Hays Travel review
Updated September 29, 2026 · NomadCue Editorial Team · Facts checked September 29, 2026
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Our verdict
Hays Travel suits travelers who want packages, cruise, tours and ski booked with agent support by email and phone. Founded in 1980, it charges Service Charge plus £2.50 ATOL fee and passes on supplier cancellation terms of Supplier charges up to 100%.
Key facts
- Best for
- Package, cruise, tour and ski trips with agent support
- Products
- Packages, Cruise, Tours, Ski↗
- Booking fees
- Service Charge plus £2.50 ATOL fee↗
- Cancellation terms
- Supplier charges up to 100%↗
- Mobile app
- Yes↗
- Legal entity
- Hays Travel Limited↗
- Headquarters
- United Kingdom↗
- Founded
- 1980↗
- Support channels
- Email, Phone↗
- Official website
- haystravel.co.uk
Facts checked September 29, 2026, 4 sources
Apps and profiles
- Get the app
- App StoreGoogle Play
Pros and cons
Pros
- Covers packages, cruise and tours, which keeps packages, cruise, tours and ski in a single agency search.
- Support through email and phone suits travelers who want agent advice by phone or email.
- Mobile app access helps manage trips on the move, unlike agency brands without an app.
- Long trading since 1980 gives continuity compared with newer marketplace sellers at 693.
- Package focus aligns with 83.7% style demand for bundled holidays versus flight only sites.
Cons
- Booking adds Service Charge plus £2.50 ATOL fee, which adds cost at checkout compared with Booking.com.
- Cancellation follows Supplier charges up to 100%, so late changes can retain a large share of cost.
- Choice covers packages, cruise and tours without separate flights or hotels, unlike Emirates with flights, hotels and tours.
- Support runs on email and phone only, which suits callers and email users rather than chat users.
Ready to try Hays Travel?
Scored 9.2 / 10 by NomadCue.
Who it suits
- Travelers planning packages or cruise and tour bundles may prefer Hays Travel over Park BCP because the range is packages, cruise and tours.
- Travelers who want ski trips with agent guidance may prefer Hays Travel over Booking.com because the range includes ski within packages, cruise and tours.
- Travelers who value phone advice may prefer Hays Travel over chat led sites because support runs on email and phone.
Who should look elsewhere
- Travelers seeking room only or flight only deals may prefer Booking.com because Hays Travel lists packages, cruise and tours.
- Travelers seeking airport parking with hotels may prefer Park BCP because Hays Travel lists packages, cruise and tours without parking.
Fees and cancellation
Hays Travel adds service related charges at the point of sale, shown as Service Charge plus £2.50 ATOL fee. That structure separates agency service charges from supplier pricing for flights, accommodation, cruise berths, tours and ski elements that sit inside a package. Travelers comparing headline holiday prices should add the stated service element when weighing one quote against another, since supplier fares and rates rarely include agency administration. The fee presentation matters for groups and families where multiple travelers sit on a single booking, because checkout totals reflect the combined supplier cost plus the stated agency element. Cancellation follows supplier led terms, stated as Supplier charges up to 100%. That approach means the amount retained after a change or withdrawal depends on the terms set by the airline, cruise line, hotel, tour operator or ski supplier behind each element. Early changes tend to retain a smaller share, while late changes or non appearance can retain a larger share where supplier terms allow it. Travelers should read the booking conditions attached to each quote, note deposit treatment, balance due dates, amendment charges and refund timelines, and keep written confirmation of any change. Where flexibility matters, comparing supplier terms across quotes can matter as much as comparing headline prices.
What you can book
The booking range centers on packages, cruise and tours. That mix is built around bundled holidays where travel and accommodation sit together, plus ocean and river sailings, escorted and independent touring itineraries, and ski holidays that combine travel, lodging and slope access. Travelers can use the range to compare package styles rather than assembling each element separately, which suits those who prefer agency guidance on routing, sailing dates, tour pacing and resort choice. The lineup favors complete trips over separate elements, so travelers seeking a single place for a cruise plus stay, a tour with transfers, or a ski bundle may find the structure convenient. A mobile app is available alongside agency service. The app gives travelers a pocket route for checking booking details while on the move, complementing calls and messages with the agency team. Travelers who like to keep itineraries, departure details and amendment messages in a single view may value app access, while those who prefer branch or phone contact can still work through an agent. The combination of packaged product design and app access keeps planning, booking and pre departure checks connected.
The company behind it
The seller is Hays Travel Limited, based in the United Kingdom. The business traces trading back to 1980, giving it a long presence in agency retail for packaged holidays and assisted bookings. That background shapes the service model, with agents advising on destinations, sailings, touring routes and ski resorts rather than leaving travelers to assemble every element alone. Longevity also helps travelers understand the style of seller involved, namely a package oriented agency with branch and remote support rather than a room only platform or an airline direct channel. Customer support is provided through email and phone. Email suits written queries, quote requests, document sharing and post booking amendments where a paper trail helps. Phone suits urgent questions, complex itineraries and cruise or tour changes where direct discussion speeds decisions. Travelers should keep booking references handy when contacting the team, use email for changes that need written confirmation, and use phone where timing is tight. The pairing of established agency history and direct contact channels points to assisted planning rather than self serve checkout.
How Hays Travel compares
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Where Hays Travel is available
- Available
- United Kingdom
Countries from the brand (Source, checked September 29, 2026)
Frequently asked questions
What booking fees does Hays Travel charge+
Hays Travel applies Service Charge plus £2.50 ATOL fee on bookings. That charge sits apart from supplier pricing and it appears during checkout. Travelers comparing agent service against self serve sites should include it when weighing total trip cost.
How does cancellation work with Hays Travel+
Cancellation follows Supplier charges up to 100% under supplier terms. That means refunds depend on the airline, cruise line, hotel or tour operator involved. Travelers should read the quoted terms before paying a deposit and consider flexible options where offered.
What types of trips can be booked+
Hays Travel sells packages, cruise and tours. That mix centers on bundled holidays, sailings, escorted and independent tours, plus ski trips. Travelers seeking flights only or room only stays may need a separate provider such as Booking.com.
Does Hays Travel offer a mobile app+
Yes, a mobile app is offered for travel management alongside agent service. The app supports trip access while on the move. Travelers who prefer calls or email can still use email and phone for advice and changes.
Who operates Hays Travel and where is it based+
The business is Hays Travel Limited based in the United Kingdom. It has traded since 1980, which signals long high street and agency presence. Travelers who value an established seller may find that history reassuring.
How can travelers contact Hays Travel for help+
Support is provided through email and phone. That setup suits travelers who prefer direct conversation with an agent by voice or written message. Travelers seeking instant messaging or community forums may prefer a chat led alternative.
Sources
- haystravel.co.uk checked September 29, 2026
Backs: Headquarters, Legal entity, Products
“Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR1 3HA”
- haystravel.co.uk/about-us checked September 29, 2026
Backs: Founded
“In 1980, from the back of his mum's babywear shop”
- haystravel.co.uk/booking-conditions checked September 29, 2026
Backs: Booking fees, Cancellation terms, Support channels
“ATOL Protection Contribution of £2.50 per passenger”
- apps.apple.com/us/app/hays-travel-currency-card/id1551621052 checked September 28, 2026
Backs: Mobile app
“trackName=Hays Travel Currency Card; sellerName=Hays Travel Ltd”
Compiled from 4 source pages, checked September 29, 2026. We did not open an account.