on them to feature the top sights and hidden gems that you wouldn’t otherwise know about.

So why not book with Nordic Visitor and let us take care of everything on your behalf? This way you can relax and look forward to your adventure. What’s more, during your trip you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline. So you can contact us at any time if something unexpected crops up.

12. Do I need a visa to travel to the UK?

Whether or not you need a visa to visit the UK depends on the length of your stay and your nationality. For example, if you’re a citizen of the USA, Canada, Australia or an EU or EEA country, among others, you won’t require a visa. But it’s essential that you bring your valid passport for entry into the UK.

You can check if you need a visa on the UK government website.

13. What sort of accommodation will I stay in?

We understand that where you stay is important, after all, it’ll be your home away from home during your trip. This is why our travel experts use their local connections to ensure you stay at excellent places throughout your tour.

In the UK, this includes a mix of gorgeous historical properties and contemporary retreats. Expect a warm welcome and a location that’s right in the heart of things. Not to mention a tasty breakfast each morning.

We carefully select each hotel, guesthouse and B&B for its high standard of comfort and cleanliness. Plus, on self-drive tours, you’ll have access to parking. This will either be on-site or at a convenient location close to where you’ll be staying.

Exactly where you’ll be staying on your trip depends on the level of accommodation you pick and availability.

14. Can I choose the arrival date?

Of course! With Nordic Visitor’s UK self-drive tours , you can begin your trip anytime from April to October.

For guided small group trips in the UK , select the departure that works best for you from a list of start dates between August and September. If you want to travel at a specific time of year, book early in case your preferred departure is filled.

You can check each tour’s availability calendar online to see what dates are bookable.

15. Will Nordic Visitor book my flights to the UK?

Flights aren’t included in these UK tour packages. This gives you the flexibility to choose where you’d like to fly from, along with the flight times and prices that work best for you. If you have any questions about your journey to the UK, don’t hesitate to ask your local travel expert for advice.

Before booking your tour package, we highly recommend checking what flights are available. But please wait until after your trip is confirmed to make your travel arrangements.

Once you’ve received an email confirmation from your dedicated consultant, you can go ahead and purchase your preferred flights.

16. What should I pack for my trip?

No matter when you decide to visit, you can expect the weather in the UK to be changeable. So while the driest weather is between April and October, it’s worth being prepared for both rain and shine. Not to mention the fact that the temperature can vary a lot, depending on the season and where you are in the UK.

For instance, at the height of summer in London, you might experience temperatures over 30°C (86°F). Meanwhile, at the same time of year in the Scottish Highlands, the average temperature is around 15-17°C (59-63°F).

If you plan to spend time outdoors, pack these essential items and you’ll be covered from spring through to autumn:

• Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm, insulated jacket
• Fleece or woollen jumper
• Cosy hat, scarf and gloves
• Light base layer tops
• Lightweight trousers or shorts
• Sunglasses, sun hat and sun cream
• Reusable water bottle
• UK plug adapter

You might also want to bring a couple of smart outfits for dining out in the evening.

About Nordic Visitor Tours

Nordic Visitor was established in 2002 and is now one of the leading tour operators in Europe. Since then, we’ve been creating memorable travel experiences for our guests in Northern Europe. We’re passionate in our belief that your trip should be memorable for all the right reasons.

With an office in Edinburgh, you can rely on our local knowledge as a top travel agency in the United Kingdom. Our UK tours include:

• Quality-checked accommodation: No matter where you’re staying, you can rest easy knowing that we have vetted each hotel, guesthouse and B&B to ensure it meets our high standards.
• Travel guide:  Our detailed travel guide is jam-packed with helpful information. Expect insider travel tips and practical advice for travelling in the UK. Not to mention a round-up of top attractions and hidden gems that you won’t want to miss.
• 24/7 helpline:  Every Nordic Visitor tour includes access to our 24/7 helpline. Enjoy peace of mind throughout your trip, knowing there’s always a travel consultant within reach.
• Flexible itineraries: Experience the best of the UK on tour packages that have been carefully crafted by our destination experts. You can tweak your trip by adding extra nights, optional activities and accommodation upgrades.

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Whether you’re ready to book your dream trip to the UK, or want to know more before going ahead, get in touch with us. Our Edinburgh-based travel experts will be happy to help.

Our British phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

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Best Online Travel Agencies

Booking.com is our top choice for making your trip arrangements

Ligaya Malones is an editor, blogger, and freelance writer specializing in food and travel. Ligaya's work has appeared in publications including Lonely Planet and BRIDES.

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Planning a trip can be easier through an online travel agency than if you handle each aspect of the planning separately. You can book hotels, air travel, rental cars, and more through a single site, and booking everything together sometimes results in discounts. By inputting a destination, a range of dates, and other preferences, you will see a list of options for each aspect of travel.

The best online travel agencies offer options from the largest number of airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and more. Look for sites that offer discounts for combining reservations for different aspects of your trip. For example, the best sites will have lower rates if you book both plane tickets and a hotel through their services. The best sites also provide reviews from customers who actually have booked through the service. These are our top picks.

• Best Overall: Booking.com
• Best Budget: Skyscanner
• Best Price Predictor: Hopper
• Most Innovative: Kiwi.com
• Best for Eco-Conscious: Kind Traveler
• Best for Social Impact: I Like Local
• Best for Design-Forward Homestays: Plum Guide
• Our Top Picks
• Booking.com

Kind Traveler

I Like Local

• See More (4)

Final Verdict

Frequently asked questions, methodology, best overall : booking.com.

 Booking.com

This industry leader offers one of the most comprehensive trip planning platforms on the Internet.

Lots of options to choose from

Interface is easy to use

Numerous filters to customize your search

Tricky to tell whether changes/cancellations can be made with Booking.com or the vendor directly

Booking.com was founded in 1996 and has grown into an industry leader that stands out for being one of the most comprehensive trip planning platforms out there. From one website, you can compare and book accommodations, flights (including one-way and multi-city flights), sightseeing activities, and even airport taxis. The website lists more than 28 million accommodation options, from hotels, hostels, and B&Bs to vacation homes and luxury resorts—you can browse more choices per destination on Booking.com than other online travel agencies. The website also performs well on cost and typically returns lower-than-average prices for flights and hotels. 

Booking.com's interface is also easy to use. On the home page, search for a hotel by entering your chosen destination and dates. Then, use the extensive list of filters—such as price range and distance from the city center—to narrow the results down and find the best fit. You can also search for a specific hotel, or seek inspiration by clicking through options grouped by destination or property type or by topic such as the country’s best Michelin-starred hotel restaurants or the top cities for vegan travelers. The flights, car rental, and other tabs are just as intuitive. 

Best Budget : Skyscanner

 Skyscanner

You can compare prices across airlines, hotels, and car rentals.

Simple interface

Option to toggle searches between specific dates or by monthly calendars

Search Everywhere button is great for spontaneous planners

Extra clicks are required to make a final purchase

Must read fine print for changes/cancellations—may need to deal directly with the vendor

Ads on the sidebar can be distracting

Find deals on airfare, hotels, and car rentals with an aggregator site like Skyscanner , which uses a metasearch engine to compare prices from all online travel agencies and the airline, hotel, or car rental company in question. Run searches with fixed dates, opt to compare airfare prices month to month, or click “Cheapest Month.” Searches also include options for nearby airports or non-stop flights only. With hotel searches, you can choose to select only from properties with free cancellation, a cleanliness rating of 4.5/5 or higher, or 3- or 4-starred hotels only. Car rental searches include an option to select “return car to different location.”

Once you’ve found the best rate, click on the link to be redirected to the third-party site to make your booking. Feeling spontaneous? The Search Everywhere button on the homepage offers a list of the cheapest flight deals for destinations both locally and across the world—just plug in your departure airport first.

Best Price Predictor : Hopper

The company claims a 95 percent accuracy rate at predicting when flights and hotel rates will be cheapest.

Color-coded system makes it easy to determine cheapest days to buy

App is easy to use

Option to track flights and receive alerts when the best time to buy arises

Some have mentioned the app functions better as a research tool than a booking tool

Unclear whether Hopper will price match if you find a cheaper flight elsewhere

Hopper is a travel app available on iOS and Android that aims to help travelers save on airfare by usng historical data and their own algorithm to predict when flights will be cheapest. Just type in where and when you’d like to fly and Hopper will present you with a color-coded pricing calendar indicating how much tickets are likely to cost. (Green is the least expensive, then yellow, orange, and red for most expensive.) Hopper will also recommend you either buy now or wait, or you can choose to watch a trip and receive notifications on the best time to buy. In addition, the app has expanded to offer hotel and car rental price predictions, too.

Some newer features since the app’s inception in 2009 include an option to freeze a price for a limited time—for an extra fee—as well as exclusive app-only discounts. Hopper is free to download, and you can choose to book directly through the app, though some users mentioned they use Hopper as more of a research tool before booking directly with the airline or hotel. The company claims a 95 percent accuracy rate at predicting flight rates up to a year ahead.

Most Innovative : Kiwi.com

This metasearch engine scours the web to piece together the ideal itinerary using planes, trains, buses, and more.

Creative itineraries get you where you need to go, especially if you’ve got a multi-stop trip

Kiwi Guarantee offers rebooking or cancellation protections

Nomad option appeals to travelers with a lot of flexibility

Creative itineraries mean you may not fly out of the same airport you flew into

Kiwi Guarantee has an additional fee

Charges all-in-one fee for booking flights, trains, buses (though you can always purchase a la carte)

Travelers planning multi-city destinations and seeking a bargain, as well as those looking to take planes, trains, and automobiles to get there, might consider Kiwi . Kiwi is a metasearch engine that scours and pieces together itineraries from various airlines (even if they don’t have a codeshare agreement), considers multiple airports (even if your arrival airport is different from departure), and offers booking options, whether you’re looking at very specific dates or more general ones (up to 60 nights).

Some will find the ability to make multiple bookings for a particular trip more convenient than going at it manually several different times, though note that you must opt into the Kiwi Guarantee program to access rebooking and refund protections should your reservation change or be canceled. Kiwi’s Nomad option allows you to plug in a bunch of destinations you’d like to visit and the length of your intended stay, and the website will churn out the most affordable itineraries for review.

Best for Eco-Conscious : Kind Traveler

A give-and-get business model means booking accommodations with exclusive perks, a donation to environmental organizations, and more.

All participating hotels include a local give-back component

Exclusive savings and perks

Participating hotels are located in some of the most beautiful places in the world

Inventory is much smaller compared to other booking platforms

Some of the amenities mentioned are based on availability only

In 2022, Kind Traveler (an online trave agency focused on hotel bookings) announced an increase in environmentally and socially conscious hotels, charity donations, voluntourism opportunities, and additional perks like waived resort fees or a welcome amenity.

Unlock exclusive hotel rates and perks from participating Kind Traveler hotels with a minimum $10/night minimum donation to a local charity. For example, stay at the Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives and receive up to $33 off the nightly rate and perks such as a food and beverage credit and an Earth Lab or Alchemy Bar workshop when you make a donation to Manta Trust. The organization funds coastal research to protect the island nation’s large yet fragile population of reef mantas.

Select from more than 140 participating hotels from the Hawaiian Islands to Bozeman, Montana, and the Maldives. Charities include wildlife, human rights, arts, education, and environmental preservation organizations.

Best for Social Impact : I Like Local

Choose from a host of travel experiences with the peace of mind that 100 percent of the cost goes directly to local partners.

Social impact mission woven into organization’s business model

Immersive experiences led by local guides

Range of experiences offered

May not be best fit for those seeking upscale, luxury experiences and stays

Can’t sort experiences by a list of countries (though an interactive map is available)

No experiences outside of Africa and Asia

For an online travel agency with a booking platform designed to route dollars spent directly to the communities travelers intend to visit, consider I Like Local . Visit the website to browse a host of travel experiences in countries including Indonesia, Kenya, and Cambodia. Experiences include homestays and farmstays as well as wellness and culturally oriented experiences—from cooking and cycling tours to weaving classes.

To search for an experience, select from drop-down items like travel dates and experience categories, or view a global map and click on a country to view experiences that way.

The platform got its start in 2014 and has grown to 4,000 local hosts across nearly 20 countries. As a social impact organization, 100 percent of each booking fee goes to local hosts. To date, 16,000 travelers have booked with I Like Local.

Best for Design-Forward Homestays : Plum Guide

Browse and book seriously vetted, design-forward vacation homes.

Highly curated inventory of vacation rentals across the world

Design-forward

Thorough vetting process

Does not publish guest reviews

Other platforms have homes available across more destinations

When it comes to booking a vacation home, serviced apartment, or condo, travelers are spoiled for choice. Plum Guide is an online travel agency that specializes in accommodations—though not just any home makes its directory. The company claims that each potential home listed on its site must jump through 150 hoops to be included, from internet speed and mattress and pillow quality to the showers’ water pressure and the home’s proximity to dining, shopping, and attractions.

Search by a featured collection on the website such as “ pet-friendly homes ” or “one-of-a-kind homes in Palm Springs.” Scroll to the bottom of its homepage to view its top destinations, as well as a list of all destinations where Plum Guide homes are available, including Barbados, Mexico, Portugal, Switzerland, the U.S., and Turkey. Note: From the top right-hand corner of the site, use the dropdown menu to select currency of choice.

As long as you know what you value most out of your travel experience—such as affordability, social impact, or luxe accommodations—there’s an online travel agency to help plan your next trip. Be sure to read the fine print, as some agencies are third-party websites and not direct vendors. If you're not sure where to start, Booking.com is your best bet for a smooth user experience and hard-to-beat offers on flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements.

What Is the Biggest Travel Agency?

Our choice for best overall, Booking.com, is known as an industry leader with listings for all major hotels, airlines, car rental companies, and more. It boasts more choices for accommodations per destination than any other site, and we found its interface to be user-friendly.

Are Online Travel Agencies Worth It?

This depends on your needs and priorities. The best online travel agencies certainly can save time by booking everything all at once. However, if you're someone who is good at haggling and enjoys the details of planning a trip, you might be able to find better deals by reaching out to hotels or other destinations and speaking to someone personally.

Is It Cheaper to Book Online Than With a Travel Agent?

Not always. A travel agent you know and trust should have the experience and connections to find deals that can match or surpass what you'll find online. Additionally, if something goes wrong, travel agents provide you with an actual person you can use as an advocate to correct the problem . But if you don't have access to a good travel agent, online sites still provide plenty of ways to streamline planning and save money .

We considered dozens of online travel agencies and narrowed down the options based on user experience, volume and quality of inventory, unique offerings and specials, and customer reviews. We also assessed travel companies’ environmentally and socially conscious policies.

Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

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THE ONLY WAY TO TRAVEL

The ultimate travel company.

Independent and family-run, we have been offering a rare blend of luxury and adventure travel experiences to our clientele for more than four decades. The depth of knowledge and insight, together with a global network of trusted partners, gained over the years allows us to design itineraries that are flexible and entirely personalised to you. We do so with perception, creativity and enthusiasm, but with a profound appreciation for your investment and an absolute respect for the environment, the wildlife and the local cultures of the destinations in which we operate.

TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL

Whether you wish to explore Antarctica, experience the Great Migration in Kenya or simply relax on a beach, we will personalise your trip so that it’s just right for you.

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Travelling at the perfect time can truly enhance your experience. Whatever you’re looking for, we will help you decide where to go, and just as importantly, when.

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Accessibility Links

9 of the best travel websites

Take the hassle out of holiday planning with our guide to the websites that do the hard work for you.

T he first place most of us look when planning a trip is online — but where should you start? If you have a preferred travel agent with a high level of customer service, they will likely handle the details for you. But when you’re arranging the trip yourself, you can spend hours browsing online and end up more confused than when you started.

If you’d like destination inspiration, take a look at Times Travel . But if you want to piece the trip together yourself, these websites are our favourites for everything from flights to passenger rights and books for the beach.

Main photo: karst mountains in China (Getty Images)

1. FlightConnections

Best for flight planning Have an idea of where you want to go, but flexible on which airports you could use? Or maybe you just want to see which routes operate non-stop from your nearest airport. No other website makes a map of the world’s international routing options as clear and easy to understand as FlightConnections.

If you’re in Birmingham and you don’t fancy schlepping to a London airport, for example, you can see at a glance that there are non-stop flights from BHX to Cancun, Egypt, the Canaries and Dubai. Or maybe you want to go to Valencia in Spain, but you can’t find any flights from BHX. With FlightConnections, you might see that non-stop flights are available from Nottingham East Midlands (EMA) — a much closer journey than London.

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Click on your preferred route, and it’ll also show you which dates the route operates non-stop, so you know which dates to search for.

Best for flight price comparison The top four players — Google Flights , Kayak , Momondo and Skyscanner — are all excellent flight-comparison websites.

But Kayak has the edge. Its search results pages are clear and have the best range of useful filters. You can see instantly how much premium economy on the same route would cost, for example, instead of having to do another search from scratch. You can add a cabin bag or hold bag, easily remove the results from airports you don’t want to have your layover in, and even narrow your search to the type of aircraft you’d prefer to fly with.

Best for hotel bookings A lot of people think Booking.com, Hotels.com and Expedia are hotel-comparison sites. They aren’t — they’re booking sites. Yes, you can book thousands of hotels with them, but they will only show you their own negotiated prices for each particular hotel.

That’s why your first port of call for any hotel research should be Trivago. It takes prices from all of the major hotel-booking sites, including the three mentioned above, plus hundreds more booking sites and online travel agencies.

4. Booking.com

Best for hotel reviews The reviews on TripAdvisor can be written by anyone, whether they’ve stayed at the hotel or not. And multiple investigations have shown how many fake reviews flood the site.

That’s why our go-to site for hotel reviews is Booking.com. Only people who have paid for a booking via Booking.com can write a review. This means its reviews are much more reliable. It’s not 100 per cent foolproof, but it is much more reliable than most alternative review sites. You can find reviews for most of the world’s hotels — and you don’t have to book with them to read the reviews. Just browse, then check out Trivago.co.uk to find the cheapest deal on your preferred hotel.

5. Seat61.com

Best for train advice Thinking of switching plane for train — or riding the rails on a scenic journey at your destination? The first port of call for any train lover should be Seat61.com. What started as a hobby site more than 15 years ago is now the UK’s best site for train advice — for routes all over the world. It covers the best train-booking sites in different destinations, plus how to get the best deals, which seats to choose on many routes, and more.

6. HomeExchange

Best for house swaps What’s cheaper — and arguably better — than the likes of Airbnb and Vrbo? A free home swap — mi casa es su casa. Unlike Airbnb, no money changes hands between homeowners. You’ll pay a fee to join the site, but during your membership period, on most sites, you are allowed to make as many free home exchanges as you can negotiate with other homeowners.

Each site has its pros and cons, but the world’s largest site HomeExchange, which costs $175 (£140)/year to join, wins by virtue of the fact that it lists more than 450,000 homes all over the world. Home-swapping is, ultimately, a numbers game. You’ll massively increase your chances of finding someone suitable to swap with in Sydney if there are more than 100 potential homes in Sydney for you to contact about the arrangement.

7. Zest Car Rental

Best for car hire You can do a car-hire search on the major flight-comparison websites, plus with car-rental comparison specialists, such as Rhino . But there’s a reason Zest Car Rental consistently ranks in the top table of customer surveys and is the choice of Which? as recommended car hire broker.

The game for car-hire companies is to appear at the top of the comparison sites, which means they hide the real cost of the “extras” that are often essential, such as excess-reducing insurance or a full-to-full fuel policy. (With full-to-empty fuel policies, you usually end up paying for fuel you didn’t use when you return the car with a quarter of a tank or more.)

With Zest Car Rental, in most cases, excess-reducing insurance is included in the price you see, and in many cases, the second driver is also included in the rate. Zest only works with providers who have a “fair fuel” policy, and customer services is fast to respond to any questions or problems.

8. TripFiction

Best for literary escapes Whether your travels are strictly armchair this year or you’re heading off on holiday, reading a novel set in your destination can really put you in the mood. The best place to look for your travel reads is TripFiction. Despite the name, it’s not entirely fiction, with biographies, travelogues, history and recipe books sneaking into their listings.

Choose your preferred country or region and browse all titles — or narrow it down by genre, such as crime or fantasy. A list of books appears, with summaries for you to find out more before deciding whether to buy.

9. Civil Aviation Authority

Best for passenger rights At a loss for what to do if your flight gets cancelled, your luggage gets lost or you get stuck in queues at security and miss a flight ? You’ll find all of your passenger rights on the Civil Aviation Authority website.

It’s worth taking a look before your trip, too, so you can be sure you have suitable travel insurance to help with the increasingly common problems that the law doesn’t provide enough coverage for, such as delays at airport security.

• 8 amazing carry-on bags: the best hand luggage revealed • Will travel insurance cover flight cancellation? Everything you need to know • Where can I travel without a vaccine?

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From Booking Safaris to Planning Global Vacations, Here Are the 10 Best Travel Specialists

After a year off-grid, our winning specialists are providing customized experiences from jet travel to road trips., the editors, the editors's most recent stories.

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Travel specialists have never been more essential than they are right now, with their invaluable ability to pivot, re-book and offer advice. We picked 10 standouts in the luxury field from across the world, a directory of those who embody that above-and-beyond spirit essential in the past year.

Christoper Sitwell, Cazenove + Loyd

Wilmot-Sitwell has been working in travel for more than three decades. The co-owner of a 16-person London-based agency specializes in long-haul luxury, often to far-flung sites in rural Africa and Asia. The team there spent much of 2020 canceling or postponing trips—most recently, unpicking rescheduled itineraries to the Tokyo Olympics when a ban on foreign spectators was announced.

The firm anticipated today’s conscious-travel concerns from the outset, always focusing on owner-run and locally staffed independent operations, such as preservation outfit Campfire in Zimbabwe. Cazenove + Loyd also offsets the entire carbon cost of its research recces via a partnership with CommuniTree , a 12-square-mile tropical reforestation project in Nicaragua. Clients can easily opt into this, too; anyone whose itinerary swoops through the country can visit the project and personally plant the trees.

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Tanya Dalton, Managing Director UK, Greaves

Dalton leads the UK office of this India specialist outfitter, which was founded by her Mumbai-born grandfather in 1978 and later run by her mother. With generations’ worth of in-depth experience and exclusive connections at her fingertips, she arranges custom trips as luxe as they are immersive. Depending on their interests, travelers may find themselves granted entrée to private palaces, sacred religious sites and landmarked government buildings; meeting with celebrated curators, authors, artisans, jewelers, chefs or astrologers; or exploring desert wilds while staying at plush mobile camps.

Dalton’s team—45 in Delhi and Mumbai, and 15 in the UK—helped extract some 40 clients from India at the start of the pandemic, as borders closed. Now she’s helping guests plan their return. On her radar currently are safaris to spot India’s rising tiger population, top-end hotel openings in Rajasthan and a new single-suite wooden boat that’s perfect for privately cruising the Ganges, Bhagirathi and Hooghly Rivers.

Jules Maury, Scott Dunn Private

Maury runs this offshoot of the UK-based travel firm, focused entirely on bespoke itineraries. Much of her work during the pandemic involved extended stays for home-schooling families who were looking to live and work in a new locale, whether spending two and a half months at Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives or a month in residence at Antigua’s Jumby Bay. Another guest commandeered the five-room Sheldon Chalet in Denali National Park, an ultra-secluded property accessible only by a 45-minute helicopter ride.

The SDP team follows multiple pro-social protocols when it travels and encourages clients to follow suit, including the Pack for a Purpose program, in which visitors pack requested supplies in their luggage for distribution at the destination. It’s laser-focused on ethical practices, too. Animal welfare is a priority, so providers that offer bullfighting or elephant riding are not used, and there’s a pledge that 90 percent of all operators will not provide single-use plastics to guests by the end of 2023.

Deborah Calmeyer, Roar Africa

The Zimbabwe-born Calmeyer has carved out a discrete niche as the ultimate elite safari planner, with the ability to pull off near-impossible requests, even during the pandemic. Rwanda’s government requires a negative PCR Covid-19 test for visitors, but offers only the throat-swab version at Kigali airport—a problem for one Roar Africa client, desperate to go gorilla-trekking but phobic about anything touching his throat. Calmeyer set up a protocol change, arranging for a nose swab to be administered instead.

She has offices in Nairobi, Johannesburg and Cape Town, with the HQ in New York, and Roar Africa continued to pay drivers, freelance guides and its staff even during lockdown, as governmental support in situ was scant. Roar Africa supports several social programs, including an all-women anti-poaching academy in Kenya, which has so far graduated almost 30 fully trained rangers, and underwrites a scholarship at a college of tourism in South Africa that trains women to work at local hotels and lodges.

Catherine Heald, Remote Lands

Remote Lands’ expertise centers entirely on planning ultra-luxury trips for Americans to Asia, with offices in New York and Bangkok, plus country managers in every locale.

Heald and business partner Jay Tindall try to ensure a positive impression both for their guests and by them, encouraging clients, for example, to fund the digging of a water well for a local family whenever Siem Reap in Cambodia forms part of the itinerary. Conscious of the higher carbon footprint of itineraries that span the continent, the pair deliberately minimize the number of flights, private or commercial.

Last year, a Texas couple who were planning to go solo to Asia to celebrate both his 70th birthday and their 40th wedding anniversary had to postpone, and instead Heald helped them turn their three-week, four-country trip into a reunion with their grandchildren, whom they plan to take along this November.

Beks Ndlovu, Founder of African Bush Camps

Ndlovu has maintained momentum, despite the safari industry’s devastating year. The operator and hotelier kept his entire 600-person staff employed while also unveiling Khwai Leadwood, a new high-design lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. It’s the latest in his eco-conscious properties; he has rolled out 16 of them in 15 years across three countries, a remarkable achievement. Each has a light footprint, via solar farms and water recycling, while also offering direct support to surrounding communities via the company’s ABC Foundation.

Even amid the logistical and medical constraints of the past year, Ndlovu seamlessly pulled off a recent journey for 14 people to Zimbabwe via private plane. “There was a lot of juggling, but it was well worth it,” says Ndlovu, who advocates for guests to spend their tourism dollars with brands that preserve wilderness areas and empower minorities and locals. “We continue to make the effort in identifying key talent that we can support and help rise to the surface.”

Cedric Reversade, Unique Properties & Events

Luxury travel was already tilting toward villa rentals before the pandemic made the idea of privacy, and self-containment, even more appealing. The London- and Paris-based Reversade and business partner Koskas offer discreet access to the world’s best rental homes in hot spots like Saint-Tropez, Ibiza and Capri while also acting as a travel concierge.

Take the California client who had bought a piano nobile on the Grand Canal in Venice, just before the first lockdown—and for whom they managed to secure a visa even when borders were shut. They also arranged excursions in the city, like a day on Burano with the glassblowers and a night visit to San Marco. Or the polo-loving English client who ditched her Chelsea townhouse for a seafront estate in Ibiza they’d wrangled on her behalf as lockdowns loomed; she then took trips around Spain, including lunching with a retired rejoneador from whom she bought two horses to ride at her country estate.

Cari Gray, Gray & Co.

Based in Santa Monica, Calif., Canadian expat Gray runs a lean team of about 10 with a particular expertise in active luxury. Take the trip to Argentina and Uruguay which shuttled her guests between cycling spots by private jet. It was due to start just as Argentina shuttered its borders last March, so Gray’s team pivoted, re-booking the group on a similar itinerary in California within 24 hours.

She’s determined that the lavish sums spent by clients truly uplift every destination, especially in developing areas. One pair of travelers sponsored GPS collars on a research project for rescued elephants at a local animal reserve in Namibia and witnessed the process firsthand. And an always recommended pit stop in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco is one of the late Eve Branson’s projects, which employs local women making crafts. It isn’t all do-gooding, though: Gray is renowned for arranging Michelin-caliber chefs to cater alfresco at the end of a day’s hiking.

James Jayasundera, Ampersand Travel

Sri Lanka is one of the rare destinations in Asia that have managed to create a program that allows visitors to experience the country during the pandemic, and no one is a better expert to help navigate an itinerary in that new normal than Rome-raised Jayasundera and his five-person, almost two-decade-old firm. Visitors can stay in designated hotels, he explains, and even go sightseeing, as long as they remain in “bio bubbles” to protect the local populace from imported infection.

Jayasundera started early, noting the preferences of each of his 12-strong family as they traveled constantly in his childhood, and has made such attention to detail a hallmark of his commercial operation. Inclusivity is a longtime passion, with a strong presence in the LGBTQ community among both staff and clients, and efforts to use female guides where possible to offset challenges around equality.

Mark Duguid, Carrier

The 60-person, Manchester-based Carrier plans less than 5,000 trips per year, allowing it to retain a reputation for flexibility. It’s willing to change itineraries within hours of departure and never charging amending fees. Duguid and his team were well placed, then, for the challenges of last year: See the couple from the UK who seized the chance to travel when permitted during a break in lockdowns, heading impromptu to the Maldives as an add-on to a last-minute visit to Dubai. Carrier recognized the appeal of the outdoors for travelers in the last year, too, and created an exclusive trip to Octola in Finland’s Arctic Circle, a five-star private wilderness reserve where local guides hosted open-fire lunches and ran excursions on husky sleds and snowmobiles.

Duguid reports a surge in so-called revenge spending, noting that the average booking value for 2021 has risen 90 percent year over year, with clients indulging in once-in-a-lifetime trips after lockdown restrictions loosen.

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Our UK travel agents craft quintessential English experiences showcasing the history, culture, and famous destinations in this dynamic region.  Discover cosmopolitan London and ancient Stonehenge. Hike wild Windermere fells. Learn local tales at a British pub. Step into the halls of Downton Abbey filming locations. Sample award-winning spirits at centuries-old distilleries. Handling all logistics and designing trips just for you, our travel agencies in the UK curate dream travel experiences.  With care and insider access, our UK travel agencies create personalized journeys engaging you in the places and people shaping England, Scotland, and Wales.

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Our UK travel agents craft quintessential English experiences showcasing the history, culture, and famous destinations in this dynamic region. 

Discover cosmopolitan London and ancient Stonehenge. Hike wild Windermere fells. Learn local tales at a British pub. Step into the halls of Downton Abbey filming locations. Sample award-winning spirits at centuries-old distilleries. Handling all logistics and designing trips just for you, our travel agencies in the UK curate dream travel experiences. 

With care and insider access, our UK travel agencies create personalized journeys engaging you in the places and people shaping England, Scotland, and Wales.

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Zicasso in the News

Aeneas' Travel Agency

 Based on  8  reviews

Destinations:

Verified review.

Zicasso’s tour operator was nothing short of exceptional to work with. From the early stages of planning, communication was seamless. The lovely travel planner helped plan the most magical trip. Every accommodation was out of this world, the meals were amazing, and the itinerary was outstanding. We traveled with two babies and they helped plan a wonderful, magical trip. We enjoyed Scotland so much and are looking forward to traveling there again with the same travel company! They even planned a sweet surprise for my four-year-old’s birthday that was so special for her. We were just so pleased with everything.

Adam's Travel Agency

 Based on  101  reviews

The trip was wonderful. Our Zicasso tour operator was great and really responsive during the trip. I loved the app, which made everything so much easier and clearer, and having everything in one place on our phones was so nice.

Mario's Travel Agency

 Based on  482  reviews

We loved finally seeing Italy (at least parts of it) and would love to see more. The time change and jet lag were a little rough on our two kids, but they adjusted and had a great trip. The history in Rome was so impressive and we learned a lot. The guided tours were excellent. Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast were beautiful and a nice change of pace from Rome. We also loved visiting Pompeii. Of course, there was great food, wine, and lots of gelato. Though the weather is fickle, spring seems to be a great time to visit as it isn't crowded like the summer and definitely not hot. Private or small group guided tours are the way to go to smoothly see sites and be educated. It was lovely taking the train to Naples as well. The only big change I think we would make is passing on the winery near Vesuvius. It was great to check out an Italian winery, but not this one. They kept us waiting a long time for a tour and lunch. The tour was lame and short, lunch was just ok, and the wine was mediocre. However, one bright spot was that the estate made red wine vinegar, which was delicious, and we were able to buy a few bottles. Working with Zicasso’s tour company was a pleasure. Our travel agent really paid attention to what we were looking to do and our family style, and she arranged a great itinerary. The hotel choices were really nice and perfect for our needs. There were a couple of scheduling hiccups on the trip and the tour company’s responsiveness and efforts to help were fantastic.

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Jane's Travel Agency

 Based on  7  reviews

Our trip, starting and ending in Edinburgh and looping through the Highlands with an emphasis on the Isle of Skye, Inverness, and Speyside, was very enjoyable, much to the credit of our travel agency. We were awed by the sheer beauty of the Highlands, the warmth and friendliness of the Scottish people, and the country's fascinating historical sites.  Our culinary experience was outstanding, with a variety of traditional dishes and contemporary cuisine prepared by world-class chefs. As could be expected, distillery visits gave us an opportunity to enjoy a range of whiskey flavors and styles. Jane, the owner of the travel agency, was accommodating in creating the ideal itinerary, finding superb lodging and dining experiences for us, and helping us through last-minute bookings due to a flight cancellation.  Our driver/guide was personable, knowledgeable, timely, and professional. He entertained us with amusing Scottish lore, local and regional information, and eagerly adjusted the itinerary as needed to suit our personal tastes and interests.

Neil's Travel Agency

 Based on  49  reviews

The trip was wonderful and the support from the travel agency was unstinting. From the first day, they were quickly responsive and continually exceeded our expectations. We had no hiccups along the way, so we didn't need to call on them during the trip, but I am confident they would have sorted any issue that arose.  Their reputation was reinforced by our guide in Bath, who said they were a great company to work with and emphasized that anybody who "picked up the phone" would provide the high level of service we'd experienced.

Tom's Travel Agency

 Based on  140  reviews

We absolutely loved working with Zicasso’s travel agents. They offered some great experiences and accommodations that I would have never considered, and did it all within our budget. We can't wait to go back to Ireland or make our first trip to Scotland, and I will definitely be calling Zicasso’s company for the next trip!

Jeff's Travel Agency

 Based on  53  reviews

On this amazing planet, one can find an abundance of places with spectacular scenery. Scotland is one of those. However, what you can’t find is our travel team. Had it not been for their professionalism and expertise, we would have probably buzzed along in our own car, going ooh and ah, and missing all the wonderful spots that made our trip so memorable. In the planning, Zicasso’s travel agent was always attentive and quick to respond with a suggestion or a nay or yay. Our travel agent was delightful company. She is a historian, geologist, and geographer, all rolled into one, with a great sense of humor. At one point we got stuck in an unprecedented weather event. Not to worry, our travel team was on it with an alternative, so we really didn’t miss much. But the icing on the cake is how much they care about their clients. It is obvious they love their country and want to share it with everyone. And they did, to the fullest and utmost extent!

Anne Marie's Travel Agency

 Based on  131  reviews

Our anniversary trip to Scotland and Ireland, planned by Zicasso’s travel company, was unforgettable! Our travel agent was very easy to work with! She made several adjustments to our itinerary at our request and also to address some of the vendor's changes, such as one of our flights (originally from Inverness to Dublin) and one of our "in a local home, dinner and cooking lessons" (originally in Scotland). She was cognizant of my budget constraints and suggested I do some of the driving myself to reduce the cost of private drivers. Then, during our trip, little things like a wine and cheese board in our room upon our arrival in Edinburgh were very much appreciated! Also, when things didn't go as planned (flight delay from Aberdeen to Dublin), she was available (at 2am Pacific time) to help smooth out the bumps! Even the way our trip itinerary built up to a subtle crescendo with our stay in a castle made this a trip we will never forget!

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Welcome To The Elite Travel Group

We were founded in 1977 by a group of Midlands-based Travel Agents who wished to join together to obtain beneficial arrangements from their suppliers. The primary objective was, and remains, to help and increase the profitability of the members. It is now National with agencies throughout the UK from the South Coast to the North of England. All directors are themselves members and are voted on to the board by the other members so any decisions they make affect their own businesses as well.

REASONS TO JOIN ELITE TRAVEL GROUP

Low membership fees.

The membership fees charged are amongst the lowest of all major U.K. Consortia with savings to be made by supporting key partners.

Equal share holding

Every member has an equal share of the company and an equal say!

Member Directors

Up to 6 directors who are actively involved in running their own successful Travel Agencies.

Meetings and Events

2 general meetings are held annually and these are supported by regular meetings / dinners as well as a host of VIP trips.

Industry Leading Commercials

The commercial terms are some of the best in the industry giving you the ability to maximise profits.

Head Office runs on just 5 members of staff thereby keeping central costs to a minimum.

Communications With Members

Our Business Development Manager visits our members and keeps in regular contact with them. Our Intranet site is the prime communication tool with our members. Regular updates are maintained with our monthly members' e-magazine - Elite Vision.

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME AN ELITE TRAVEL AGENCY?

If you would like to know more about how becoming an Elite Travel Group member can benefit your business, please get in touch. We welcome new members and are confident we can offer you a package that will help your travel agency stand out and become truly Elite.

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WHY BOOK WITH AN ELITE AGENT?

Highly experienced advisors, our members are fully bonded, virtually all arrangements sold have full financial protection., competitive pricing, fiercely independent, a complete range of holiday operators and suppliers, prices that are knowingly competitive, close supplier relationships.

What Our Members Say About Us

The best way to show you why you should join our consortium is to show you what our members say about it. Here our just some of their opinions and to see more, visit our testimonials page.

Most important to us is the opportunity to “have our say”

"We have been members of Elite Travel Group for 20 years now and it is one of the best decisions we ever made. The commission levels help improve our bottom line and the social/training events are invaluable in both improving product knowledge and networking. Most important to us is the opportunity to “have our say” at members’ meetings and the fact that Elite leaves us the freedom to use the operators that best fit our business model. Elite is the perfect example of the best things coming in small packages!"

The levels of commission and benefits have far exceeded expectations

"On an annual basis, as part of managing the business whilst Kinver Travel Centre was a member of Independent Options, I compared commissions and benefits with other consortia, like you do an energy or telephone account. In November 2014, the decision to move to Elite was made, as commissions with Elite would improve the bottom line. Now we are in our second year as a member of Elite and have never looked back. The levels of commission and benefits have far exceeded expectations, whilst all the events and activities provide excellent net working opportunities. All helps to make Kinver Travel Centre a competitive profitable business: thank you Elite."

A pleasure and a honour to be a member.

"Big isn't always beautiful! Elite - great people, great consortium, a pleasure and a honour to be a member."

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Dubai: Jewel of the Emirates

Attitude hotels collection.

This portfolio of charming retreats in Mauritius is leading the way in with their collection eco-committed hotels, ranging from adult-only retreats to family-friendly havens.

Where to travel in 2024

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• Picked for you

Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa

A dazzling lineup of facilities make the large island of Kuramathi one of the Maldives’ most popular resorts.

Set on a pristine beach, this intimate all-inclusive hotel is perfect for low-key relaxation

Perfect for a romantic escape, this atmospheric hideaway offers a quiet setting and delicious cuisine.

Set on a powdery white beach, this elegant resort offers an exceptional array of inclusions.

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Personal service.

Your holiday will be planned by one of our Personal Travel Experts, who will listen to your ideas and expectations, make recommendations, share advice and add extra touches to create the perfect holiday for you.

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We’re here to take care of you at every step. We’ll make sure you have everything you need before you travel, look after you while you’re away and stay in touch when you’re back.

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All our holidays are ATOL protected, we’re members of ABTA and you’ll have our full support throughout your travels.

Our passion for creating unforgettable holidays has earned us over 200 awards and we’re proud to be a Which? Recommended Provider.

If you’re gearing up to book your 2024 holiday but could use some inspiration, here are a few of our most sought-after destinations to put on your radar.

With their breathtaking beaches and opulent resorts, they're dream destinations in their own right. But which one is your perfect paradise? Let's compare and find out.

Planning your next beach getaway? We asked a few of our travel experts to tell us about their favourite coastal gems in Europe.

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Our travel experts share their top planning, travel and foodie tips, for any first-timers trip to Thailand. Discover the advice they wish they'd known before visiting.

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The Maldives is one of the most romantic places on earth, here our experts' top reasons to visit the islands of the Maldives.

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Ready to treat yourself to the ultimate luxury escape in Europe? Here are a few of our favourite all-out beach retreats in the Mediterranean.

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The 10 best online travel agencies in 2024

The top 10 online travel agencies.

• Booking.com
• Lastminute.com

Best online travel agencies for business travel

1. travelperk.

Main offerings and features:

• Industry-leading travel inventory
• Flexible booking with FlexiPerk
• Safety alerts with TravelCare
• Integrated travel policy & approval flows
• Centralized invoicing
• Easy & real-time expense reports
• Carbon offsetting with GreenPerk
• 24/7 fast customer support in target 15s
• VAT reclaim
• Integration with 3rd party tools , such as expense management or HR software like Expensify and BambooHR

Save time and money on your business travel with TravelPerk

2. sap concur.

• Works with some of the biggest brands
• Easy tracking and reporting of expenses for expense reports
• Many connected apps, such as Uber and Airbnb for cars and hotels
• One solution for a variety of business travel spending

Click below to compare both platforms’ features and benefits

• Ample integrations
• Award-winning mobile app
• Employee-centric travel management

Click below for a more detailed comparison between both platforms:

Best online travel agencies for leisure travel, 1. booking.com.

• Intuitive booking tool and website
• Flight + Hotel booking for easily planning trips with no cross-referencing travel websites
• Simple car rental options and taxi hire
• Available in over 40 different languages and offers over half a million properties across 207 countries
• You can book experiences in your destination city to entertain you on your travels
• Genius rewards program

• Simple interface and booking tool
• Deals when making more than one booking
• 38 different languages and offers a 24-hour, multilingual customer support service
• Free cancellation within 24 hours of booking
• Millions of reviews to help make your decision

3. Lastminute.com

• Filter hotels according to budgets, star ratings, guest ratings, board types, and more
• ATOL protection on flight + hotel bundles
• Flash sales for last-minute deals
• Payment plans to spread out the cost of travel
• Extra entertainment booking for your trips, like theatrical productions and day trips
• Gift cards for gifting travel

• Expedia rewards for hotels, cars, and more
• Experienced support
• Compare cruise lines
• Big savings when booking flights, hotels, and car rentals
• Operates in nearly 70 countries and in over 35 different languages
• Luxury travel options

• Book hotels, flights, cars, and bundles
• 24/7 support
• Lower prices on the app
• Great last-minute deals for spontaneous travel

6. Bookmundi

Best online travel agencies for flights

1. skyscanner.

• Super flexible booking filters
• Cheaper flights and hotels than other OTAs
• Price alerts for travel routes of interest
• Easy-to-use booking tool and UI
• Hundreds of location and currency options
• One-way, return, and multi-city travel options

2. Kiwi.com

• Simple flight booking tool
• Partnerships with Booking.com and Rentalcars.com
• Discover deals anywhere with the option to open up your search
• Easy-to-use app

How do online travel agencies work?

What are the advantages of booking through an online travel agency.

• Access to comparison tools
• Peer reviews to help you with your decisions
• Flexible cancellation policies
• All your travel in one place
• Local flights and deals

Rewards programs

Comparison tools, peer reviews, flexible cancellation.

Flexiperk: Cancel anytime, anywhere. Get a minimum of 80% of your money back.

One account for all of your travel needs, a local approach to global travel, wrapping up.

Make business travel simpler. Forever.

• See our platform in action . Trusted by thousands of companies worldwide, TravelPerk makes business travel simpler to manage with more flexibility, full control of spending with easy reporting, and options to offset your carbon footprint.
• Find hundreds of resources on all things business travel, from tips on traveling more sustainably, to advice on setting up a business travel policy, and managing your expenses. Our latest e-books and blog posts have you covered.
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