We are the UK’s largest independent travel agent and the nation’s favourite. We provide excellent value, service, and choice in holidays across land and sea. With more than 40 years’ experience and 470 high street branches, we are proud to be the UK’s largest independent travel agent.

We are also honoured to be the nation’s favourite.

Thanks to public vote Hays Travel won three gold British Travel Awards 2023: Best National Travel Retailer, Best Travel Agency for Cruise Holidays, and Best Retailer for Forex/Travel Money. As a family-owned independent agency, what sets Hays Travel apart is our friendly and professional colleagues; we value our people, our customers and the communities where we operate . Being independent, we can offer our customers impartial advice and an extensive range of travel opportunities from hundreds of suppliers, whether in our branches, via our contact centre, through our network of homeworkers, or via our franchisees and independence group members.

Our community support

Throughout our history, staff across Hays Travel have worked hard to help the communities where we operate. Each year every one of our branches receives £500 to invest in their local community and in 2023 we have invested over £208,000 in local causes and activities, with a specific focus on supporting young people’s mental health.

Our Hays Travel Foundation

We established our Hays Travel Foundation in 2015, with a mission to help young people achieve and be the best that they can be in their health, sport, the arts and education. Working with a wide range of organisations and charities, the Foundation creates opportunities for young people who need a little help to develop to their full potential. To date our Hays Travel Foundation has donated: £1,374,306.

How Hays Travel began is legendary

In 1980, from the back of his mum’s babywear shop in Seaham County Durham, John Hays began selling holidays from a laminated dressing table. From this humble beginning Hays Travel expanded steadily with shops opening up across the north-east. In 1990 the first Hays Travel call centre opened, and in 1995 the Hays Travel Independence Group was formed. Consortium members retain their own independence and branding, but benefit from Hays Travel’s buying power, technology, and back-office support. In 1997, the company diversified into homeworking, and today has three different options to suit those who prefer more flexibility in their lives. In 2013 our retail estate expanded hugely with the acquisition of southern England’s largest independent travel agency, Bath Travel. Founded in 1924 and based in Bournemouth, Bath Travel had over 60 branches and 330 employees who joined the Hays Travel family. The acquisition represented a substantial growth in the company’s retail network, with Hays Travel branches now covering Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, and Sussex. A year later, in 2014, Hays Travel took on its first franchise in the north-west of England, a 14-branch travel agency formerly known as Just Go. Rapid expansion meant that Hays Travel now had almost 49 across three different franchises.

Humble beginnings to high-street heroes

In 2019, John and Irene Hays became ‘Heroes of the high street’ when Hays Travel acquired a lease to operate the former Thomas Cook shops, providing re-employment opportunities to 2,500 staff who were made redundant following the collapse. Another year later in 2020, Hays Travel took over all 20 Tailor Made Travel shops as well as retaining around 100 employees. The period from 2021 to 2022 was the most challenging in Hays Travel’s history, when it lost its beloved founder John Hays and weathered a global pandemic. January 2023 saw the biggest trading day in Hays Travel’s history, when customers well and truly returned to travel. The positive start to the turn of year continued and Hays Travel returned to strategic acquisition, first acquiring 45 of franchisee Just Go branches in the North West of England in September, closely followed by a further 16 shops in South Wales when it acquired Travel House. In addition to these acquisitions Hays Travel also opened new branches in Northern Ireland, Leeds Briggate area, and Gainsborough, and refurbished and relocated others as part of its retail and sustainability strategy. Hays Travel is committed to ‘growing its own’ and has received many awards for its apprenticeship scheme, which attracts thousands of applicants every year to work in branches across the UK and in each department in its Sunderland Head Office. Apprentices study while earning a salary, gaining valuable on-the-job experience, and achieving a nationally recognised certificate, Hays Travel’s programme retained its good rating following an Ofsted inspection in 2023, with an ‘outstanding’ rating for outcomes for young people. Today, Hays Travel has huge buying power and invests heavily in state-of-the-art technology. The company has an award-winning in-house training programme, won Large High Street Agency at the Agent Achievement Awards 2023, and is eleventh in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list for 2023. Fully ABTA, ATOL and IATA bonded, it offers customers complete financial security, and its independent status means staff can provide impartial advice and an extensive range of travel opportunities.

  • 1980 John Hays opens the first branch of Hays Travel at the back of his mum’s children’s wear shop in Seaham, Co Durham
  • 1982 Hays Travel opens second shop in Sunderland, where the company has its headquarters today
  • 1984 Third shop opens in Washington, Tyne and Wear
  • 1987 Expansion reaches seven shops in the North East
  • 1990 First Hays Travel call centre opens
  • 1997 The company diversifies into homeworking
  • 2006 Hays Travel recognised as one of the Sunday Times’ 100 Best Companies to Work For in the UK
  • 2007 Hays Travel Group hit £300 million turnover
  • 2008 John Hays honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at the Agent Achievement Awards
  • 2009 John Hays picks up the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Globes
  • 2010 Celebrate 30 years and John Hays’ inauguration into the British Travel Industry Hall of Fame
  • 2012 Turnover hits the £500 million mark
  • 2013 Acquisition of Bath Travel, the South of England’s largest independent travel agency
  • 2014 Hays Travel Academy launched
  • 2016 Another inclusion in the Sunday Times’ 100 Best Companies to Work For list whilst John Hays is awarded Freedom of the City of Sunderland
  • 2017 Turnover reaches £850 million
  • 2018 Turnover passes the £1 billion mark
  • 2019 Thomas Cook retail estate acquisition
  • 2021 Recruited additional 100 HTOL employees

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The UK’s Top 50 Tour Operators—Updated

May 26, 2020 by Tom Berrigan

uk largest travel agents

TUI remains at the top of the list. The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has completed and posted its list of ATOL (Air Travel Organizers’ License) for the next half year, providing the tour and travel industry with our de facto list of the country’s tour operators, .And, as was the case for the past several years, TUI leads all on the basis of ATOLs for passengers for the next 12 months.

A couple of other points of note: the disappearance of Thomas Cook , which went out of business last September; the decline of Virgin Holidays , which slipped from No. 11 to No. 20 since the previous ATOL list was posted last October; and the appearance of easyjet Holidays (it handles packaged product, while easyjet Airline Company , a separate ATOL holder, covers third-party product sold via its website) which was re-launched last fall in the wake of the shutdown of Thomas Cook.

The new list was to have been ready by the beginning of April, but the CAA gave operators an extension due to the havoc created by the COVIN-19 global pandemic. It is unclear if the country’s tour operator sector grasped the full impact of the pandemic at the time they filed for their ATOLs, or whether the CAA accounted for it, either.

A Note: The Air Travel Organizers’ Licensing is a CAA program developed to give financial protection to people who have purchased package holidays and flights from a member tour operator.  An ATOL licensed tour operator must obtain insurance bonds from the CAA so that the latter is able to provide refunds to travelers affected by any event which causes an airline to be unable to provide travel for its customers, and to arrange for flights (in addition to accommodation and other items which may be included in a package holiday) to return home those already abroad at the time. According to published reports, last year’s failure of Thomas Cook has resulted in some 340,000 claims, valued at almost £350 million (nearly $425 million) from the ATOL program.

The list of the UK’s Top 50 Tour Operators, based on ATOL-authorized passenger levels, follows.

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Top10TravelAgents.com | Best Online Travel Agents UK Reviews

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.

Best 10 Travel Agents UK - Top10TravelAgents.com

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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The UK’s top travel brands—and Brits’ favourite destinations in 2022

The UK’s top travel brands—and Brits’ favourite destinations in 2022

It was a challenging year, filled with restrictions being lifted and reimplemented, but this is a cause to celebrate the travel brands that managed to shine amid this period. 

Top destinations for british travellers in 2022 .

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Who are the largest travel agents in the UK?

travel-faq

1. What services do travel agents in the UK offer?

2. how do i find a reliable travel agent in the uk, 3. can i book my travel online instead of using a travel agent, 4. are travel agents more expensive than booking online, 5. can travel agents help with visa and passport requirements, 6. what if i need to make changes to my travel plans, 7. do travel agents offer travel insurance, 8. can travel agents arrange group tours or corporate travel, 9. do travel agents specialize in specific destinations, 10. can travel agents assist with travel during peak seasons, 11. can travel agents help with travel arrangements for disabled or special needs individuals, 12. are travel agents only for international travel.

The United Kingdom boasts a vibrant and competitive travel industry, with numerous travel agents catering to the diverse needs of travelers. When it comes to identifying the largest travel agents in the UK, a handful of names stand out for their remarkable scale and influence.

One of the leading players in the UK travel market is TUI Group, a multinational travel and tourism company headquartered in Hanover, Germany. With a significant presence in the UK, TUI Group has expanded its operations through various brands like TUI Holidays, First Choice, and Marella Cruises. Their extensive network of travel agencies, online platforms, and tour operators make them a prominent choice for many holidaymakers.

Another key player in the UK travel industry is Thomas Cook, although their operations were discontinued in 2019. Thomas Cook, established in 1841, enjoyed a long and successful history as one of the world’s oldest and largest travel agents. However, financial difficulties led to their collapse, leaving a void in the market that has been filled by other travel agents.

In addition to these major players, there are several other notable travel agents in the UK, such as Jet2holidays, Kuoni, and Expedia. These companies have carved their own niche in the market by offering unique travel experiences, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service. With the rising popularity of online travel agencies, companies like Booking.com and TripAdvisor have also become significant players in the UK travel scene.

It is important to note that the travel industry is dynamic and subject to constant changes. While these companies have been identified as some of the largest travel agents in the UK, new players may emerge, and rankings may vary over time. The UK travel market is highly competitive, ensuring travelers have a wide range of options when planning their trips.

Frequently Asked Questions about UK Travel Agents

Travel agents in the UK offer a wide range of services, including booking flights, accommodation, transportation, and holiday packages. They can also provide advice and recommendations based on their expertise and knowledge of various destinations.

To find a reliable travel agent in the UK, consider reading online reviews, asking for recommendations from friends and family, or checking trusted travel industry websites. It is also important to ensure that the travel agent is a member of a reputable trade association, such as ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents).

Yes, many people prefer to book their travel online for convenience and cost-saving purposes. Online travel agencies and websites allow travelers to compare prices, read reviews, and book flights, accommodation, and other travel services directly.

Not necessarily. While travel agents may charge service fees, they often have access to exclusive deals, discounts, and package offers that may not be available to independent online bookers. It is advisable to compare prices and options before making a decision.

Yes, travel agents can provide guidance and assistance with visa and passport requirements. They can inform you about the necessary documents, application processes, and any additional requirements for specific destinations.

If you need to make changes to your travel plans booked through a travel agent, it is best to contact them directly. They will guide you through the process and inform you about any associated fees or penalties.

Yes, many travel agents offer travel insurance as an additional service. They can help you choose the right policy based on your needs and provide information about coverage, limitations, and claims procedures.

Yes, travel agents can arrange group tours and corporate travel, catering to specific requirements and preferences. They have the expertise to handle logistics, accommodation, transportation, and other aspects of group or corporate travel.

Some travel agents specialize in specific destinations or types of travel, such as luxury travel, adventure travel, or cruises. It is advisable to choose a travel agent with expertise in the type of travel you are interested in to ensure a tailored experience.

Yes, travel agents can assist with travel during peak seasons, helping you find available flights, accommodations, and alternative options if necessary. They can also provide advice on the best times to travel and avoid crowds.

Yes, many travel agents have experience in arranging travel for disabled or special needs individuals. They can offer guidance on accessible accommodation, transportation, and other necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth and comfortable trip.

No, travel agents can assist with both domestic and international travel. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul trip, travel agents can help you with all the necessary arrangements and provide valuable advice.

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The 7 best online travel agencies in the UK

Best online travel agency for business travel, 1. travelperk: perfect for business travellers going the extra mile.

Main offerings and features:

  • UK-based headquarters for smooth customer support
  • Extensive inventory of travel services
  • Flexible booking with FlexiPerk
  • Safety alerts with TravelCare
  • Integrated travel policy & approval flows
  • Centralised invoicing
  • Easy & real-time expense reports
  • Carbon offsetting with GreenPerk
  • 24/7 customer support with a 15s target
  • VAT reclaim
  • Integration with 3rd party tools , such as expense management or HR software like Expensify and BambooHR

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See how to save money by automating your booking process

Best online travel agencies for leisure travel in the united kingdom, 2. travel supermarket: a travel agent part of moneysupermarket.

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Key features:

  • Get access to expert travel advice from the experienced team
  • Includes: all-inclusive, long haul, beach-themed, and more types of holidays
  • Europe-wide car hire is also available through the website
  • Get inspired to find some winter sun with their “where’s hot” search filter

3. Lastminute: great for spontaneous travellers—or those that forgot to book!

Lastminute homepage

  • 1,500+ employees in offices across the globe
  • An intuitive booking tool for flights, hotels, or both
  • Get inspired with their ‘ deal finder’ search
  • Also book the theatre, cars, ground transport, and the Eurostar

4. Hays Travel: great for those looking to travel with peace of mind

Hays Travel homepage

  • Available on Whatsapp to bring your deals on the go
  • Booking centre: if you’d prefer to plan your trip in-store with an agent
  • ATOL scheme: to ensure you’re protected should something happen to the holiday company while you’re away
  • Hays prepaid Travel Money Card for worldwide cash withdrawals and 24/7 customer support

5. Thomas Cook: one of the UK’s most renowned tour operators

Thomas Cook homepage

  • Score the best service on any holiday as Thomas Cook are members of ABTA
  • A huge selection of beach to cheap to luxury holidays to choose from
  • Availability to book your travel money, travel insurance, and airport transport
  • A fantastic holiday advice magazine to keep you inspired when booking

6. Easy Jet Holidays: for holiday goers on a budget

EasyJet Holidays homepage

  • Best price guarantees and low deposits—from £60pp
  • Book flights, manage bookings, and access your boarding passes via the app
  • Holidays that are easier on the credit card by splitting your payments out
  • Cancel up to 60 days before you travel and get your deposit back as EasyJet credit

7. Tui: great for those looking to fly from local and go global

TUI homepage

  • Tours and multi-destination trip for a tailor-made retreat
  • A huge selection of ocean and river cruises for that perfect holiday on the water
  • Plenty of holiday deals to inspire a trip on any budget
  • A nifty holiday budget calculator to help you figure out your spending money

Closing out British travel companies worth considering

Train Plane Travel

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.
  • Never miss another update. Stay in touch with us on social for the latest product releases, upcoming events, and articles fresh off the press.

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Book your next holiday with confidence.

At The Kent Travel Company, we believe that every journey should be more than just a trip – it should be an experience that stirs your soul. Our homeworking based team is committed to crafting tailor-made holidays that fill your heart with adventure, wonder, and fond memories that last a lifetime! We understand that planning a holiday can be overwhelming, which is why we strive to be your trusted advisors every step of the way. Our passionate and knowledgeable travel planners will work tirelessly to ensure that your journey is stress-free and filled with moments of pure bliss. Whether it’s a romantic honeymoon, a family adventure, or a luxurious cruise, we will use our extensive expertise to package together unforgettable experiences that perfectly suit your preferences. With over 300 partners and the backing of one of the UK’s largest consortiums, we have the resources to make your travel dreams a reality. And even if we don’t know the answer to a question, we know exactly who to contact to find it for you – saving you time and hassle. With The Kent Travel Company, let your wanderlust run wild and leave the rest to us! Your journey to a world of endless possibilities awaits.

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Visit Destinations Worldwide

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and unlock a world of endless possibilities. Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands offer a rich tapestry of unique experiences waiting to be unearthed. Explore the majestic temples of Asia and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of tigers. Be enchanted by the sparkling cities and vast expanses of America. Let the tranquil beaches and shimmering lagoons of the Indian Ocean transport you to a blissful state of mind, or marvel at the towering skyscrapers of Arabia rising from the desert sands. You deserve a holiday that is tailored to your dreams and desires, and we are here to make that happen. Let us inspire you to create the perfect vacation that will leave you with lasting memories and a renewed zest for life.

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Imagine a world where your holiday needs are met with ease and satisfaction. A world where you can explore new destinations, try new things, and create memories that will last a lifetime. With over 300 trusted partners at our side, we can help make that world a reality. From renowned tour operators to diverse entities, we have everything you need to embark on a journey of a lifetime. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure now and let us help make your dreams come true. Remember, with us, the sky’s the limit!

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UK and Great Britain Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable UK and Great Britain tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in UK and Great Britain and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 194959 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of UK And Great Britain travel companies & tour operators with 194959 reviews

Wild N' Happy

Wild N' Happy

uk largest travel agents

  • Excellent - 178 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours
The tour went as planned. The guide was excellent. Recommendations would be to extend the time to 8 or 9 days to maximize two days in Lahinch and Galway to experience more of the culture and scenery. One night in each of the cities does not allow for to that experience.
The tour was exactly as expected and I was never disappointed. The accommodations were excellent with great Irish breakfasts. As much as the sites we visited were interesting and dramatic, the guide made them all the more so with his deep knowledge of Irish history and lore. It is impossible to overstate the difference Mike, the guide, made with his humor, personality and knowledge of what he was showing us. I would never hesitate to follow this company and Mike wherever they decide to travel. Giver yourself a treat and go with Wild and Happy.

Globus

  • Excellent - 74,881 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours
Loved that I was able to see so much.
Was well organised and good.

Europamundo

Europamundo

  • Good - 2,917 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours
Such a great trip, one of my favorite. The guide was excellent and the best part is I met some fantastic people!
We took the 15-day tour from Madrid ending Amsterdam. This company acts like a hop-on hop-off bus with people joining and leaving different legs of their tour. Keep this in mind for comments below. First half of tour was mostly good. We didn’t get any info on meeting our tour guide the first night at the hotel so it was a bit of guesswork to find out who we were supposed to meet. The tour was mixed English and Spanish, we had a dedicated English guide. Very knowledgeable guides and overall experience was good - decent accommodations in reasonable proximity to public transit. Second half of tour was a mixed bag. Good guides but accommodations were far from transit and city centers. It was a bilingual bus but only 1 guide to explain both English and Spanish languages. Also, because the logistics of other tours, us handful of English speakers were sort of an afterthought. The different participants had included meals and it forced the rest of us to be dropped off nearby their meal place. This forced us to be stranded after a long day to stay in city center, 1 hour away from hotel, until their dinner was concluded. We felt it was unfair for us to be forced to tag along when we wanted to check in and rest. Would I take a tour again, yes but not necessarily with this company.

Expat Explore Travel

Expat Explore Travel

  • Excellent - 4,214 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours
My name is Maria Luisa Velasquez,!I had the best tours Great Britain 7 days!! My tours leader Mike was an excellent leader, knowledgable.Our driver Russell a fantastic driver.
Our tour was everything we expected and more. Roma our tour guide was knowledgeable and demonstrated a true passion for the history of the places we visited and was always happy with a tip or recommendation to make our experience that much better. Ivo our driver for all but the last day of the tour was first class, a very good driver.

Costsaver

  • Excellent - 858 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours
The best trip ever. Very well paced and you literally get to see everything.
I have not taken the tour yet, but am not pleased with the service. I want to take the tour originating in London which is an 8 day trip, as I will be in London before and after the tour, vs 10 days for the exact same tour if I am coming from another country and joining the tour from my country. I want to pay for the tour in my currency, but the only way to do so is to book on the Costsaver website for my country. Otherwise, I would have to book on their UK website and pay associated credit card service charges and foreign exchange fees. I opted to pay in my currency, so I have been forced to book a 10 day tour that I do not want. Costsaver will refund me for the 1st and last nights' hotel accommodation that I do not need, but I have to wait until they know which hotels they will be using. I want that refund now because I have overpaid due to the inflexibility in their booking systems.

Trafalgar

  • Excellent - 1,879 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours
I absolutely loved the Real Britain tour by Trafalgar! Our guide Paul was very friendly and knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour which made our time so enjoyable! Our driver Ian was also very good! I would definitely recommend this tour for anyone who wants a well-rounded taste of England! I was very happy to see a bit of Scotland as well! The only thing I would ask is that Tour Radar would put more specific details about the tour on their site as it appears on Trafalgar’s website. I would have appreciated the list of the names of the hotels, optional experiences, and which particular meals were included etc. Having finished the tour, I know better where I would like to stay longer the next time I’m in England! I got to see so much amazing scenery in the countryside as we travelled and sights at the destinations we stopped. It was truly a wonderful and unforgettable experience!
Tourradar gave me several options to choose from. I chose to go with Trafalgar. It had very good reviews. Everything was very well planned and the accommodations chosen were very good. I would use them again!

Insight Vacations

Insight Vacations

  • Excellent - 625 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours
Wonderful trip. Saw a great variety of places.
Scotland was beautiful, the hotels and meals ....not so good. The coach and driver were excellent, while the tour director had exactly nothing to say while driving for hours thru magnificent landscapes. The Edinburgh hotel was passable, but was not in Edinburgh. The hotel in Glasboro was a Radison Blue, which was fine. the remaining hotels were awful. In one hotel we had a double bed, not a king, not a queen, but a double bed....really! In 2 hotels the fire alarms went off before 6AM in the morning. You had to react because these buildings were old and most may have lacked fire protection. The hotel breakfasts were generally awful, crowded, and long waits to get a coffee from the machine. The included dinners were terrible, the same menu night after night. One exception was the included dinner in Edinburgh, which was at a restaurant and was quality food and drink. everything after that was trash. breakfast on the last day in Glasgow was very nice, and what I would have expected from an upscale tour. One thing I thought was an insult, was the night spent on Skye. There was no included tour of Skye, so if you wanted to see anything other than the hotel, the only choice was an optional $29.00 bus ride for an hour or so. Bad weather forced the cancellation of the trip to Orkney...so we killed a day with a castle visit. Earlier this year we were on a Viking river cruise that missed a port for a mechanical reason. Before I got home, Viking sent me a $1000.00 credit for a future cruise. They know how to treat guests, Insight not so much. In summary, low end hotels that were in many cases dirty, and mediocre food, and a tour director that had nothing to say. that will be my first and last Insight tour.

Cosmos

  • Excellent - 19,639 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours
Wonderful! First time traveling outside of the US alone. It was a beautiful tour! Henry was amazing! He was full of knowledge and fun facts. The itinerary was awesome and well organized. So happy I went! I made life long friends sling the way! Recommend and will be using this tour again soon! Just book it! You’ll love it!
Time to go around places of interest was limited. Most of the time we reach our destinations just in time for the excursion and no spare time to go around. Overall I enjoyed the tour with the complimentary bit of history narration from the Tour Director.

MacBackpackers

MacBackpackers

  • Excellent - 2,508 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours
With the taste of whiskey still on my lips and the winds of Skye in my hair, I know the memories of this tour will never fade. If you seek adventure, if you want to know everything that the Scottish Highlands have to offer, come wind or snow, sunshine or hail, Macbackpackers will provide you with the best possible itinerary, the most impressive views and the visits you cannot miss. With a whole day to spend in Skye, we discovered some of the best spots and itched for our next visit to the island ... with Macbackpackers obviously!!!
Loved it! Great way to see what the highlands have to offer.

Overland Ireland - Small Group Tours

Overland Ireland - Small Gr…

  • Excellent - 466 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours
Everything about our Overland Ireland tour was a fulfillment of a dream. Our guide was knowledgeable, kind and personable. The bus was solid and clean. Ireland is a place of magic and we were immersed in its beauty. All That said I am extremely displeased with the service of Tour radar. Your communication skills are so sadly lacking. We went to the wrong starting point but it was the place YOU posted to go. We Wil NEVER se Tpur radar again. It was only through the kindness of our tour guide and several well placed phone calls that we actually got to go on the tour even though we were where we thought we needed to be at the right time.
Mike was an excellent guide, informative, very knowledgeable and flexible with the itinerary when necessary

Haggis Adventures

Haggis Adventures

  • Excellent - 1,964 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours
Tom is a great guide. Would recommend the tour.
Great tour really knowledgeable guides Steve and Brodie were fantastic Great content for the tour and would highly recommend Haggis tours

Topdeck

  • Excellent - 4,618 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours
Roxy (tour guide) and Adam (driver) are legends! They are so knowledgeable and professional. Definitely made the trip amazing for all of us. Thank you so much Roxy and Adam!
It was an incredible, well-organized, and fun trip!

Intertrips

  • Excellent - 27 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours
Jose the tourist guide was excellent, the hotels except for the last one were very good, the landscape and scenery was amazing, very recommended

Irish Experience Tours

Irish Experience Tours

  • Excellent - 249 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours
Anthony our tour guide was fantastic! His love for this beautiful country of Ireland really stood out. The small group of eight of us got on so well with each other, perfect size. Anthiny always went the extra mile with the group and made the experience one that I will treasureI will be back, thanks so much, Ireland has my heart!
Irish experience tour group was fantastic. Great value for your money and Lee, our tour guide, was amazing. Always going above and beyond and made us feel like family. A beautiful and friendly country that slows down to smells the roses.

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel

  • Excellent - 11,678 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours
Intrepid needs to tighten up this tour. Two free afternoons is too much when one has only three days on the island. Either make the tour two full days or two full days with one full day free to make plans to go to Hoy or Rousay. Give people guidance on what to do on the free day.
I recently traveled with a friend to Scotland. We included a week long tour with Intrepid, booked through Tour Radar. We paid a very healthy sum for the tour, $3,460 each. The description said the trip was appropriate for ages 15-99. It also described two nights in Portree on Isle of Skye with a private van tour on the full day on Isle of Sky. My friend and I chose this tour because of the time spent in Portree and on Isle of Skye, the small group size, and that if it was okay for ages 15-99 then I’d be fine six months post a major knee surgery. What wasn’t included in the description and what happened: -No where did it say that we’d be expected to walk/transport our luggage on foot from Points of transportation to our lodging ranging from 10-20 minutes. My 94 year old father-in-law lives with us and is able bodied, but there’s no way he could have done these distances While also carrying/pulling luggage. My 87 year old mother could not accomplish this either. I could do it with my recovering knee, but I was slower and it also used up some of the energy I needed for enjoying walking portions of the tour. I didn’t anticipate having to schlep my suitcase for 15 minutes at a time over uneven sidewalks, etc. I would have packed differently had I known or we would have looked for a different tour. -My friend and I still wonder why Fort Williams was included on the itinerary as a place to stay?
The only thing Intrepid provided was a walk to a castle that wasn’t open for visitors. The rest was on our own and there really wasn’t much happening other than a nice, little museum. We would have preferred more time on Isle of Skye. -We were notified prior to departure that our time on Isle of Skye would be at Kyleakin - not in Portree- and we’d have to arrange our own tour. Phone numbers were provided but no one on the tour had any luck booking anything prior to arriving, calls not returned, no availability, etc. So, 3-4 of our tour group spent 2 FULL hours or more on their phones while we were in Fort Williams trying to come up with some options for us. They pieced together a public bus ride to/from Kyleakin to Portree and a private taxi tour at our own expense! (After paying for it in the cost of our tour.) This should have been done by Intrepid!! Not once were we offered reimbursement. We didn’t have any time in Portree. We’d hoped to have lunch before our taxi tour, but all the restaurants were full. I found a to-go cup of tea and scone at a bike shop, then time in cue to use a bathroom. I’d looked forward to staying in Portree and had many places I had planned to walk to when not on the private van tour we were sold but didn’t get. Also, While staying in Kyleakin, the guest house did not provide a cooked breakfast, just light snacks in our rooms. Breakfast was provided, but we had to walk to/from the restaurant that was a mile each way. This used up time we could have been site seeing. Also, it would use up my knee energy for the days site-seeing. My friend went to breakfast but I skipped the walk to reserve my energy for site-seeing. Oh, and the whiskey tasting…we passed distilleries but we Were given a private lesson on tasting with our tour guide. While he did a fine job, the setting was not the same as a distillery setting. The room was bare, we used wine glasses, we were Supposed to take notes but no hard surfaces to write on, etc. Just wasn’t what any of us were expecting. I found Intrepid’s disregard for the changes and the misleading descriptions as to be very unprofessional. I use tours so that I don’t have to do all of the arranging. Why pay you if I’m going to have to do it myself? Next time I book a tour, I’ll be sure to avoid Intrepid. Many friends have asked about my trip. Unfortunately, the biggest disappointment was the tour. I’ve shared that multiple times now. I’m not the only member of the group that walked away Disappointed. We didn’t want to “blame” the tour guide, I don’t think he was responsible, he was just trying to keep us happy as he could sense how displeased we were. His answers too our questions were not satisfying at all. He seemed to be trying to cover for the company best he could.

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  • Deutsch: Reiseveranstalter für Großbritannien Reisen
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Top 10 Travel Agencies in the UK (2024)

top 10 travel companies uk

The presence of many travel companies in the UK indicates the never-ending desire of people to move around the world.

Many business deals and sources of income are largely dependent on human travel. Even in a bid to make the best out of our vacations, we helplessly resort to travelling far distances. Such trips could be within and out of the UK.

On some of these occasions, you may be left with little or no clue on how to make such plans. The cost of transportation, modes of payment, means of accommodation, how to book reservations (hotels, tours, excursions, or cars), and general advice on your planned trip are some of the services travel companies offer.

Planning for trips on a tight schedule is risky, especially when you are unfamiliar with the travel processes and how to navigate through the city of your planned destination.

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As expected, not all travel companies can give you the satisfaction you may wish to get. Travel companies with experience in travel consultancy, excellent track records, and sufficient human and capital resources are features to watch out for when booking an appointment with any travel company.

Below are some travel companies you can find in the UK that will give you the optimum value for your money.

Table of Contents

1. travel planners, 2. virgin holidays, 3. luxtripper, 4. explorer travel holidays, 5. hays travel, 6. tui holidays, 7. travel house uk, 8. dream world travel, 9. bright sun travel, 10. internova travel group, top 10 travel companies in the uk.

Travel Planners is a travel company that boasts of quick responses to travellers that wish to make their trip with the aid of a travel company.

Their 24-hour emergency helpline is available to provide you with the details you need and answer all of your questions.

Travel Planners has been in operation for over three decades and has earned the trust of travellers residing in the UK. The holiday packages they offer have grown to include family holidays, hotel holidays, luxury holidays, and motorhome holidays.

  • Website: https://www.travelplanners.co.uk
  • Phone: +44 20 3542 8888
  • Address: 2 Langston Road, Loughton IG10 3SJ, United Kingdom

Related: Top 7 Tourism Companies in the UK

Virgin Holidays is a subsidiary of Virgin Groups dedicated to assisting travellers in making their travel plans. It was founded in 1985 and has its headquarters in Crawley, England, from where it oversees the affairs of other offices in the United States and Canada.

It offers a wide range of holiday options in Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

uk largest travel agents

Virgin Holidays assures its customers of maximum confidentiality whenever they enter their details or make payments on their online platform. Customers also get to choose from the range of types of holidays offers. The holidays include beach holidays, Disney holidays, and self-catering holidays.

  • Website: https://www.virginholidays.co.uk
  • Email:  [email protected]
  • Address: Company Secretariat, The VHQ, Fleming Way, Crawley, West Sussex, United Kingdom, RH10 9DF

Related: Best Top Tourism Companies in the UK

Luxtripper is a reputable travel company whose excellent customer relationship management saw it taking home the Best Customer Relationship Management Platform award at the 2020 Travolution Awards.

Luxtripper offers its customers the best of luxury whenever they choose to travel across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, or in search of a perfect place to spend their holidays.

Customers can spend their holidays at safaris, beaches, overwater villas, and secluded locations. Its packages include travel plans for couples, families, friends, and groups. Customers can visit its website to check out a list of exciting itineraries they can afford.

  • Website: https://www.luxtripper.co.uk
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 02085343125
  • Address: Luxtripper, Gun House, 1 Artillery Passage, London, E1 7LJ, United Kingdom

This company offers travel plans and guidance to customers in the UK to enable them to maximize their holiday experience, whether in the UK or other parts of the world. It prepares special itineraries for customers according to the particular specifications and needs of customers.

Its services also cover travel plans for mountain sports and leisure activities.

Aside from scheduling holiday travels for customers, Explorer Travel Holidays hire cars, book hotel reservations, and flights for their customers.

Hays Travel has been in existence since 1980 and is remarkably the largest travel company in the United Kingdom, boasting over 400 branches. The company’s growth is largely attributed to its purchase of Bath travel (southern England’s largest travel agency) in 2013. It also went ahead to purchase Thomas Cook retail estate in 2019.

Hays Travel is equipped with both experience and finance to give customers optimum satisfaction. Its destinations span Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Portugal, the USA, Canada, Italy, and other countries. Customers wishing to have the best of their winter sun holidays, weekend breaks, or beach holidays will have no regret booking their travels with Hays Travel

  • Website: https://www.haystravel.co.uk
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +03330339985
  • Address:  Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR1 3HA

Related: 10 Best Luxury Travel Companies in the UK

Here’s a travel company that specialises in providing customers with the best options for them to choose from for their holidays. It offers over 45 destinations for customers to make their choices. These destinations include Spain, Cyprus, and Portugal, which have exciting beaches and relaxation spots for customers to enjoy their holidays.

The types of holidays included in its packages are waterpark holidays, family holidays, villa holidays, and city breaks. While on vacations, customers are provided with a TUI App with which they can keep in contact with members of their travel team.

  • Website: https://www.tui.co.uk
  • Phone: 0203 451 2688
  • Address: Wigmore House, Wigmore Lane, Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, LU2 9TN

Travel House UK is a travel company whose core values are integrity and trust. It’s poised to build good relationships with its clients. By maintaining accurate records of its customers and updating customers with travel news as well as suggestions on good choices to make, Travel House UK wins the trust of its customers.

From London, Travel House UK flies its customers to beautiful cities all over the world. Customers can visit its website to see the various destinations and packages they can enjoy when booking an appointment with the company. Customers can also get expert advice regarding their planned trips.

  • Website: https://www.travelhouseuk.co.uk
  • Phone: 020 3745 5784
  • Address: 10-11 Percy St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1DN

Dream World Travel is a London-based travel agency established that has grown to be one of the UK’s top travel companies.

As a result of its network with other hospitality companies worldwide, Dream World Travel provides its clients with affordable accommodations, facilities, and amenities.

Its flight tickets come in various classes and are very affordable. On this platform, customers enjoy the luxury of choosing destinations on all the continents of the world.

  • Website: https://dreamworldtravel.co.uk
  • Phone: 0203 195 9888
  • Address: Central Chambers Suite 21 Ealing Broadway, London. W5 2NR, UK

Bright Sun Travel is always open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, ready to attend to your travel needs. If you’re looking forward to spending your holidays without experiencing the usual logistics common with travel agencies, then Bright Sun Travel is the travel agency to trust with your plans.

Since 1986, they have been operating in the UK, climbing up the success ladder to be recognized as one of the top 30 independent travel companies in the UK. Their services include flights, car hire, hotels, and insurance.

  • Website: https://www.brightsun.co.uk
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 0208 819 1111
  • Address: 14 Hanworth Road Hounslow, Middlesex TW3 1UA

This is an award-winning travel agency with experts that are well learned in the travel business. Their experts will implement their skills in planning your holidays with you.

Whatever you’re travelling for business, adventure, or fun, they’ve got advisors to prepare you for such a trip.

Their global headquarters is in the US but they partner with various travel agencies in the UK and all over the world to further provide you with efficient services.

  • Website: https://internova.com
  • Phone: +800-448-3090

Compare Travel Companies in the UK

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Trending Today

Bankruptcy of U.K.’s Largest Travel Operator Strands Thousands of Vacationers

The U.K. government is undertaking the largest repatriation effort since WWII to bring home 150,000 Thomas Cook customers

Jason Daley

Correspondent

Thomas Cook Plane

Yesterday, hundreds of thousands of travelers around the globe found out that they were potentially stranded when Thomas Cook, one of the largest and oldest travel agencies and charter airlines in the world abruptly announced it was bankrupt. The firm immediately began liquidating assets and laid off its 22,000 employees. The event has put the British government on the hook for bringing 150,000 of its citizens home, the largest repatriation effort by the country since World War II.

Patrick Collinson at the Guardian reports that the 178-year-old travel company has experienced financial troubles for the past decade after merging with another travel group called MyTravel. Cook absorbed that company’s substantial debts while at the same time contending with increasingly competitive online travel hubs. That, plus a decline in bookings following Brexit uncertainty, all led up to the situation on Monday. When the company was denied a $250 million loan from private investors to stay afloat, it led to the immediate dissolution of the company.

Ben Perry at AFP reports that the bankruptcy has forced the government to step in. In a project dubbed Operation Matterhorn, the U.K. government and Civil Aviation Authority are lining up private flights to bring people home. “All customers currently abroad with Thomas Cook who are booked to return to the UK over the next two weeks will be brought home as close as possible to their booked return date,” the government wrote in a statement. It's not clear what, if any, type of arrangements are being made for non-U.K. travelers.

Any future travel plans arranged through Thomas Cook are canceled and customers will be refunded, mainly through government-back insurance, as Ceylan Yeginsu and Michael Wolgelenter at The New York Times report. The insurance will also reimburse hotels for customer stays, but some resorts don’t appear to have been made aware of that. Nightmare scenarios from people currently on vacation are slowly coming to light. Ian Westbrook at the BBC reports that all guests booked through Thomas Cook in one hotel in Spain had been locked out of their rooms and forced to pay out of pocket if they wanted to get back in. Several couples of elderly people were reported sleeping on couches in the hotel lobby. Molly Olmstead at Slate reports that up to 50,000 people are currently stuck on various Greek islands.

The New York Times reports that the shuttering of the company could have major impacts on certain destinations that rely heavily on Cook’s travel packages. The island of Crete, for example, receives 400,000 visitors booked by Cook annually. The Canary Islands receives about 3.2 to 3.6 million visitors via Cook charter flights each year.

Thomas Cook was started back in 1841 by cabinet maker Thomas Cook of Leicestershire, a supporter of the temperance movement. At that time, he arranged for a special train to carry supporters 12 miles to a temperance rally. As CNN reports, Cook continued to organize trips to temperance events and Sunday schools until 1845 when he organized his first commercial trip to Liverpool, complete with a travel guide for the event.

From there, things snowballed, and a decade later Cook was organizing trips to visit continental Europe, the United States and Egypt. In 1872, the company, continued by Cook's son, even put together the first round-the-world tour. Over time, it became the largest tour operator in Britain. It was considered so important that, after World War II almost bankrupted it, the tour agency was nationalized from 1948 to 1972.

When the company asked the government for a bailout this time around, the Boris Johnson administration said no. The New York Times reports that U.K. transportation secretary Grant Shapps pointed out that the company was billions of dollars in debt, and that a short-term bailout would not have saved it in the long run.

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Jason Daley is a Madison, Wisconsin-based writer specializing in natural history, science, travel, and the environment. His work has appeared in Discover , Popular Science , Outside , Men’s Journal , and other magazines.

Why did the bridge collapse and what is the death toll?

What is the death toll so far, when did the baltimore bridge collapse, why did the bridge collapse, who will pay for the damage and how much will the bridge cost.

NTSB investigators work on the cargo vessel Dali, which struck and collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge, in Baltimore

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO REBUILD THE BRIDGE?

What ship hit the baltimore bridge, what do we know about the bridge that collapsed.

The 1.6-mile (2.57 km) long Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland collapsed into the water overnight after a cargo ship collided with it on March 26.

HOW WILL THE BRIDGE COLLAPSE IMPACT THE BALTIMORE PORT?

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uk largest travel agents

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Lisa's journalism career spans two decades, and she currently serves as the Americas Day Editor for the Global News Desk. She played a pivotal role in tracking the COVID pandemic and leading initiatives in speed, headline writing and multimedia. She has worked closely with the finance and company news teams on major stories, such as the departures of Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and significant developments at Apple, Alphabet, Facebook and Tesla. Her dedication and hard work have been recognized with the 2010 Desk Editor of the Year award and a Journalist of the Year nomination in 2020. Lisa is passionate about visual and long-form storytelling. She holds a degree in both psychology and journalism from Penn State University.

Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore

Russian veto points to 'grim future' for North Korea sanctions enforcement

Russia's move to effectively disband the panel of experts monitoring longstanding United Nations sanctions against North Korea points to a "grim future" for the sanctions enforcement, three former members of the panel told Reuters.

Russian missile and drone attacks hit thermal and hydro power plants in central and western Ukraine, power grid operator Ukrenergo said on Friday, the latest assault on the already damaged power infrastructure.

A woman holding up her baby is silhouetted against the backdrop of N Seoul Tower in Seoul

Russia-Ukraine latest: Poland scrambles fighter jets; Russia attacks three thermal power plants in Ukraine

Polish and allied aircraft were activated early on Friday after Russia launched missile strikes on Ukraine, the Operational Command of the Polish armed forces said. Listen to a Daily podcast on how UK-made cars are getting into Russia as you scroll.

Friday 29 March 2024 07:37, UK

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  • Listen to the Daily podcast above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts
  • Live updates by James Robinson

More now coming through on the overnight drone and missile attack on Ukraine.

Ukraine's air force say they destroyed 58 Russia-launched attack drones overnight as well as 26 cruise missile.

Ukraine's air force chief described the attack as a "powerful missile and air strike" and said Russia had targeted the country's "fuel and energy sector".

Three thermal power plants of Ukraine's largest private power firm DTEK were attacked by Russia overnight, according to the company.

DTEK said some of their equipment was "severely damaged" in the attack.

"After the attack ended, the power engineers promptly started to repair the damage," the company said on the Telegram messaging app. 

Ukrainian power grid operator Ukrenergo also said that both thermal and hydro power plants had been damaged in missile and drone attacks.

"During the night, the Russians struck again at energy facilities in a massive and combined attack," Ukrenergo said on the Telegram messaging app. 

"Thermal and hydroelectric power plants in the central and western regions were damaged," it said.

Ukrenergo noted that emergency shutdowns were applied in the country's south-eastern Dnipropetrovsk region. 

Early this morning, Polish and allied aircraft were scrambled after Russia launched missile strikes on Ukraine, the Operational Command of the Polish armed forces said. 

"Polish and allied aircraft are operating in Polish airspace, which may result in increased noise levels, especially in the southeastern part of the country," the Command said on the social media platform X.

The southeastern part of Poland borders Ukraine. 

Poland also scrambled jets on 24 March during a missile and drone attack on western Ukraine, to "ensure the safety of Polish airspace".

Welcome back to our live coverage of the war in Ukraine. 

Before we resume our live coverage, here is a quick recap of some of the key developments over the last 24 hours.

  • Russia claimed it had evidence that the gunmen who killed more than 140 people in an attack on a Moscow concert hall last week were linked to "Ukrainian nationalists" - without presenting the evidence;
  • The White House dismissed Russia's allegation as "nonsense";
  • Actor Steven Seagal - who once hailed Vladimir Putin as "one of the great living world leaders" - was pictured in Russia, visiting the victims of the Moscow terror attack;
  • A Russian military aircraft crashed into the sea off the Crimean port of Sevastopol;
  • Discussions about a possible prisoner exchange involving the Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich should be completed "in silence", the Kremlin said. 

That's the end of our live updates and analysis for this evening, but we'll be back with more tomorrow.

A senior US diplomat has said Ukraine needs to be more open about sharing hard truths from the battlefield, according to a report.

The state department's counter-disinformation chief, James Rubin, told Politico that giving reporters greater access to sensitive conflict zones would strengthen Ukraine's campaign for aid from allies.

But Ukraine can sometimes "resist the kind of freedom of information that’s normal for us", he said.

"Some days, war reporters report things that aren't necessarily in the interest of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but in a democracy that we hope and increasingly see Ukraine becoming… they can understand that having war reporters cover the war, even if occasionally there's bad news, is a far better life than the controlled environment that Russia has placed on all of its people."

French authorities have shut down a website falsely claiming to be recruiting French volunteers to fight in Ukraine.

The website purported to be organising a recruitment drive to enlist 200,000 French citizens, AFP reported

"The site is a fake government site and has been reposted by malicious accounts as part of a disinformation campaign," the French defence ministry said.

Poland's security agency has searched a number of properties as part of an investigation into alleged Russian spying. 

The ABW said it carried out the searches along with other European security services, including the Czech Republic. 

A hub for Western military supplies to Ukraine, Poland has said it's become a major target of Russian spies.

It accuses Moscow and its ally Belarus of trying to destabilise it.

"Actions aimed at organising pro-Russian initiatives and media campaigns in EU countries have been documented," the ABW said.

It specifically mentioned the website voice-of-europe.eu, saying it has published pro-Russian material.

Searches were made in Warsaw and Tychy in western Poland on Tuesday, it added, without giving more specific details.

By Sean Bell , military analyst 

Some reports have suggested the Russian miliary has lost more than 10% of its frontline fighter jets since the start of the conflict.

Over the past few weeks, Russian fighter jets have reportedly been using "glide bombs" to enable the pilots to stand-off further away from the frontline and reduce vulnerability. 

In a further sign of growing concerns over the safety of its fighters, the Russians have also reportedly introduced a weapon into their inventory that can enable even greater stand-off ranges.

The UMPB D30 is based on the Russian FAB 250 500lb free-fall bomb, with the addition of a GPS guidance kit to enable precision strike.

The Russians have adapted the bomb to include a small jetpack and fuel tank to further extend its range. 

It can be air or land launched, and will reduce the vulnerability of Russian fighters on the frontline.

Earlier, the Ukrainian foreign minister claimed the F-16 fighters would be operating in the skies over Ukraine by mid-summer. 

If true, the Russian air force has good reason to be cautious. 

However, it's still not clear what level of capability will be offered with the F-16. 

The fighter is an incredibly impressive platform, but the air power capability will be heavily dependent on the weapons and air-to-air missiles provided, the radar, the defensive aids and the electronic warfare capability. 

Although the F-16 fighters donated to Ukraine are likely to be at least 30 years old, the internal weapons systems could well have received upgrades to enable them to match - or indeed overmatch - Russian capability. 

And Ukrainian pilots are conducting intensive flying training courses in the UK and other nations to ensure they trained and ready for combat operations.

This is a difficult time for Ukraine, with Western military support waning and Russia on the offensive on the frontline; however, the introduction of Western F-16s could offer a significant ray of hope if Ukraine is able to exploit this potent air power capability.

Two children have been questioned by police over online posts that have been viewed as "justifying terrorism", local authorities and Russian media have said. 

The children - aged nine and 16 - were among six people to be taken in by officers since the deadly Moscow concert attack last week.

Police in Siberia brought in the nine-year-old girl for questioning after she allegedly asked a woman online to kill people for money, a local branch of Russia's interior ministry said. 

"Hello, will you kill people for 500,000 roubles [$5,400]?" the girl wrote, according to the interior ministry branch in Tuva, which borders Mongolia. 

The girl then frantically apologised after the woman threatened to "get the FSB involved". 

During her interrogation, the child said she wrote the messages "out of boredom", according to the interior ministry. 

Her mother has since been charged with improper upbringing of a child, and the girl has been placed on a list that allows authorities to monitor her activities as a counterterrorism measure.

Separately, a 16-year-old boy was detained in another city in Tuva after calling online for "illegal actions" at a cinema, local media reported. 

They said the boy told authorities he "wanted to joke and scare people". 

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Inside Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship

They like big boats and they cannot lie.

For many of the first passengers on the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the onboard reality of the $2 billion behemoth lived up to the over-the-top hype.

During back-to-back preview sailings from the Port of Miami in late January, travel agents, special guests, members of the media and selfie-snapping influencers giddily explored as much as they could of the 20-story floating city that boasts eight distinct neighborhoods — and can hold nearly 10,000 passengers and crew at full capacity.

As they ate and drank across the ship a shared sentiment formed: Big is indeed beautiful.

“I think it’s definitely a game-changer,” said Tywana Minor, founder of Live Travel Go, a boutique travel agency based in Atlanta. “You can literally be on the ship for a few days and still not even experience everything.”

The first bunch on board explored the myriad offerings with a sort of collective awe. Couples clinked flutes of champagne at the walk-up Bubbles bar in the Central Park neighborhood, one of 40 bars and restaurants on board.

Adults giggled like nervous adolescents as they blasted down water slides with names like Frightening Bolt and Storm Surge in the 17,000-square-foot water park. Pint-sized passengers, meanwhile, found nirvana at Surfside, a family-centric area complete with a beach-themed carousel and wading pool.

A few lucky souls even had the good fortune to snag perhaps the most coveted reservation on the high seas: the 38-seat Empire Supper Club, an eight-course dinner complete with cocktail pairings and live jazz. The fine-dining experience, which costs $200 per person, is fully booked for the next few months.

But it wasn’t just Icon’s splashy main attractions wowing passengers: Surprises awaited around seemingly every corner of the 1,198-foot ship, including pop-up piano performances, magicians and a duo of donut-costumed employees at the breakfast buffet every morning pointing guests toward rows of sinks and reminding them to “washy washy before yummy yummy!”

For many passengers, adjusting to Icon’s staggering size — it’s nearly as long as four New York City blocks — presented a learning curve in itself. Even with signage everywhere, getting lost at some point was a given. Furthermore, the ship’s design — a vast open-air interior with elevators located forward and aft but not in the middle — almost guarantees that passengers will hit (or exceed) their daily step count.

“If you don’t like walking around a lot, this ship is not gonna be for you,” said Linda Miranda , a Newburgh, NY-based travel franchise owner with Cruise Planners.

As an antidote to the go-go-go vibe, Icon’s massive square footage also includes plenty of tranquil nooks and crannies ideal for kicking back and catching your breath: bed loungers overlooking the ocean; cornucopias of outdoor couches and chairs across various decks; and cozy, nest-like booths in the AquaDome, an area featuring a waterfall and wraparound ocean views.

“There are so many spaces that you’re not going to feel the 7,600 passengers it can hold fully occupied,” Miranda said.

To escape the sensory overload altogether, retreat to their staterooms. There are 28 room categories; the most basic accommodations are 157-square-foot interior plus cabins, with rates starting at $3,600 per week for two people.

Meanwhile, one-percenters can splash out with the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, which spoils eight guests with amenities like a private patio, outdoor hot tub, in-suite slide, cinema and popcorn machine, and kids’ room. The suite costs, on average, $100,000 per week.

So far, passengers are showing an insatiable appetite for Icon and its outsized experience. When the ship was first announced in October 2022, it broke records as the largest booking day and week in Royal Caribbean’s then 53-year history, according to the cruise line. And the remainder of 2024 sailings are almost sold out, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed.

But since Icon is the first of a new class of megaships by Royal Caribbean — two more are on the way, with Star of the Seas scheduled to debut in August 2025 — there’s plenty more big fun on the horizon. It’s a prospect that has the chubby chasers of the cruise community twitterpated.

“These news ships, I don’t know how they keep building them bigger and bigger,” said Howard Schildhouse — a retired accountant who writes about his travels on his blog, “ It Must Be Wanderlust ” — “but they do.”

Inside Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship

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  • Number of businesses in the travel agency industry in the UK 2023, by employment size

Number of VAT/PAYE based enterprises in the travel agency, tour operator, and other reservation services and related activities industry in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2023, by employment size band

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* VAT and/or PAYE based enterprises Standard Industrial Classification (UK SIC 2007) Division 79.

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  • Travel agency, tour operators and reservation services revenue UK 2008-2021
  • Travel agents' and tour operators' turnover in Germany 2010-2016
  • Travel agents' and tour operators' turnover in Ireland 2012-2015
  • Travel agents' and tour operators' turnover in Austria 2010-2015
  • Travel agents' and tour operators' turnover in Norway 2010-2014
  • Travel agents' and tour operators' turnover in Croatia 2010-2015
  • Travel agents' and tour operators' turnover in Slovakia 2010-2014
  • Travel agents' and tour operators' turnover in Sweden 2010-2015
  • Travel agents' and tour operators' turnover in Denmark 2010-2015
  • Travel agents' and tour operators' turnover in Finland 2010-2016
  • Monthly index of occupation of travel agencies and tour operators Spain 2015-2016
  • Number of enterprises in the UK employment activities sector, by employment 2019
  • Industry revenue of “other travel arrangement and reservation services“ in Florida 2012-20...
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What we know about the container ship that crashed into the Baltimore bridge

  • The ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday was the Singapore-flagged Dali.
  • The container ship had been chartered by Maersk, the Danish shipping company. 
  • Two people were recovered from the water but six remain missing, authorities said.

Insider Today

A container ship crashed into a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing its collapse into the Patapsco River.

A livestream showed vehicles traveling on the Francis Scott Key Bridge just moments before the impact at 1:28 a.m. ET.

Baltimore first responders called the situation a "developing mass casualty event" and a "dire emergency," per The Associated Press.

James Wallace, chief of the Baltimore Fire Department, said in a press conference that two people had been recovered from the water.

One was uninjured, but the other was transported to a local trauma center in a "very serious condition."

Wallace said up to 20 people were thought to have fallen into the river and some six people were still missing.

Richard Worley, Baltimore's police chief, said there was "no indication" the collision was purposeful or an act of terrorism.

Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland, declared a state of emergency around 6 a.m. ET. He said his office was in close communication with Pete Buttigieg, the transportation secretary.

"We are working with an interagency team to quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden Administration," Moore added.

Understanding why the bridge collapsed could have implications for safety, in both the shipping and civil engineering sectors.

The container ship is the Singapore-flagged Dali, which is about 984 feet long, and 157 feet wide, per a listing on VesselFinder.

An unclassified Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency report said that the ship "lost propulsion" as it was leaving port, ABC News reported.

The crew notified officials that they had lost control and warned of a possible collision, the report said, per the outlet.

The Dali's owner is listed as Grace Ocean, a Singapore-based firm, and its manager is listed as Synergy Marine, which is also headquartered in Singapore.

Shipping news outlet TradeWinds reported that Grace Ocean confirmed the Dali was involved in the collapse, but is still determining what caused the crash.

Related stories

Staff for Grace Ocean declined to comment on the collision when contacted by Business Insider.

"All crew members, including the two pilots have been accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries. There has also been no pollution," Synergy Marine said in a statement.

The company did not respond to a request for further comment from BI.

'Horrified'

Maersk chartered the Dali, with a schedule for the ship on its website.

"We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected," the Danish shipping company said in a statement.

Maersk added: "We are closely following the investigations conducted by authorities and Synergy, and we will do our utmost to keep our customers informed."

Per ship tracking data, the Dali left Baltimore on its way to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, at around 1 a.m., about half an hour before the crash.

The Port of Baltimore is thought to be the largest in the US for roll-on/roll-off ships carrying trucks and trailers.

Barbara Rossi, associate professor of engineering science at the University of Oxford, told BI the force of the impact on one of the bridge's supporting structures "must have been immense" to lead to the collapse.

Dr Salvatore Mercogliano, a shipping analyst and maritime historian at Campbell University, told BI: "It appears Dali left the channel while outbound. She would have been under the control of the ship's master with a Chesapeake Bay pilot onboard to advise the master.

"The deviation out of the channel is probably due to a mechanical issue as the ship had just departed the port, but you cannot rule out human error as that was the cause of the Ever Forward in 2022 just outside of Baltimore."

He was referring to the incident two years ago when the container ship became grounded for a month in Chesapeake Bay after loading up cargo at the Port of Baltimore.

The US Coast Guard found the incident was caused by pilot error, cellphone use, and "inadequate bridge resource management."

Claudia Norrgren, from the maritime research firm Veson Nautical, told BI: "The industry bodies who are here to protect against incidents like this, such as the vessel's flag state, classification society, and regulatory bodies, will step in and conduct a formal investigation into the incident. Until then, it'll be very hard for anyone to truly know what happened on board."

This may not have been the first time the Dali hit a structure.

In 2016, maritime blogs such as Shipwreck Log and ship-tracking site VesselFinder posted videos of what appears to be the stern of the same, blue-hulled container vessel scraping against a quay in Antwerp.

A representative for the Port of Antwerp told BI the Dali did collide with a quay there eight years ago but couldn't "give any information about the cause of the accident."

The Dali is listed as being built in 2015 by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea.

Watch: The shipwreck at the center of a battle between China and the Philippines

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COMMENTS

  1. Leading travel agents by number of outlets UK 2024

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    2. Expedia Group. Expedia Group remains the second-most-powerful travel agency in 2023 with sales of $95.1 billion last year. The online travel agency boasts a slew of well-known brands including Expedia, Hotels.com, Orbitz, Travelocity, Vrbo, Trivago and Hotwire. 3.

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    TUI remains at the top of the list. The UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has completed and posted its list of ATOL (Air Travel Organizers' License) for the next half year, providing the tour and travel industry with our de facto list of the country's tour operators, .And, as was the case for the past several years, TUI leads all on the basis of ATOLs for passengers for the next 12 months.

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    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 ...

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    Download the full report for insights into the trends, challenges and opportunities the travel sector faces in 2022. Premier Inn leads our top travel brands in the UK with an average net Impression score of 39.9. The hotel chain operator saw its third-quarter sales rise by 3.1% for UK hotels and expects sales in the country to fully recover ...

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    Jet2holidays was the largest operating ATOL-licensed tour operator in the United Kingdom, with over 6.7 million passengers licensed as of February 2024. TUI UK and We Love Holidays followed, with ...

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    The United Kingdom boasts a vibrant and competitive travel industry, with numerous travel agents catering to the diverse needs of travelers. When it comes to identifying the largest travel agents in the UK, a handful of names stand out for their remarkable scale and influence.

  11. Secure Holidays

    Operating for over 40 years with over 450 branches, Hays Travel is the UK's largest independent travel agent. Whether you'd like a short UK break, a sunny package holiday, an all inclusive getaway or something else entirely, our team will help you book the holiday of your dreams. Our Peace of Mind Guarantee means you can enjoy flexible, secure ...

  12. ABTA

    Travel agents and tour operators in the United Kingdom, UK-arranged foreign holidays, and consumer protection for package holidays: Location: ABTA Ltd, 30 Park Street, ... ABTA has existed for over 70 years and is the UK's largest travel association, representing travel agents and tour operators that sell around £32 billion of holidays and ...

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    Jet2holidays has continued to win awards for the way it looks after customers and independent travel agents, before, ... "Becoming the UK's largest tour operator is a significant milestone in the history of Jet2holidays, but it will not change a single thing that we do. Our continued success is because we have the best team in the industry ...

  14. List of Top 50 largest Travel agencies in the UK • BoldData

    The total number of Travel agencies in the UK is 21,215. London is the largest province with a 32% market share (6,893 travel agencies). Second is Manchester with 1,072 travel agencies (5%). Birmingham also has a large number of travel agencies: 512. These three provinces combined have an 39% market share in the total UK travel agencies ...

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    4. Hays Travel: great for those looking to travel with peace of mind. Established in 1990, Hays is now the UK's leading independent travel agency. Today, Hays is fully ABTA, ATOL and IATA bonded, giving holiday goers complete financial security for their trip.

  16. About World Airfares

    World Airfares is a trading name of Moresand Limited, an award-winning UK based travel agency supplying flights, hotels, packaged holidays and cruises. Founded in 1987, the Company is headquartered in Fitzrovia, London. Moresand Limited is one of the largest independently owned travel agents in the country, flying over 400,000 passengers in ...

  17. The Kent Travel Company

    With over 300 partners and the backing of one of the UK's largest consortiums, we have the resources to make your travel dreams a reality. And even if we don't know the answer to a question, we know exactly who to contact to find it for you - saving you time and hassle. ... saving you time and hassle. With The Kent Travel Company, let ...

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    View all Operator Information. Excellent - 4,210 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours. My name is Maria Luisa Velasquez,!I had the best tours Great Britain 7 days!! My tours leader Mike was an excellent leader, knowledgable.Our driver Russell a fantastic driver. Excellent - by Doris Ballesteros.

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    5. Hays Travel. Hays Travel has been in existence since 1980 and is remarkably the largest travel company in the United Kingdom, boasting over 400 branches. The company's growth is largely attributed to its purchase of Bath travel (southern England's largest travel agency) in 2013.

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  23. Baltimore Port: What impact will bridge collapse have on shipping?

    Information you can trust. Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the world's largest multimedia news provider, reaching billions of people worldwide every day.

  24. Why did the bridge collapse and what is the death toll?

    Divers recovered the remains of two of the six missing workers more than a day after a cargo ship smashed into Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge. The bodies of two men were found in a red ...

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    During back-to-back preview sailings from the Port of Miami in late January, travel agents, special guests, members of the media and selfie-snapping influencers giddily explored as much as they ...

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  28. What We Know About Ship That Crashed Into the Baltimore Bridge

    A container ship crashed into a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing its collapse into the Patapsco River. A livestream showed vehicles traveling on the Francis Scott Key Bridge just ...