Published 11th Feb. 2026
Written by Tom Barber
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At Original Travel, we believe life is in the detail, and that applies as much to your peace of mind as it does to the perfect restaurant reservation.
Booking your own travel might feel simple, but the real question is: who is looking after you when the unexpected happens? As a UK tour operator, we carry a legal duty of care for every client – a duty we take seriously, and then go well beyond (if we do say so ourselves). Whether it’s a flight cancellation, a volcanic ash cloud or something far more personal, we don’t just step in, we step up. Read on to discover more about why you should use a tour operator…
It’s no secret that we eat, sleep and breathe travel, but the privilege of travelling can sometimes be overshadowed by unforeseen situations. In the last few months alone, we’ve had clients left stranded by Air Canada air crew strikes; this constituted a 'major change' to their booking, so despite this being an issue entirely beyond our control, we swooped in to offer an alternative (at no extra cost), a postponement or a total refund, totally at the client's discretion.
Then, a couple of weeks later, disaster struck again when the safety status of all domestic airlines in an African destination was downgraded. As a result, we suddenly had to amend, alter and rearrange several trips before they left the UK or while they were in destination. Again, our duty and responsibility to our clients ensured they still had a seamless, safe and enjoyable trip, without any panic-induced Googling to try and sort these issues out themselves.
Image by Getty Images/Westend61.
Then there’s financial protection. UK regulations are designed in your favour, meaning your money is secure under our ATOL and ABTA licenses.
Add to that the clout of being part of the Voyageurs du Monde group (the leading tailor-made travel company in France, no less) and our commitment to absorbing the carbon emissions from every client flight, and you’ll have certainty and peace of mind from the moment you step foot off your flight to the final sun-downer of your trip.
Image by Dameli Zhantas/Unsplash.
And, finally, there’s Original Thinking, the catch-all term to describe our unique take on travel. From the imagination of our travel specialists and contacts in the UK to our Original Services and concierge-level detail, our tailor-made travel philosophy turns a trip into a memory you’ll tell stories about for years.
At Original Travel, we believe travel should reconnect, not stress. And, ultimately, that’s what we’re here for – to take the risk away and add the magic back in.
Image by Martin Lopez / Pexels.
Header image by Ippei Naoi/Getty Images.
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
Saudi Arabia is having a moment. Despite being closed off to Western travellers until 2019, this vast Middle Eastern kingdom is on a mission to establish itself as a tourist hotspot (and prove that it’s more than just an oil giant) as part of its ‘Vision 2030’ programme. Whether you’re after ancient ruins, vibrant cities or diverse natural landscapes, Saudi Arabia has them all, and we’re excited for more and more people to add it to their travel bucket list.
3rd December 2025 - Saudi Arabia Travel Tips
Tunisia is on the rise as one of the hottest tourist destinations of the 2020s, welcoming over 10 million visitors in 2024 alone. Travellers can head to the vibrant capital of Tunis for its bustling souqs, ancient ruins and myriad UNESCO World Heritage sites, or visit the sprawling beaches of Hammamet and Sousse for a spot of sun, sand and sea. Wherever you choose, you’re guaranteed rich culture and vibrant history – so it’s no surprise that many travellers are choosing Tunisia for their next getaway.
27th November 2025 - Tunisia Travel Tips
On a recent research trip to Japan, our Asia specialist, Joyce, spent ten days exploring the lesser-trodden treasures of Tohoku, in northeast Honshu. She stayed in cosy mountain-framed ryokans, hiked along Iwate’s rugged coastline and admired Japan’s deepest lake – all without the crowds. From sipping smooth sake to sampling fresh uni, it was a trip for the books. Keen to know more? Read on for the most memorable moments from Joyce’s time in Japan.
24th November 2025 - Japan Travel Tips
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
