Added: 01/27/2006 |
UK travel agencies can provide details about recommended tour operators in their regionsThe United Kingdom is a wonderful country, jam-packed with two millennia of heritage. And visits of any length of time to the UK feel to be too short. The United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The geography sweeps from mountainous highlands, to green and pleasant rolling countryside and vibrant cities. Travelling through the country will reveal its diversity, from quiet country lanes and inland waterways to majestic stately homes and castles.
UK travel agencies and tour operators cater to almost every need of a traveller. Many have bases overseas.
Many tour companies provide holidays geared to special interests. For example there are specialist operators offering yacht chartering and sailing holidays; garden tours; rambling and hill-walking holidays; horse-riding and trekking; golf or tennis holidays; cycling holidays; canal boating. Others provide tickets and travel to all kinds of sport events, or packages including hotel, theatre tickets and organised visits to key sites. The national tourist boards can provide details about recommended tour operators in their regions.
Your local tourist operators or those based in the UK can provide a broad range of services to make your visit easy and comfortable. They can help you plan and book every part of your journey, as you wish it, sending you advanced information about the regions you will visit, the accommodation you will stay in, special activities and other needs. Others offer travel packages where you join in a variety of pre-arranged tours. Many tours involve travel by coach with accommodation in hotels recommended by the AA, RAC, and the English Tourist Council, among other accommodation grading systems. If you use the services of UK travel agencies, you are recommended to choose agents that are members of the Association of British Travel Agencies (ABTA).
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) is the UK's Premier Trade Association for Tour Operators and UK travel agencies. ABTA tour operators and travel agents are responsible for the sale of the vast majority of package holidays.
The best way to protect your money is to ensure that your travel agent is ABTA bonded and that your Tour Operator either holds an ABTA or ATOL (Air Travel Organisers Licence). ABTA also has a general travel/holiday information line which is 0901 201 50 50, calls are charged at 50p per minute and it is opened during normal office hours. This line will help you with various enquiries including visa & health requirements, hotels & apartments descriptions and general travel/holiday information etc.
Your nearest British Tourist Authority (BTA) office can provide information on UK tour operators and UK travel agencies in your country that organise holidays and tours to the UK. You can also use the internet to search the tour operators and travel agents who offer online booking.
Below find some of the UK tourism sources.
The British Incoming Tour Operators Association
The body representing the UK's tour operators, hotels, visitor attractions, coach and car rental companies, tourist boards, restaurants and other tourism services. The website has listings of tour operators working in the UK, and allows you to search for operators by category (e.g. city breaks, or walking holidays).
Northern Ireland Tourist Board
The official Northern Ireland Tourist Board guide to Northern Ireland travel, accommodation, hotels, bed & breakfast, sightseeing, attractions and events.
Tourism Ireland
Tourism Ireland is the official tourism marketing body for Ireland and Northern Ireland. On their site you will find accommodation advice and maps, as well as information about visitor attractions, Irish culture, sports, activities, festivals and events.
Visit England
The official English tourism website suggests ways to discover, explore, experience and relax in England. Find things to do, search for accommodation, plan your trip and read real travellers' tales here.
Visit Britain
Enjoy the best offers and deals on accommodation, travel, attractions and events.
Information on UK tour operators and travel agents who can help you plan your trip.
Visit Scotland
The Scottish Tourist Board's website offers comprehensive information for visitors to Scotland, including special offers and on-line accommodation booking. French, German, Dutch and US versions of the website are also available.
Wales Tourist Board
The official Wales Tourist Board website providing information and ideas for those planning a visit to Wales. The site has a 'View of Wales' virtual tour, and provides information on how to get there, places to stay and things to do. The WTB also has separate sites for US visitors, and those interested in golf, fishing, cycling, walking, activity or farming holidays in Wales.
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