Explore Escapes

Explore Escapes, independent travel agency in Ulverston

Explore Escapes is an independent travel agency with an office in Ulverston, in the English county of Cumbria. It presents itself as an operator that works as an agent for selected third-party suppliers, which allows it to offer a wide range of financially protected travel options. The company handles both holiday travel and getaways of varying length and style, and its team is described as experienced and friendly.

The agency defines itself through a personalised planning approach: according to its own presentation, it takes care of every detail so that the trip runs smoothly and stress-free. Its key people include Gaynor and James, presented as the duo behind the project who bring a personal touch to every trip they help to organise.

Destinations it promotes

The site highlights a set of international destinations around which it builds its offering: the Maldives, Spain, Dubai, Italy, Greece, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, France, Japan and the Seychelles. For some of them it includes traveller-oriented descriptions, such as the beaches and diving in the Maldives, the food and atmosphere of Spain, the combination of skyscrapers and desert in Dubai, the heritage and cuisine of Italy, or the white villages, sea and local markets of Greece.

Types of trip and experiences

In addition to destinations, the agency organises and sells various types of trip:

• City breaks
• Cruises
• Luxury getaways
• Family holidays
• Romantic getaways
• Weddings and honeymoons
• Wellbeing retreats
• Experiences presented as unforgettable memories

The company states that it can cater for anything from a family holiday to a romantic escape for two, a short trip to a city, an excursion or a round-the-world cruise presented as the trip of a lifetime.

How bookings work and payment protection

Explore Escapes explains that it acts as an agent for carefully selected third-party suppliers. It states that it is a member of Protected Trust Services (PTS) and that customer payments are held in an independent trust account, so that, according to its own information, the money remains protected until the trip is completed. It also states that the flights and flight-inclusive holiday packages advertised on its website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme, and that when you pay you are supplied with an ATOL Certificate, which you should check to ensure that the flights, hotels and other services booked are listed on it.

As for the booking process, the agency describes a two-stage arrangement: first a deposit is paid to secure the arrangements and a confirmation is sent; the remaining balance is paid on the stated date, with reminders and support throughout the process. Cancellations and amendments depend on each supplier's conditions and may incur charges. The company also states that travel insurance is compulsory on all bookings and must cover cancellation, medical emergencies and loss of belongings.

Documentation, special requests and issues

The agency advises on passport validity, visa requirements and health regulations, although it reminds travellers that it is their responsibility to have these in order before departure. It also passes special requests on to suppliers, such as room type or dietary needs, without being able to guarantee that they will be met, and stresses that the earlier they are communicated, the more likely they are to be accommodated. In the event of an issue during the trip, it states that the supplier or local representative should be contacted first and, if the problem is not resolved, Explore Escapes should be contacted so that it can step in and provide support as far as possible.

Regarding costs, the company states that it acts transparently and that any mandatory resort fee or local tax is highlighted, although some may only be payable at the destination, such as hotel fees or tourist taxes. As for personal data, it maintains that this is only shared with the suppliers necessary to manage the booking.

Customer service and informational activity

The agency runs a blog and a holiday inspiration section, as well as sections dedicated to frequently asked questions and managing bookings. Its published opening hours are 08:00 to 20:00, Monday to Sunday.

Location and contact

Unit 6, Low Mill Business Park, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA129EE · Phone: 03333356659 · Email: info@exploreescapes.co.uk · Opening hours: 08:00 - 20:00, Monday to Sunday