Group holidays
Group holidays bring friends or family together, but the worry is whether the operator will look after everyone properly once the trip is booked.
Group holidays companies
60 companies
About Group holidays
Group holidays cover trips booked for a set party of people travelling together, such as friends, families, clubs, schools, sports teams and wedding parties. Packages range from self-catering villa stays and coach tours to activity breaks, city weekends and fully escorted journeys abroad. Many groups are organised by one named organiser who pays a deposit and collects money from the rest of the party.
The companies in this market fall into several groups, including specialist group travel operators, tour operators that sell packages to the public, accommodation providers that take bookings for large parties, and independent organisers who arrange trips on behalf of clubs and communities. Customers reach them through direct websites, telephone sales, group booking desks, travel agents and referrals from existing travellers who have already been on a similar trip. Some operators sell only through their own channels while others work through agencies that add their own terms and fees.
Package holidays sold in the United Kingdom are protected by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, which set out what operators must provide and what happens if a booking fails. The Civil Aviation Authority runs the ATOL scheme for flight-inclusive packages, and many operators are members of ABTA, the Association of British Travel Agents, which sets a code of conduct for its members. The Financial Conduct Authority oversees some insurance and payment products sold alongside holidays, so the market is shaped by several bodies rather than a single regulator.
Questions about Group holidays
How do I choose a group holiday company in the UK?
Check that the company is an ATOL holder if it sells flights, and that it belongs to ABTA or holds a valid licence with the relevant trade body. The Civil Aviation Authority publishes the ATOL register and ABTA publishes its member list, so both can be checked directly. Look at how long the company has operated and how clearly it sets out what the price includes.
What should I compare between group holiday providers?
Compare what the headline price includes, such as flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, excursions and tour leader fees. Check the deposit amount, the balance due date, and any single room supplements or group size minimums. Read the cancellation and change terms side by side, as these decide what you can recover if plans alter.
Is my money protected when I book a group holiday with a UK company?
If the booking includes flights, ATOL protection applies to flight-inclusive packages sold by an ATOL holder, and the Civil Aviation Authority runs the scheme. Package holidays are also covered by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, which require the organiser to refund you if the company fails. Payments by credit card between £100 and £30,000 may be covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.
Can I cancel a group holiday and get my money back?
Cancellation terms are set out in your booking conditions and fees rise as departure approaches. Under the Package Travel Regulations, if the company cancels because of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund. If you cancel for personal reasons, you will lose the deposit and may owe further fees, so check the schedule before you pay.
What happens if the company changes my holiday after I have booked?
Under the Package Travel Regulations, the organiser must tell you about significant changes, such as a change of destination, accommodation or departure time, before you travel. You can accept the change, accept a substitute of equivalent or higher quality, or cancel and receive a full refund. Keep copies of all written communication about changes so you can evidence the timeline if you need to claim.
What do I do if the group holiday does not match what was promised?
Report the problem to the tour leader or local representative while you are still abroad, and record the details in writing with dates. Prompt reporting matters under the Package Travel Regulations, as the organiser then has the chance to correct the problem. If it is not resolved, make a formal complaint in writing, then escalate to ABTA's arbitration service or the ATOL scheme if the company holds an ATOL.
How do I make a formal complaint about a group holiday company?
Send a written complaint to the company's customer services department setting out what went wrong, when, and what outcome you want. Include your booking reference and copies of supporting documents, and keep the company's reply. If the company does not respond or you are unhappy with the reply, refer the matter to ABTA's arbitration service or the Civil Aviation Authority for ATOL-related complaints.
Are group holiday companies covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015?
Yes, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies to services supplied to consumers, including group holiday bookings, and requires them to be provided with reasonable care and skill. Terms in your contract must also be fair, and unfair terms can be challenged under this Act. Trading Standards in your local authority can advise you on how the Act applies to your situation.
Which regulators oversee group holiday companies in the UK?
The Civil Aviation Authority regulates the ATOL scheme and licenses companies selling flight-inclusive packages. The Competition and Markets Authority and local Trading Standards services enforce consumer law more broadly. The Information Commissioner's Office regulates how companies handle your personal data under UK GDPR, which covers passport and contact details.
What should I look for when reading reviews of group holiday companies?
Look for reviews that describe a specific trip, departure date and destination, as these show whether the experience matches the one you are considering. Check whether reviews cover the whole process from booking to return, including communication, refunds and complaint handling. Compare reviews across several years, as consistent feedback gives a clearer picture than a short run of recent praise or criticism.
Do I need travel insurance for a group holiday in the UK?
Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for a UK resident booking a group holiday, but it covers costs that ATOL and the Package Travel Regulations do not. These include medical expenses abroad, lost baggage and cancellation for personal reasons. Read the excess, the pre-existing medical conditions clause and the exclusions before you buy, as these decide what is paid out.
What should I check in writing before I pay a deposit for a group holiday?
Check that the booking confirmation states the total price, the inclusions, the payment schedule, the cancellation terms and the protection that applies, such as an ATOL number. Confirm that the names on the booking match your passport exactly, as errors can be costly to correct later. Ask for the full booking conditions in writing and keep them with your confirmation, since they form the contract with the company.