Travel by Catherine

Travel by Catherine, personal travel agency franchised by Hays Travel

Travel by Catherine is a travel agency operated by Catherine Gordon as a Hays Travel franchise, presented as the largest independent travel agency in the UK. This franchise status gives it access to a wide range of tour operators, commercial agreements and exclusive travel offers. The agency is registered with ABTA and acts as an agent for third-party ATOL holders, so package holidays have financial protection.

Booking services and personalised advice

The business focuses on booking tailor-made holidays, from beach stays and cruises to city breaks and off-the-beaten-path adventure trips. Catherine Gordon offers impartial advice on an extensive global travel offering and coordinates all aspects of the trip. Services listed include accommodation, car hire, insurance, tours and tickets, as well as special requests. She also suggests excursions, event tickets and additional details to complete the experience.

Benefits of booking through the franchise

The agency highlights customer care, a flexible service focused on the traveller's needs, and the possibility of working only with trusted tour operator brands. It notes that it offers competitive prices and access to the latest offers thanks to Hays Travel's commercial backing. As a franchisee, it can offer various flexible payment options, including Direct Debit.

Financial protection and affiliations

Travel by Catherine, registered with ABTA, sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel's ABTA membership with number L3832. The agency is obliged to maintain a high standard of service under ABTA's Code of Conduct. Packages that include a flight are financially protected by the ATOL scheme; ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services, so the agency states that it should be confirmed which protection applies to each booking. Hays Travel Limited is registered in England and Wales with company number 1990682 and VAT number 193167195.

Featured destination and trade partners

The website features Bali as a featured destination and mentions collaboration with various trade partners in the sector. The agency handles requests for any destination and type of trip, and offers quick quotes through its contact form.

Customer experiences

The testimonials collected on the website describe organised trips to Bansko (Bulgaria), Marrakech and the cities of Rome and Venice. Customers highlight the complete management of transfers and hotels, the selection of well-located accommodation and the recommendation of tickets to avoid queues, as well as the service received during planning. These accounts reflect the booking and personalised advice activity carried out by the agency.

Location and contact

Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR1 3HA