The UK’s best high street travel agents to use in 2026 revealed

Tomorrow is Sunshine Saturday, also known as the busiest day of the year for booking holidays.

And just as we rush to escape the winter blues and snap up deals, Which? has rounded up the best high street travel agents, from national brands to local, family-owned shops.

The consumer champion surveyed over 2,500 holidaymakers — all of whom have used a traditional high street travel agent over the last three years — to explain their reasons behind it.

While 60% said it was because they wanted to discuss options with a human, 36% had a complex itinerary or specific requirements.

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel said: ‘Travel agents offer exceptional customer service and unrivalled travel knowledge, and are well worth considering for your next big holiday.

‘It’s a chance to pop down to your local high street, have a cup of tea and chat with someone knowledgeable about where you want to go.’

So, as a growing number show interest in booking holidays face-to-face, let’s take a look at the top high street travel agents:  

1. Trailfinders

Trailfinders topped the table with a score of 90%. The agent is a Which? Recommended Provider (WRP) tour operator and Which? Travel brand of the year.

Praised for their exceptional all-round service, a customer told Which?: ‘They go the extra mile, truly value not only your custom, but your pleasurable holiday experience.’

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Trailfinders have 47 shops across the UK and can also be contacted over the phone.

In addition, the company has location-specific experts, which means their agents can give first-hand recommendations.

2. Miles Morgan Travel

Miles Morgan Travel — which is also a WRP — came in second with 87%.

The South and West Wales travel agent has 19 shops, all of which have received five stars for customer service during the planning and booking stages, description matching reality and the quality of services provided (e.g. flights, accommodation, transfers).

The company specialises in cruises and escorted tours, and has been described as ‘efficient, without being pushy.’

Meanwhile, a traveller with limited mobility told Which? that the company ensured their trip was stress-free.

3. Althams Travel

North of England-based Althams Travel scored 85%. The agent received a WRP award, plus five stars for its ability to tailor holidays to customer needs.

Customer care was another celebrated aspect: previous travellers have praised the agents for their level of duty from the booking process to the actual holiday.

A holidaymaker said: ‘They were very helpful, responsive, friendly, provided us with clear information and made booking easy.’

4. Co-op Travel, Fred Olsen Travel, and Hays Travel

Co-op Travel actually came in joint fourth with Fred Olsen Travel and Hays Travel — the companies all scored 85%.

Co-op’s customer service received five stars in the planning, booking, and tailoring to needs departments.

One customer called it a ‘fantastic travel company’ that ‘did everything’ for the family. They had a ‘brilliant experience and time away.’

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Fred Olsen Travel agents, the sister company to the cruise provider, also received five stars for the above. Plus, for the quality of services and description that matches reality.

A customer said: ‘Amazing service all round from an extremely knowledgeable staff member who understood our wishes and preferences and assisted us accordingly.’

As well as cruises, Fred Olsen Travel also specialise in city breaks, beach holidays, and even Arctic expeditions.

Finally, Hay’s Travel, known as the UK’s largest independent travel agent, was also awarded five stars for each aspect.

A previous customer called the staff ‘knowledgeable, friendly, easy to deal with,’ and ‘just what is needed from a Travel Agent’.

All that’s left to do now is book your next holiday.

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