Trafalgar Travel Company: A Good Choice?

Trafalgar Tours is a travel company that offers guided vacations in the form of tours. With over 70 years of experience, the company provides tours in various regions, including Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. They offer unique accommodations, dedicated tour guides, and a range of customisation options to cater to different interests and preferences.

Trafalgar has received generally positive reviews, with many customers praising the expertise and passion of their tour guides and the overall organisation of the trips. However, there are also some negative reviews, with complaints about issues such as accommodation, itinerary changes, and customer service.

So, is Trafalgar a good travel company? Overall, it seems that they provide a valuable service for those seeking a stress-free, well-organised tour with local insights. However, there are some areas of improvement, particularly regarding communication and flexibility.

Trafalgar's tour guides and directors

Trafalgars' Tour Guides and Directors

Trafalgar Tours is a tour company that offers guided vacations, aiming to allow anyone to achieve their dream vacation. They offer over 303 trips on 7 continents and strive to provide authentic experiences. From the moment you arrive at your destination to the moment you leave, a Trafalgar tour guide is with you every step of the way. This includes walking tours, transfers, and even some meals!

Expert Local Guides

Trafalgar Tours are led by expert local guides who are passionate about their destination. This means you'll get an insider's view of the places you visit and learn about the culture and history. The local guides are supported by a team of Travel Directors and Drivers, who take care of all the logistics, bookings, transport, and porterage.

Passionate and Knowledgeable

Trafalgar's tour guides are often described as passionate and knowledgeable. They are known for going above and beyond to ensure their guests have a memorable experience. For example, one guide got the group representative sweets from each region and picked restaurants featuring local specialties. Another guide was praised for her knowledge of all the cities, sights, and history of the UK, as well as her delightful personality and sense of humour.

Large Group Management

Trafalgar Tours can manage large groups of people, with an average of 40 to 45 guests on their Europe trips. One review mentioned a group of 52 people, praising the tour director for doing a wonderful job of managing such a big group. However, another review mentioned feeling rushed on a tour with a large group, with too many people squeezed into the bus.

Customisable Itineraries

Trafalgar offers a range of optional excursions and activities that can be added to your itinerary. These optional experiences are designed to enhance your understanding of the places you visit and are not mandatory. This allows you to tailor your travel experience to your preferences and create a more relaxed vacation if desired.

The variety of destinations and tours

Trafalgar Tours offers a wide range of destinations and tours, with trips to all seven continents. Their tours include:

• Europe: Best of Spain, Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland, Best of Scotland, Amazing Britain, Italian Holiday, Best of Portugal, Best of Ireland, European Whirl, Best of France, Irish Experience, Amazing Ireland, Grand Italian Experience, Best of Greece with Santorini, European Highlights, Italian Concerto, European Dream, European Splendour, Greek Island Hopper, Castles and Manors, Best of Italy and Sicily, New Zealand Splendour, Bohemian Highlights, Best of Britain, National Parks, Northern Spain, Britain and Ireland Highlights, Best of Switzerland, Switzerland and Austria, Scenic Seattle Portland and Oregon Coast, Best of the Italian Lakes, Contrasts of Switzerland, Classic Japan, Historic Highlights, Italy Bellissimo, etc.
• North America: Best of Canyonlands, Northeast, Best of Hawaii, Tastes and Sounds of the South, National Parks, California's Great National Parks, etc.
• South America: Best of Peru, etc.
• Asia: Classic Japan, Splendours of Japan, Best of India, etc.
• Australia/Oceania: New Zealand Splendour, etc.
• Africa: East Africa safari, etc.

Trafalgar Tours offers various types of vacations, including city escapes, beach holidays, family tours, and national park tours. They also provide different group types, such as solo travellers, couples, women-only groups, or group getaways. In addition, travellers can choose from a variety of accommodation options, from 5-star hotels to more affordable choices.

Trafalgar's tours include unique accommodations such as stays at local wineries, castles, and even an igloo. The company also offers "Stays with Stories" accommodations, which are part of the heritage and fabric of the communities visited, like Welsh Castles and historic Hampton's Inns.

Trafalgar's local specialists provide insider knowledge and insights, enhancing the travel experience. The company also offers exclusive access to selected sights and "Be My Guest" dining experiences, where travellers can enjoy local cuisine in the homes of welcoming locals.

The booking process

Booking a tour with Trafalgar is a straightforward process. You can either book online or over the phone. There are several ways to go about booking:

• By destination: Choose your destination and travel dates, and let Trafalgar take care of the rest.
• By theme: Trafalgar offers a range of themes to choose from, such as beach holidays, city escapes, national parks, family tours, and more.
• By group type: Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or with a group of friends, Trafalgar has got you covered.
• By season: Trafalgar offers tours all year round, so you can choose whether you want to travel in spring, summer, autumn, or winter.

Once you've decided on a tour, you can book it online or by giving Trafalgar's customer service team a call.

Trafalgar also offers a range of optional extras that you can add to your booking, such as unique interest tours led by experts in their field. These tours come at an additional cost and may involve daily travel. Some of the perks of these specialty tours include behind-the-scenes access to top museums and the services of a personal shopper to help you find the best deals at local markets.

You can also customise your vacation package by choosing your preferred type of accommodation, from 5-star hotels to more affordable options. And, of course, you can pick your dream destination! Whether you want to travel solo, as a couple, or with a group, Trafalgar has a tour that's perfect for you.

Trafalgar also offers deals and promotions on their website, so be sure to check those out before booking. And if you sign up for their newsletter, you can enjoy a travel credit towards your first trip.

Customer service and support

Trafalgar Tours is committed to providing 24/7 customer support and aims to respond to all negative reviews within two weeks. The company offers a range of ways to book a trip, including online or over the phone, with a focus on creating a stress-free experience for travellers.

Pre-Booking Support

Before booking a trip, travellers can browse the various tours offered by Trafalgar on their website or seek assistance from a travel agent. The company provides detailed information about its tours, including destinations, themes, group types, and seasons, making it easier for customers to find the perfect trip for their interests and preferences.

Post-Booking Support

Once a booking is confirmed, Trafalgar provides ongoing support to ensure a seamless travel experience. They offer a dedicated MyTrafalgar Portal, where customers can update their information, personalise their trip, and manage their bookings.

On-Road Support

Trafalgar's experienced and knowledgeable team, including Travel Directors and drivers, are committed to delivering exceptional customer service. They handle all the logistics, from transportation to accommodation, and are always on hand to answer questions or assist with any issues that may arise during the trip.

Optional Experiences

Trafalgar also offers a range of optional experiences and excursions that can be booked during the tour. These experiences are not mandatory but provide travellers with the opportunity to further customise their trip and explore their interests.

Customer Feedback

Reviews of Trafalgar's customer service and support are mixed. While some customers praise the dedication and expertise of the Travel Directors and local specialists, others have expressed concerns about long wait times for enquiries and issues with refunds.

Overall, Trafalgar Tours strives to provide a high level of customer service and support, but there is room for improvement in certain areas to ensure a seamless and positive experience for all travellers.

Value for money

Trafalgar Tours offers guided vacations with the idea of allowing anyone to achieve their dream vacation. They offer over 303 trips on 7 continents and strive to provide authentic experiences. Their tours are well-suited for first-time travellers or seasoned vacationers who want a hassle-free trip. The cost of a Trafalgar tour includes transportation, accommodation, most meals, and various activities. They also offer unique interest tours led by experts in that field, such as behind-the-scenes access to top museums, which come at an additional cost.

Trafalgar has a range of tours to cater to different budgets, with accommodations ranging from 5-star hotels to more affordable options. They also offer deals and promotions, such as a US$250 travel credit for new subscribers to their newsletter.

Reviews of Trafalgar Tours are mixed when it comes to value for money. Some reviewers claim that the tours are overpriced, with additional costs for gratuities and optional excursions. Others state that the value derived from the trip far outweighs the price paid, including accommodation, food, transportation, and optional experiences.

Trafalgar also offers a range of flexible booking options, allowing customers to book online or over the phone, and choose from various themes such as beach holidays, city escapes, and national parks. They also accommodate different group types, including solo travellers, couples, and groups.

Overall, Trafalgar Tours provides a wide range of options to cater to different budgets and preferences, allowing customers to create a customised vacation that suits their idea of value for money.

Frequently asked questions