Pros:

• 53 years of experience
• Open 7 days a week
• Wide range of global adventures
• Specialises in safaris
• Offers gap year or student adventures
• Offers city breaks
• Has a travel clinic

Cons:

• Does not have online bookings
• Long wait times over the phone
• Edinburgh travel centre is quite noisy

Since 1970, Trailfinders has been a stalwart in the travel industry, helping over 16 million clients explore the world. They’re also open seven days a week, meaning they’re ready to assist you whenever wanderlust strikes.

We’re impressed with the range of global adventures they offer. Whether you’re dreaming of far-flung continents or close-to-home getaways, Trailfinders offers a wide range of overseas travel options for families, solo travellers, students, and couples.

Those who love safaris are in luck since they offer a diverse selection of small group, private, fly-drive, and fly-in safaris for both first-timers and wildlife enthusiasts.

If you’re considering a gap year or student adventure, Trailfinders provides a plethora of opportunities, allowing you to craft a customised gap year experience.

For those who are looking for city breaks, Trailfinders has curated packages and options. These include weekend getaways, romantic retreats, and high-end experiences for special occasions.

We also appreciate their travel clinic, wherein clients can get a 20% discount on immunisations. These shots make sure you’re well-prepared for your journey.

Do note that Trailfinders relies solely on in-person and telephone bookings, which might be less convenient for those accustomed to online reservations.

Some travellers have also reported lengthy wait times when booking over the phone, with delays of over a week to secure an appointment.

Lastly, we spoke with some of their customers, and they said that the Edinburgh travel centre was particularly noisy. Visitors, particularly those with hearing impairments, had difficulty hearing advisers.

Connoisseur Travel Services Ltd, founded in 1987, is an independent travel agency and tour operator. They strive to provide high-quality, personalised service to their valued customers, making them a solid choice for those looking to travel.

For daring solo travellers, Connoisseur specialises in escorted holidays. They offer the joy of exploring with like-minded individuals by arranging tours and taking care of every detail – from itineraries to airport transfers.

Unlike other agencies, they offer gardening cruises. They invite travellers to discover the exquisite flora of the Canaries, guided by David Hurrion, a former Associate Editor of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine.

For those willing to splurge, they’re also known for their luxury holidays. Connoisseur Travel can arrange opulent travel experiences, from luxurious rail journeys to elegant cruising, ensuring you journey in both comfort and style.

For the adventurous at heart, Connoisseur offers expedition holidays that offer exotic destinations with breathtaking natural beauty. This is ideal for seasoned travellers or someone seeking new horizons.

We’ve noticed, however, their pricey solo adventures. For instance, their solo adventure to India comes with a relatively high cost of £2149, which may be a limiting factor for budget-conscious travellers.

With a staff of only 10 employees, Connoisseur might not have the same capacity as larger travel agencies to handle extensive travel plans for corporate or school trips. This could potentially limit their scope for larger group bookings.

I Travel 4 U is another reputable travel agency in Edinburgh. It proudly operates as an independent travel agent, allowing customers to receive a personalised touch to their travel plans.

The company currently partners with The Global Travel Group, one of the UK’s largest travel agent consortia. This allows them to provide customers with a wealth of options and resources for their adventures.

They also include Air Travel Organiser’s Licence protection in their holiday packages. Customers can rest easy knowing their holidays are ATOL-protected, providing financial security and peace of mind.

Unlike other travel agencies, they have a Specialist Assistance Team. This is a valuable resource for travellers with special requirements, ensuring that medical, flight, hotel, and transfer needs are addressed promptly and professionally.

I Travel 4 U adds a touch of luxury to your travel experience with spa breaks and theatre packages. This is perfect for those looking to pamper themselves or go on a cultural exploration.

They even handle add-ons involving concerts, events, and attractions to help elevate your trip. Extras like concerts, events, sports tickets, as well as hot air balloon rides, ensure your journey is memorable down to the last detail.

Do note that some customers have found flight quotes from I Travel 4 U to be on the expensive side, with the same flights available at lower prices online.

Also, we heard about a case of misinformation regarding a customer’s visa details that was very inconvenient. Ensuring accurate information and accountability is crucial in such situations.

TUI Holiday Store is a well-established travel agency with over 100 years of experience in the travel industry. They’ve earned the trust of travellers and hold the title of TripAdvisor Travelers’ Favorite Travel Agency, which we think is impressive.

Their team of Travel Experts is also equipped to package classic beach getaways and city breaks to TUI Tours, Lakes & Mountains trips, and Crystal Ski Holidays. They even have over 5,000 combinations to choose from, allowing travellers to customise.

We do appreciate that all their holiday packages are ATOL and Association of British Travel Agents or ABA-protected. Meaning, travellers have financial protection and assistance in case of unforeseen events during their trip. 

For those who love cruises, they can sail to over 120 destinations. Their Marella Cruises provides a hassle-free cruise experience while Their TUI River Cruises are for those seeking an adults-only cruise.

Unlike other agencies, they offer a TUI Travel Money counter service, where travellers can exchange currency with competitive rates on over 50 currencies worldwide, all with no commission fees. This is great for the budget-conscious.

They also have a handy free kids’ place finder, allowing families to take their little ones on vacation without additional charges, provided they meet certain criteria.

While they offer many advantages, there have been occasional reports of hotel bookings not aligning with pre-discussed preferences. 

Additionally, some travellers may find them to be slightly pricier compared to other options.

Barrhead Travel is a travel agency with a history spanning over 45 years, making it a seasoned player in the travel industry. We think this is a testament to their ability to provide customers with well-rounded travel services and guidance.

One notable advantage of Barrhead Travel is its accessibility. They remain open throughout the week, which can be particularly valuable for those with busy schedules or travellers in different time zones.

Barrhead Travel is also known for its ocean, luxury, and river cruises. This allows them to offer travellers tailored advice and recommendations when embarking on cruise adventures.

Moreover, they support the Travelife Sustainability System, which is recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. This commitment to sustainability can appeal to travellers who prioritise responsible and eco-friendly tourism.

For travellers looking for flexibility in managing their finances, Barrhead Travel offers flexible payment plans. This feature can alleviate the financial stress associated with trip planning, allowing customers to focus on their excitement.

They cater to diverse traveller needs by providing various cost-effective options. They offer enticing online deals, personalised Sunshine Holidays tailored to individual preferences, and last-minute holiday deals for spontaneous getaways on a budget.

While they boast several advantages, some customers have reported negative encounters with staff, describing instances of rudeness and abrupt disconnection during phone conversations. 

Additionally, there have been reports of last-minute flight cancellations, accompanied by extra charges, which we agree can cause inconvenience and frustration.