Top 10 Best Travel Agencies in South Hams

Planning Travel from South Hams

South Hams residents enjoy one of the most beautiful places to live in Britain, but many still dream of sunshine breaks, cruises, safaris and long-haul adventures. Planning travel from a rural part of Devon brings particular considerations, including the choice between Exeter, Bristol and London airports, rail connections from Totnes and Ivybridge and long transfer times. A good travel agent can simplify these logistics, find the best value and provide valuable protection if plans change.

While online booking has grown enormously, many travellers still value expert advice, financial protection and personal service. Here are ten of the best travel agencies and advisers for South Hams residents.

Why Use a Travel Agent

Travel agents offer expert knowledge of destinations, access to exclusive deals and packages, and support if something goes wrong. Packages booked through ATOL-protected and ABTA-member agents provide financial protection, which offers real peace of mind. Agents are also particularly helpful for complex trips such as multi-centre holidays, cruises and long-haul itineraries.

The Top 10 Travel Agencies for South Hams Residents

1. Hays Travel

Hays Travel is the UK's largest independent travel agency, with a large network of high-street branches across the country. Its agents offer package holidays, cruises, city breaks and tailor-made trips, and the company is widely praised for friendly, knowledgeable service.

2. TUI

TUI is one of the world's largest leisure travel groups. It offers package holidays, cruises and flights, and has historically operated holiday flights from Exeter Airport, making it a convenient option for South Hams families heading to popular sun destinations.

3. Jet2holidays

Jet2holidays is known for its value-for-money package holidays and strong customer service ratings. Its packages from Bristol Airport give South Hams travellers access to a wide range of Mediterranean and Canary Island destinations.

4. Trailfinders

Trailfinders is a respected independent travel company specialising in tailor-made long-haul travel. Its expert consultants have first-hand knowledge of destinations across the world, making it a top choice for complex itineraries, round-the-world trips and adventure travel.

5. Kuoni

Kuoni specialises in luxury and tailor-made holidays, including honeymoons, island escapes and cultural tours. Its consultants create personalised itineraries with attention to detail that suits travellers seeking a premium experience.

6. Audley Travel

Audley Travel creates tailor-made trips designed by specialists who have travelled extensively in each destination. It is known for authentic, immersive experiences, from wildlife safaris to cultural journeys through Asia and South America.

7. Travel Counsellors

Travel Counsellors is a network of home-based travel advisers who provide personal, one-to-one service. Many advisers live in Devon and offer flexible appointments, making them a popular choice for South Hams residents who value a long-term relationship with a trusted travel expert.

8. Not Just Travel

Not Just Travel is a network of independent homeworking travel agents across the UK. Its advisers offer personal service backed by industry partnerships, and many specialise in particular types of travel such as cruises, family holidays or luxury breaks.

9. Saga Holidays

Saga specialises in holidays and cruises for people over fifty. With South Hams' large population of active retirees, Saga's escorted tours, river cruises and ocean voyages, often including door-to-door travel services, are particularly appealing.

10. Cruise Specialists

Specialist cruise agencies offer expert advice on ocean, river and expedition cruising. Many South Hams residents sail from Southampton or Plymouth, and cruise specialists can help compare lines, cabins and itineraries to find the perfect voyage.

Travel Trends Among South Hams Residents

Tailor-made and experiential travel is growing, with travellers seeking authentic experiences, wildlife encounters and cultural immersion. Sustainable travel is increasingly important, including rail journeys across Europe, longer but fewer trips and eco-conscious accommodation. Cruising remains hugely popular, particularly with older travellers, while families continue to favour all-inclusive packages for value and simplicity.

Flexibility and financial protection have become top priorities since the pandemic, encouraging more people to book through trusted agents with strong consumer protections.

How to Choose a Travel Agent

Check that the agent is ABTA-registered and that flight-inclusive packages are ATOL-protected. Consider whether you want high-street convenience, tailor-made expertise or a personal home-based adviser. Ask about specialist knowledge of your chosen destination, and compare prices and inclusions carefully. Reviews and personal recommendations are valuable guides.

Getting to the Airport from South Hams

One of the biggest considerations for South Hams travellers is reaching the airport. Exeter Airport is usually the closest option, while Bristol offers a wider choice of flights but requires a longer drive or rail and coach connection. For long-haul journeys, many people take the train from Totnes or Plymouth to London. Good travel agents factor these logistics into their planning, suggesting flight times that avoid very early starts, recommending airport hotels or parking and arranging transfers where needed.

Some agents can also arrange rail tickets, travel insurance and foreign currency, creating a seamless door-to-door plan that removes much of the stress from a big trip.

Conclusion

South Hams travellers have an excellent choice of travel agencies, from high-street leaders like Hays Travel and TUI to tailor-made specialists such as Trailfinders, Kuoni and Audley Travel, and personal advisers through Travel Counsellors. With the right agent, you can plan unforgettable journeys with confidence, convenience and peace of mind.