You want a holiday that feels right for you. Not too fancy, not too stressful, and good value for your money. That is where Hays Travel comes in. They are the UK’s largest independent travel agent. They have more than 530 high street branches and help people book trips every day.
In this guide, I walk you through everything about Hays Travel. I cover what they do, how they started, what holidays you can book, and why so many people pick them over big online sites. You will finish this article knowing exactly if Hays Travel fits your next trip. Let’s get started.
Who Is Hays Travel and How Did They Start?
Hays Travel began in 1980. John Hays opened a small shop behind his mum’s clothing store in Seaham, County Durham. It was a tiny start, but the family worked hard.
Today, Dame Irene Hays leads the company as Chair. The head office sits in Sunderland. Hays Travel stays 100% family owned. That means they make their own choices and do not answer to big shareholders.
Big growth came in 2019. When Thomas Cook closed, Hays Travel bought over 550 of their shops. This almost tripled their size overnight. They added more shops later, including Miles Morgan Travel in 2024 and Polka Dot Travel plus Millington Travel in 2025.
Right now, in 2026, they run more than 530 branches across the UK. Nearly 4,800 people work there. Most bookings still happen in the shops because people like face-to-face help. You can also book online or through their app.
Why Do People Choose Hays Travel Over Other Agents?
Here is the simple truth. Hays Travel feels different because they are independent. They do not push one company’s holidays. They pick the best deals from many suppliers like easyJet Holidays, TUI, Jet2, and P&O Cruises.
Key reasons people love them:
- Huge choice: From beach breaks to cruises to far-away adventures.
- Real people help you: Walk into any branch and talk to someone who knows holidays.
- Strong protection: Every trip with flights has ATOL protection. Your money stays safe.
- Interest-free payments: Pay in easy monthly amounts with no extra cost.
- High customer scores: They hold a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot from more than 376,000 reviews. Customers say the staff are friendly and quick.
- Awards: In 2025 they won triple gold at the British Travel Awards for the third year running – Best National Travel Retailer, Best Travel Agency for Cruise Holidays, and Best Retailer for Forex/Travel Money.
You get expert advice without the pressure. That is why Which? recommends them too.
What Kinds of Holidays Can You Book With Hays Travel?
Hays Travel covers every type of trip you can think of. Here are the main ones they focus on right now for 2026 and 2027.
- Last-minute holidays: Need to get away soon? They have deals that leave in the next few weeks. Think all-inclusive beach hotels with big savings.
- Summer 2026 and 2027 family breaks: Popular spots like Spain, Greece, Turkey, and the Canary Islands. Many come with free child places and no local taxes.
- All-inclusive escapes: Food and drinks are included so you know the exact cost upfront. Great for families or couples who want zero worry.
- Cruise holidays: Short mini-cruises or longer trips to Norwegian fjords, the Mediterranean, or even further. They have deals from Southampton and other UK ports.
- Worldwide adventures: New York city breaks, Thailand beach time, Caribbean sun, or tours in America and beyond. They handle long-haul trips too.
- Luxury options: Places like LUXME resorts in Greece offer sea views, great food, and relaxed vibes without the huge price tag.
- Solo travel and special trips: They help solo travellers and can plan tailored tours.
You tell them what you like – family, romance, adventure, or budget – and they match you with the right holiday.
How to Book Your Holiday Step by Step?
Booking with Hays Travel is straightforward. Here is exactly what you do:
- Decide your dates, how many people, and where you want to go.
- Pop into your nearest branch or visit the website.
- Talk to an advisor. They ask simple questions and show you real options.
- Pick your hotel or cruise and see the full price including flights and transfers.
- Pay a small deposit and spread the rest over months – interest free.
- Get all your documents sent to you or pick them up in store.
- Go on holiday and enjoy. If anything changes, your advisor helps.
Many people say the branch staff make it feel easy and fun. You do not sit alone staring at a screen.
Smart Tips to Get the Best Deals in 2026 and 2027
Want to save money and still have a great time? Try these easy ideas:
- Book early for summer 2026 to lock in lower prices and better rooms.
- Look at last-minute deals if you can travel soon – big savings often appear.
- Tell the advisor your budget upfront so they show only trips you can afford.
- Ask about free child places or no local tax offers.
- Think about shoulder seasons (May or September) for cheaper prices and fewer crowds.
- Compare a few options in store – the advisor can show side-by-side prices.
These small steps can save you hundreds of pounds.
Holiday Types at a Glance
| Holiday Type | Best For | Typical Starting Price (per person) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive Beach | Families, couples | From £400 | Flights, hotel, meals, drinks |
| Cruise | First-timers, groups | From £250 | Cabin, meals, entertainment |
| Last Minute | Flexible travellers | From £300 | Quick getaways with big savings |
| Worldwide Tours | Adventure seekers | From £500 | Flights, hotels, some tours |
| Luxury Greece | Relaxed adults | From £600 | Premium all-inclusive resorts |
Prices change daily, but these give you a clear idea of what to expect.
Booking With Full Peace of Mind
Hays Travel makes safety simple. Your money is protected by ATOL if your trip includes a flight. They also offer a peace-of-mind guarantee. If plans change for reasons outside your control, they help sort it. You can pay in small monthly amounts with no interest. That means no big bill all at once.
Three Extra Reasons Hays Travel Stands Out
1. Local branches everywhere With over 530 shops you can always find one near you. No long drives needed.
2. They really know their stuff Staff train regularly. They have visited many of the hotels and can give honest opinions.
3. Community focus As an independent family business they support local UK towns and keep high-street shops alive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hays Travel
Is Hays Travel a good company? Yes. They hold a 4.9/5 customer rating and win major awards every year. Most people say the service feels friendly and helpful.
How many branches does Hays Travel have? More than 530 across the UK. They are the biggest independent travel agent by number of shops.
Do they offer interest-free payments? Yes. You pay a deposit and spread the rest over months with zero extra cost.
Can I book last-minute holidays? Absolutely. They often have deals for the next few weeks at lower prices.
What about cruises? They have a big range including short UK departures and longer trips. They won Best Travel Agency for Cruise Holidays in 2025.
Are they good for families? Very good. Many deals include free child places and family-friendly hotels.
Do they protect my money? Yes. ATOL protection covers flight-inclusive holidays. You book with confidence.
How do I find my nearest branch? Use their website branch finder or just search “Hays Travel near me”.
Can solo travellers book with them? Yes. They help single travellers find safe and fun options.
Is the website easy to use? Many customers say yes. But most still prefer the personal help in store or on the phone.
Conclusion
Hays Travel stands out in 2026 as the UK’s largest independent travel agent, offering trusted service, great value holidays, and complete financial protection for peace of mind. With over 530 branches, friendly expert advisors, and access to top holiday suppliers, it makes booking everything from last-minute getaways to luxury cruises simple and stress-free. Whether you are travelling with family, going solo, or planning a dream trip abroad, Hays Travel provides flexible payment options, honest advice, and reliable support from start to finish, making it a smart choice for your next holiday.