Frequently Asked Questions

Trailfinders respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. Full details of our Privacy & Data Policy can be found here.

TRAILFINDERS FINANCIAL GUARANTEE

Trailfinders guarantees to make good any money paid to us in the event of the financial collapse of an airline, tour operator or any other provider. This pledge has been honoured since the foundation of Trailfinders over 55 years ago. No client has suffered financial loss or ever been left wanting.

WE ARE ATOL PROTECTED

We hold an Air Travel Organisers license granted by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 1458). This ensures that in the very unlikely event of our insolvency you will be able to continue with your holiday as planned (if you are already abroad) or be refunded in full (if your travel has not already commenced) if you have booked a package holiday with Trailfinders. ATOL protection extends to customers who book and pay for a package holiday including an ex UK flight.

Additionally, we are subject to a binding obligation under the ATOL to protect your package holiday funds in the event of the financial collapse of an airline. Trailfinders does not charge a fee for this protection.

THE TRAILFINDERS TRUST ACCOUNT

The Trailfinders ATOL approved independently operated Trust Account goes above and beyond our obligations. All client monies, regardless of arrangements booked, are paid directly into an independent Trust Account and remain there until your travel arrangements are complete.

Should any suppliers, such as airlines, require payment prior to your travel, Trailfinders will fund this from our own cash reserves leaving your money untouched and secure in the Trust Account. This gold-plated protection is unique to the UK & Irish travel industries.

In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the independent trustees at the Travel Trust Association will either fulfil your holiday as booked or provide you with a full refund.

BOOK EVERYTHING TOGETHER FOR EVEN FURTHER PROTECTION

Book all of your arrangements with Trailfinders as part of an inclusive package and you also benefit from the comprehensive protection offered by the European Package Regulations.

These are most comprehensive to the extent that they even cover events that are uninsurable and are not available if you book your elements separately.

If you book a package and are unable to travel due to FCDO advice, Trailfinders offers the following options:

1. Travel as booked.
2. Change your holiday to new dates or a new destination.
3. Cancel and receive an immediate full refund.

Our team remain on-hand 365/24/7

Booking a holiday with Trailfinders offers the ultimate flexibility. In addition to our Peace of Mind Policy, we have never passed on any surcharges imposed by our suppliers – the price you see is the price you pay.

Furthermore, if you select option 3 and decide to cancel your travels, we will ensure your refund is processed immediately**. Trailfinders long-standing Trust Account (as below) means all your money is safeguarded in trust until after you return from your holiday, enabling us to offer our valued Clients an immediate refund, while we claim the money back from other parties such as airlines, hotels etc.

*As soon as the refund you are due has been calculated, you will be refunded immediately.

Trust Trailfinders - no one looks after you, your holiday or your money better

Holiday surcharges

Tour operators are entitled to increase the cost of a holiday, by way of a surcharge, if costs have increased by more than 2%. For your peace of mind, Trailfinders forgo this right to surcharge: the contracted price of your holiday will not change.

Trailfinders Trust Account:



We are unique among the travel industry, as ALL your money is safely stored in trust until you come home from your holiday. Any pre-payments that must be made, are paid out of our own reserves and your money is not used for the day to day running of the company.

It is strongly recommended that adequate travel insurance cover is activated at the point of confirming your booking. For UK clients Trailfinders extensive travel insurance scheme has been developed since 1970 to best meet the needs of our clients.

You can book Trailfinders Travel Insurance online, or give one of our consultants a call to arrange. Take a look at our Insurance page for more information. Our annual and single trip policies include extensive cover and a wide range of adventure activities.

Information regarding the Trailfinders Travel Clinic can be found here.

A list of the health requirements for your destination is provided on your ViewTrail. This can be found under Trip Hub > Essentials > Travel Health. We also offer comprehensive travel health advice in our Kensigton High Street travel clinic, where you can book an appointment. Please see our travel health pages for more information.

In most cases it is possible to travel with sporting equipment or other special baggage, our travel consultants can provide advice on each airline's policies for carrying additional items. Where airline policies allow, we can also book these services for you or offer guidance on making the arrangements. Please speak to your travel consultant for more information.

First Luggage is the world’s leading international door to door luggage collection and delivery service.

First Luggage will arrange for your luggage to be collected anywhere in the world and delivered to your chosen destination without hassle or stress.

No more lounging around for hours: You can turn up for your flight luggage-free much nearer your departure time feeling refreshed, relaxed and ready to enjoy your holiday.

No more worries about security: The luggage transportation service will ensure that your baggage is delivered, by renowned carriers FedEx, to your travel destination before you arrive. You will be kept up-to-date with progress as your luggage is tracked by state-of-the-art technology.

Yes, Trailfinders offers gap year travel! Take a look at our TTA pages (Trailfinders Travel Academy) for more information.

The most up-to-date travel advice for your destination can be found by going onto the Foreign Travel Advice page of the official UK government website, or the Travel Advice page of the official Government of Ireland website.

Trailfinders' fly drive holidays are planned around a comfortable driving pace, allowing ample time for stops to enjoy the sites and views along the way. They can be easily adapted taking into account your interests and the pace you prefer to travel. Your travel consultant will be able to map out your planned route and talk you through the drive times and distances.

Trailfinders' team of visa experts can assist with a range of visa queries and will be able to supply information and assistance on entry requirements. Please see our Visa pages for more information.

We recommend you have at least six months of passport validity from the date you return back home. For travel to Europe your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years of the date of your arrival into Europe.

Credit card: You will most likely require a credit card for hotel check in and car hire collection. Most credit cards charge you extra to make payments abroad. Click here for a helpful link to find cards that don't charge. This link will also tell you what your current card provider will charge you.

Cash: For most countries we would suggest having some cash in the local currency. In most cases you'll get the best rates by using a local cashpoint from a bank account that doesn't charge you to take cash out abroad. The link above also suggests debit cards that don't charge withdrawal fees.

Airlines generally stipulate policies in regard to travelling with e-cigarettes and vapes, which you will be made aware of during your check in process. You may also check the airline website in advance. Some destinations also do not allow travelling with e-cigarettes and vapes, and information can be found about this on the Foreign Travel Advice page of the official UK government website, or the Travel Advice page of the official Government of Ireland website.

If your flight is delayed it is best to speak to airline staff at the airport and follow the advice of the airline. For substanitial delays you can also contact Trailfinders via 'Urgent Assistance' on ViewTrail, this service will be available to you from the day of your departure.

If your luggage is lost or damaged, immediately report it to the airline's baggage desk in the arrivals hall before leaving the airport, as this creates a mandatory Property Irregularity Report (PIR). For damage, you must submit a written claim within 7 days. For more information, take a look at the CAA's guide to lost, delayed or damaged baggage.

Take a look at our additional assistance page for more information.

Vouchers for your travel arrangements will be available in ViewTrail after your final payment date. Typically these are electronic vouchers and there is no need to print them off. Where physical documents are required, these will be posted to the address on your itinerary after final payment.

Trailfinders has recommended Holiday Extras for airport hotels and parking for many years. We are delighted to be able to offer this service online.

Take a look at the Money Saving Expert guide for more information.

Typically, Trailfinders bookings require a deposit for confirmation. Depending on the suppliers involved on your booking, as well as timeline of purchase in comparison to departure date, the full value of the booking may be required up front.

Yes, it is possible to use different cards to pay for your Trailfinders booking.

Yes, you can spread out the payments of your Trailfinders booking, as long as you have paid the full balance before your final payment deadline.

Yes, Trailfinders accepts American Express payments.

No, Trailfinders will never charge a fee for using a credit card.

No, Trailfinders does not price match. However, Trailfinders has always had a no surcharge policy, and with TF the price you see is the price you pay. Unlike booking online, we don't rely on drip pricing or hidden extras while TF can also provisionally hold your travel plans before typically asking for a 10% deposit with the balance payable closer to your departure.

Trailfinders works with a huge range of airlines, tour companies, hotels and more, securing competitive prices and exclusive offers so you don't pay more for our service.

Payments on existing bookings can be made either on the Payment Hub on ViewTrail. Alternatively, give us a call to make your payment over the telephone or pop into your local travel centre to make a payment in person.

In addition to providing both you and us with some protection from fraud our bank has advised us that a cheque can be stopped during the clearance cycle. The paying bank then has to notify our bank who in turn has to notify us that the cheque has been stopped. It can therefore take up to 6 days for us to be advised that a cheque has not been paid. You may of course choose to pay by debit or credit card or cash as an alternative.

Yes, you can access your Trailfinders booking online, through ViewTrail which houses your itinerary and other important trip information, vouchers and advice. To login, you will need to provide your Trailfinders booking reference and your Surname. Viewtrail can be downloaded as a mobile app or found on our website, where you will see the logo on the top right corner.

Yes - Trailfinders can set up honeymoon giftlists and wedding giftlists.

Our free of charge Wedding and Honeymoon Wishlists can be set up at any time, even before you've made your travel plans. You’ll have your own personalised website where your friends and family can share in your excitement, keep up to date with your wedding and honeymoon plans, make a contribution to your dream honeymoon and post their congratulations.

We'll provide you with personalised guest cards (electronic and/or printed) for your invitations which will let everyone know your preference for the gift of travel. Each time your guests contribute to your Wishlist we’ll send you an alert and an automated thank you on your behalf.

No, Trailfinders does not have any offices in Australia. We only have offices in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Click here to see a full list of all our Travel Centres in the UK and Ireland.

Trailfinders offer a range of guided group holidays and cruises specifically geared towards solo travellers. Additionally, all of our tailormade, private touring, group touring and cruise holidays can be enjoyed and attended as a solo traveller.

Trailfinders offers a wide range of brochures that we will post to you first class and free of charge for holiday ideas and inspiration. Order your Trailfinders brochure here.

Trailfinders is ranked the No.1 Tour Operator on Trustpilot - an accolade which we are very proud of. Take a look at some of our most recent reviews on the Trustpilot website.

All Trailfinders package bookings are sent an email 72 hours after return to the UK or Ireland with an invitation for feedback. Alternatively, give us a call and speak to our consutants who are happy to hear any feedback you have.

If you would like to receive information about our Worldwide Special Offers from the UK by email, please fill out the brief form on our subscription page.

If you have a booking with us you can update the following information online by clicking on the 'My Contact Details icon' in ViewTrail:

Names
Address
Telephone contact numbers
Fax number
Email address

If you do not have a current booking but would like to update the details we hold for you, please contact your local travel centre.

You can find your local travel centre by taking a look at the Contact Us section of our website. Here you will find our full list of travel centres, along with their addresses and telephone numbers.

Up to date information regarding employment opportunities and current vacancies can be found on our Careers Page.

To unsubscribe from Trailfinders marketing emails you can either click on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the marketing email you have received or speak to one of our travel consultants who will be able to remove you from any further marketing.

Trailfinders hotel classifications are for your guidance only and do not mirror any international "star rating" system. In each case, the full description of the property should be read and used in conjunction with the classification indicated. A 3★ city hotel, for example, may be more expensive than a 4★ if it is in a prime location. Classifications are unique to a destination and can reflect local or regional variations in quality and service, so a 5★ in a particular area may not be comparable with a 5★ elsewhere.

Take a look at our Contact page and select your local Travel Centre to see the opening hours.

Trailfinders social media channels include Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and TikTok.

Trailfinders are the Travel Experts, and we specialise in tailormaking itineraries worldwide. With 47 travel centres across the UK and Ireland, our consultants are on hand 7 days a week to help you book your perfect holiday. We have the widest range of flights, tours, hotels, cruises, car and motorhome hire across the globe. From budget to luxury our prices are amongst the lowest you will find anywhere!

ViewTrail displays options for contacting us by WhatsApp for any urgent assistance that you need, while abroad.

The short answer is: Trailfinders is a great alternative to STA Travel, so go with the experts who’ve been doing it longer (and better) than anyone else. At Trailfinders - and our youth-focused brand, TTA by Trailfinders - we’ve been helping travellers plan epic adventures trips for decades. In fact, we were the original backpacker specialists. That experience really matters when you’re planning something as big (and often complicated) as a multi-stop, round-the-world adventure.We’re known for offering:

• Expert, first-hand advice – Our travel consultants have actually been there. They don’t just sell trips; they build them based on real experience.

• Tailor-made itineraries – No cookie-cutter packages. Whether you want to work abroad, travel solo, or explore with friends, we’ll tailor your trip to you.

• Exclusive fares & value – Thanks to our global buying power and airline relationships, we can often access deals you won’t find online.

• 24/7 support while you travel – Things don’t always go to plan. When they don’t, you’ve got a real team behind you—not just a chatbot or a booking reference.

• Award-winning service – We’ve won many industry awards over the years, consistently recognised for outstanding customer service and expertise.

• A reputation you can trust – We’ve built a strong, reliable name in travel over decades. When you book with us, you know you’re in safe hands.

For younger travellers (17–24), TTA by Trailfinders is designed specifically with you in mind so if you’re looking for a replacement for STA, don’t just look for "similar". Choose the company that set the standard in the first place and is still leading the way.