The UK travel industry is one of the most dynamic and trusted markets in the global tourism sector. With millions of British holidaymakers seeking everything from beach escapes to bespoke adventures, selecting a reliable travel company is essential.
This article highlights the top 10 travel companies in the UK, recognised for their outstanding service, diverse offerings, and customer trust.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, romantic getaway, or business trip, these top-rated agencies ensure you travel with peace of mind.
What Makes a Great Travel Company in the UK?
In a world where travellers have access to countless options online, what sets a truly exceptional travel company apart? A great travel company in the UK combines trustworthiness, expertise, personalisation, and reliability.
Here’s what to look for:
- ATOL & ABTA Accreditation: These accreditations ensure financial protection in the event a company goes out of business or you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Tailored Experiences: Top agencies go beyond cookie-cutter holidays and provide customised itineraries based on traveller preferences, travel history, and budget.
- Customer Service: Whether it’s a delayed flight or a missed transfer, top UK travel companies offer 24/7 support and dedicated agents ready to resolve issues quickly.
- Multi-Channel Booking Options: Reputable agencies offer both online booking platforms and in-person consultations, allowing flexibility for various types of travellers.
- High Customer Ratings: Travel companies with consistent positive feedback on platforms like Trustpilot and Which? tend to offer better overall experiences.
In summary, a great travel company is not just a booking portal but a travel partner, ensuring your trip is smooth, safe, and memorable.
How Do Travel Agencies in the UK Differ from Online Booking Sites?
In recent years, online booking engines have made it easier than ever to plan your own trip. However, traditional and modern UK travel agencies offer valuable advantages that online-only platforms often lack.
| Feature | UK Travel Agencies | Online Booking Sites |
| Customisation | High – often bespoke itineraries | Low – standardised selections |
| Financial Protection | ATOL/ABTA protection included | May vary or be excluded |
| Customer Support | 24/7 human support | Chatbots or email only |
| Expert Guidance | Destination specialists available | Self-guided research |
| Added Perks | Exclusive deals, upgrades, advice | Limited or none |
While online sites are great for last-minute, straightforward bookings, travel agencies are ideal for complex holidays, honeymoons, multi-city tours, cruises, or trips involving multiple people.
The personal touch, insider knowledge, and problem-solving abilities of a good travel agent can’t be overstated.
Why Trust Reviews and Ratings When Choosing a Travel Agency?
Choosing a travel agency is a decision that affects your time, money, and well-being. This is why genuine reviews and independent ratings are so critical.
Here’s how reviews and ratings can help:
- Authentic User Experiences: Platforms like Trustpilot, Feefo, and Which? collect unbiased feedback from real customers, shedding light on everything from the booking process to how issues were handled during emergencies.
- Patterns in Service Quality: A few bad reviews are expected, but consistent patterns of praise or complaints (e.g., about poor communication or unfulfilled promises) are red flags, or green lights.
- Verified Experiences: Many review platforms verify whether a customer actually booked or travelled with the agency, adding an extra layer of reliability.
- Agency Responsiveness: How a company responds to negative reviews can reveal their commitment to customer service. Professional, apologetic, and resolution-driven responses are signs of a responsible company.
Ultimately, reviews offer insight you won’t find in brochures or sales pitches, giving you a clearer picture of what your experience is likely to be.
Top 10 Travel Companies in the UK
1. Hays Travel
From a dressing table to a national empire, Hays Travel’s story is nothing short of remarkable. Established in 1980 by the late John Hays in Seaham, County Durham, the company has grown into the UK’s largest independent travel agent, operating nearly 500 high-street branches across the nation.
Why Hays Travel Stands Out?
Hays Travel is more than just a travel agency, it’s a people-powered brand with a focus on personal service, community values, and unmatched travel variety.
With over 40 years of industry experience, it offers a wide spectrum of holidays: from last-minute getaways and family breaks to wellness retreats, wildlife adventures, and sports-focused escapes.
Key Features:
- Nation’s Favourite Travel Agent – Voted Gold at the British Travel Awards 2024
- Unrivalled choice from hundreds of suppliers
- Personal service across in-branch, online, and homeworking models
- £2 billion turnover milestone reached in 2024
- Award-winning apprenticeship scheme – 631 apprentices recruited in 2024
Community Commitment
Hays Travel doesn’t just serve holidays, it serves communities. Its Charitable Foundation, launched in 2015, has donated over £1.8 million to initiatives supporting young people in health, sport, arts, and education.
Each branch also receives annual funds to invest locally, with a 2024 contribution of £246,000 to local projects.
A Legacy of Growth & Resilience
- 2019: Acquired over 500 Thomas Cook shops, saving 2,500 jobs
- 2023–2024: Expanded with acquisitions from Just Go, Travel House, Miles Morgan Travel
- 2025: Projected transaction value reached £3 billion
Hays Travel offers everything under one roof, late deals, tailored packages, travel insurance, and currency services. Fully ATOL, ABTA, and IATA bonded, they ensure complete peace of mind, all delivered with a 4.9/5 customer satisfaction rating.
2. TUI UK
TUI UK, the British arm of Europe’s largest tourism group, is the go-to for travellers looking for variety, innovation, and value. With origins in the Thomson Travel Group, TUI UK has evolved into a one-stop holiday solution with a truly global reach.
What TUI UK Offers?
From beach escapes and luxury resorts to ski breaks, cruises, and multi-centre tours, TUI tailors holidays for every type of traveller. Their flagship brands include:
- TUI BLUE: Upscale experiences with local authenticity
- Sensatori: Luxurious getaways
- Marella Cruises: Ocean journeys to over 120 destinations
- TUI River Cruises: Relaxed travel through Europe’s rivers
- TUI MAGIC LIFE and ROBINSON: All-inclusive, active lifestyle resorts
Key Numbers:
- 6 million British holidaymakers
- 9,000+ employees in the UK & Ireland
- 21 regional airports
- 85+ global destinations
- 600+ Green & Fair hotels meeting top sustainability criteria
Digital & In-Store Flexibility
Whether you book via the TUI app, online, over the phone or in one of their 300+ travel agencies, you get 24/7 customer care via their TUI Experience Centre.
Environmental & Social Impact
TUI is committed to sustainable tourism. Their aircraft fleet features Boeing 737 MAX and Dreamliner jets for greater fuel efficiency.
They’ve removed 257+ million single-use plastic items, while the TUI Care Foundation funds global initiatives protecting wildlife, coasts, and communities.
Why Book with TUI UK?
- Extensive handpicked hotel portfolio
- Multi-centre holidays with 5,000+ combinations
- Award-winning airline and cruise options
- Fully ABTA & ATOL protected
TUI isn’t just a travel provider, it’s a travel innovator delivering dynamic, eco-conscious holidays to every corner of the world.
3. Trailfinders
Founded by ex-SAS officer Sir Mike Gooley CBE, Trailfinders is a true pioneer in the UK’s bespoke travel market. With over 16 million travellers served, they are the go-to experts for tailormade travel to virtually every part of the globe.
What Makes Trailfinders Unique
With a staff of over 1,000 seasoned travel professionals operating from 47 travel centres across the UK and Ireland, Trailfinders offers custom journeys, not cookie-cutter packages.
Their travel specialists have collectively visited 99% of the world’s countries, ensuring first-hand knowledge for your itinerary.
Extensive Travel Services
- Tailor-made holidays for all travel styles – luxury, adventure, gap years, honeymoons, rail trips, wellness and more
- Flights, cruises, hotels, car hire, travel insurance
- In-house Travel Clinic, Visa service, and Airport VIP Lounges
- Specialist support for school trips, corporate travel, and celebrations
Award-Winning Trust
Trailfinders has been named the UK’s Most Trusted Travel Brand, with a strong emphasis on human connection and expert advice over self-service booking.
Holiday Styles:
- Guided Group Touring
- Off the Beaten Track Adventures
- Safari & Wildlife
- Private Rail Journeys
- All-Inclusive & City Breaks
- Active Holidays (ski, golf, hiking, wellness)
If you want to explore the world in a way that feels handcrafted just for you, Trailfinders delivers travel the way it should be, personal, professional, and unparalleled.
4. Kuoni UK
Kuoni UK has built its legacy on one word: excellence. With over 200 travel industry awards under its belt, Kuoni has long been recognised as the UK’s leading luxury travel specialist.
Whether you’re seeking serene beaches, safari adventures, or bespoke honeymoons, Kuoni turns ideas into reality.
Key Services:
- In-store and virtual appointments with Personal Travel Experts
- Custom brochures tailored to four regions of your choice
- Multi-centre holidays, wildlife tours, wellness retreats and more
- Self-drive packages and tailor-made itineraries
Customer Support:
- Dedicated Sales Support Team
- Emergency helpdesk
- Local representatives in-destination for on-the-go support
Why Choose Kuoni?
- Recommended Provider by Which?
- Expert travel consultants with deep regional knowledge
- Exceptional aftercare from planning to return
- Trusted by high-end travellers for over 50 years
Whether it’s a multi-city honeymoon, an immersive wildlife experience, or a rejuvenating retreat, Kuoni creates journeys that elevate every moment of your escape.
5. Jet2holidays
Jet2holidays is the UK’s largest tour operator, renowned for stress-free, value-packed getaways. Pairing their award-winning airline Jet2.com with all-inclusive holiday experiences, they serve millions annually with sunny breaks, city escapes, and villa stays.
Why Jet2holidays Excels?
From £60pp low deposits to free child places and monthly payment plans, Jet2holidays makes it easy and affordable to book the holiday you deserve. Their collection includes:
- Jet2CityBreaks: Urban escapes across 30+ destinations
- Jet2Villas: Packages with villa stay, car hire, and flights
- Indulgent Escapes: 5-star luxury with perks like priority boarding
- VIBE: Trendy resorts for music, nightlife, and style lovers
Fast Facts:
- Departures from 13 UK airports
- Over 50 sun and city destinations
- Fully ATOL & ABTA protected
- Customer Helpers in resort for on-site support
- 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating
Additional Services:
- Travel insurance
- In-flight meals and add-ons
- Reserved seating and airport fast track
- App for easy booking management
Award-winning for three consecutive years by Which?, Jet2holidays consistently delivers joy and peace of mind.
Whether it’s a beach break in Greece or a cultural jaunt to Prague, they make every trip easy, affordable, and unforgettable.
6. Expedia UK
Expedia UK is a major force in digital travel booking, offering a comprehensive travel platform that empowers users to plan and manage every aspect of their journey, from start to finish.
As part of the Expedia Group, a global travel leader, Expedia.co.uk connects UK travellers to hundreds of thousands of flights, hotels, activities, and holiday packages worldwide.
Why Expedia Stands Out?
Expedia believes that travel is a force for good, aiming to make it more accessible, rewarding, and seamless through innovation and technology.
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute deal or a multi-destination trip, Expedia offers flexible solutions tailored to any traveller’s budget and needs.
Core Services:
- Flight & Hotel Search Engine with dynamic filtering
- Car rentals and airport transfers
- Activities and tours for every destination
- Flexible payment plans including Pay-Monthly options
- Expedia OneKey loyalty programme with rewards across brands
Global Reach with Local Assurance:
While Expedia operates globally, its UK-specific offerings come with ATOL protection for flight-inclusive packages and insurance for others, giving customers financial peace of mind.
Travel Tech with a Human Touch:
Expedia blends smart tools with multi-channel customer service, including live chat, phone support, and a virtual agent. It also integrates with One Key, a new loyalty system that rewards users across its network, including Hotels.com, Vrbo, and CarRentals.com.
Expedia is ideal for digital-savvy travellers looking for a customisable, tech-powered, value-driven holiday experience backed by global standards.
7. Audley Travel
Audley Travel isn’t just about destinations, it’s about you. With over 25 years of experience crafting bespoke journeys, Audley specialises in turning personal ideas into immersive travel experiences across the globe.
Personalised From Start to Finish
Each Audley itinerary is designed by a dedicated destination specialist who takes the time to understand your passions, preferences, and travel motivations.
Whether you’re after a gorilla trek in Uganda, lava tubes in Hawaii, or a culinary journey in Vietnam, no two trips are ever the same.
Why Audley Travel is Unique?
- 100% tailor-made holidays from start to finish
- Expert consultants who have lived in or travelled extensively through your chosen destination
- Hand-picked guides offering local insights and deeper understanding
- FCDO Travel Aware Partner with 24/7 emergency support
Commitment to Responsible Travel
Audley’s ethos is grounded in sustainability and respect for local communities. By working with on-the-ground partners and promoting ethical tourism practices, they ensure that your experience supports both the environment and the people.
From luxury escapes to cultural deep-dives, Audley is perfect for travellers seeking meaningful, slow travel that’s shaped around them.
8. On the Beach
On the Beach has gone from a small start-up in Macclesfield to one of the UK’s most loved online travel agencies, sending over 1.5 million travellers abroad annually. Their secret? Affordable beach breaks with maximum customisation and humour that hits home.
Holiday Your Way
On the Beach specialises in DIY-style package holidays, where you build your perfect escape by mixing and matching flights, hotels, and extras, all in just a few clicks.
Why People Love On the Beach?
- Flexible holidays with dynamic flight and hotel combos
- ATOL protected packages
- Add-ons like airport transfers, fast track, lounges, and insurance
- Price Drop Protection: if your holiday drops in price post-booking, you get the difference back
Easy Booking & Management
Using the “My Bookings” portal, you can manage your trip, update payments, access travel documents, and chat with support. Whether you’re planning a stag party in Ibiza or a family break in Tenerife, you can book, modify, and fly with full confidence.
Award-Winning Fun
Known for their cheeky branding and customer-focused perks, On the Beach is more than an OTA, it’s a community of beach-lovers who want hassle-free holidays without the stress of traditional travel agents.
9. Love Holidays
loveholidays is the UK’s fastest-growing independent travel agent, built on three core promises: unlimited choice, unmissable value, and unmatched ease.
Their algorithmically driven search engine pairs over 42,000 hotels with 99% of all flights, delivering over 500 billion holiday package combinations.
What Makes loveholidays Different?
Even if you don’t know where you want to go, loveholidays can suggest destinations based on preferences, not geography. That means your dream holiday might be somewhere you’d never thought to look.
Top Features:
- ATOL protected packages
- Best Price Promise with a refund + £5 if you find it cheaper
- Pay Monthly and low deposit options
- Accessible travel specialists for travellers with mobility or medical needs
- Holiday comparison tools to find the best deal
How They Support Travellers?
With support available via chat, email, and their app, loveholidays provides peace of mind throughout your booking process and during your trip. Their transparent interface and clear pricing eliminate surprise fees, putting control back in the traveller’s hands.
loveholidays makes it easy to go from browsing to boarding in just a few clicks – ideal for budget-conscious globetrotters who still want full travel security.
10. Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a pioneer in purpose-led small group adventures, offering over 1,000 trips in 120+ countries. Founded by two friends with a passion for exploration, Intrepid has grown into the world’s largest B-Corp certified travel company.
Why Intrepid is Special?
Unlike traditional tours, Intrepid immerses travellers in local cultures through homestays, Indigenous-led experiences, and community-based tourism.
Their small groups (12–14 people) are led by local guides, creating unforgettable, respectful, and sustainable journeys.
Signature Offerings:
- Adventure trips that go off the beaten path
- Sustainable itineraries with verified carbon-reduction targets
- Intrepid Foundation: raised $18+ million for global communities
- Science-based environmental goals
How Intrepid Delivers:
- Themed trips: Food, Wildlife, Cycling, Women’s Expeditions, and Family Adventures
- Responsible animal encounters under strict welfare guidelines
- Small group sizes for richer experiences
- 24/7 support and secure booking
As a certified B Corporation, Intrepid proves that travel can be a force for good, blending discovery with impact, comfort with conscience.
If you want to connect with places, people, and cultures in a meaningful way, Intrepid is your passport to purposeful travel.
How Do the Top UK Travel Companies Compare?
Choosing the right travel company can be overwhelming with so many excellent options available. To simplify your decision-making, here’s a comprehensive comparison table that breaks down the key features of the top 10 travel companies in the UK.
This includes their specialties, booking methods, financial protection status, and ideal traveller profiles, so you can easily see which provider best matches your holiday goals.
| Travel Company | Core Specialty | Booking Options | Financial Protection | Best Suited For |
| Hays Travel | Custom holidays & local service | Online, In-store, Contact Centre | ABTA, ATOL, IATA | Families, solo travellers, cruise-goers |
| TUI UK | All-inclusive & luxury holidays | Website, App, Phone, In-store | ABTA, ATOL | Couples, families, package seekers |
| Trailfinders | Tailor-made travel & expertise | In-store, Phone | ABTA, ATOL | Luxury, gap years, safari, adventure |
| Kuoni UK | Bespoke luxury & honeymoons | In-store, Virtual, Phone | ABTA, ATOL | Luxury travellers, honeymooners |
| Jet2holidays | All-in-one value holidays | Website, Phone | ABTA, ATOL | Budget-conscious, families, city breaks |
| Expedia UK | DIY-style global travel | Website, App, Phone | ATOL (packages), Insurance | Tech-savvy, independent explorers |
| Audley Travel | Personalised experiential trips | Phone, Online Consultation | FCDO, ABTA | Cultural, ethical, slow travel seekers |
| On the Beach | Beach holidays on a budget | Website, App | ABTA, ATOL | Solo travellers, groups, last-minute deals |
| loveholidays | Flexible & low-cost packages | Website, App | ATOL | Budget holidaymakers, flexible planners |
| Intrepid Travel | Ethical small-group adventures | Website, Phone | ABTA, B Corp Certified | Eco-conscious, group, cultural adventurers |
This table gives a clear snapshot of what each company offers, helping you choose based on protection, booking preferences, and holiday type.
Conclusion
The UK is home to a wide range of outstanding travel companies, each offering unique strengths tailored to different types of travellers.
Whether you’re after a luxury honeymoon, a family-friendly package, or a bespoke cultural tour, the options above represent the top 10 travel companies in the UK worth considering.
Before booking your next trip, think about your travel goals, compare services and reviews, and most importantly, choose a provider that offers both value and peace of mind.
FAQs About Top 10 Travel Companies UK
What are the top-rated travel companies in the UK right now?
Several companies consistently rank highly based on customer reviews and industry reputation, including Hays Travel, TUI UK, Trailfinders, and Kuoni. These companies are known for reliability, great customer service, and well-rounded holiday offerings.
How do travel companies in the UK ensure holiday protection for travellers?
Reputable UK travel companies are typically ATOL and ABTA protected, ensuring financial security and support if a provider fails or if travel plans are disrupted. It’s essential to verify these credentials before booking.
Are all-inclusive packages better than customised trips from UK agencies?
It depends on the traveller’s preference. All-inclusive packages are convenient and often cost-effective, while customised trips offer flexibility and personalisation, which many high-end UK travel companies specialise in.
How are the best UK travel agencies evaluated?
Agencies are assessed on various criteria such as customer reviews (e.g., Trustpilot, Which?), package variety, booking experience, pricing transparency, and customer service quality.
Do UK travel companies charge booking or service fees?
Many travel companies in the UK include service costs within the package price, while some bespoke or luxury services may incur additional planning fees. Always review terms before confirming a booking.
Which UK travel agencies are best for family holidays?
Jet2holidays, TUI UK, and Love Holidays are popular among families for their all-inclusive resorts, kid-friendly activities, and value-for-money deals.
Can UK travel companies arrange group or business travel?
Yes, many top UK travel agencies such as Barrhead Travel and Trailfinders offer tailored group travel and corporate solutions, including flights, accommodation, and itinerary planning.
