Based on looking at the website, Allabouttours.co.uk is no longer operational. The homepage clearly states that the business has ceased operations, citing difficulties stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and an inability to regain customer numbers to a sustainable level. This direct communication, while unfortunate for past clients, provides a definitive answer regarding its current status.
Overall Review Summary:
- Operational Status: Ceased operations as of an unspecified date, with communication dated around August (implied by the passing of Jean Laver on 2nd August).
- Reason for Closure: Inability to recover from COVID-19 losses and grow customer numbers to ensure quality service.
- Customer Communication: Direct communication has been sent to some clients, with more to follow, regarding cancelled holidays and apologies for the situation.
- Transparency: High transparency regarding the closure and personal difficulties faced by the owner.
- Website Functionality: Primarily an informational page detailing the closure; no active tour booking or service features are available.
The website serves as a public announcement of closure rather than an active service provider. This means for anyone looking to book tours or travel services, Allabouttours.co.uk is no longer a viable option. It’s a sombre reminder of the challenges businesses faced post-pandemic. While the transparency is commendable, the core purpose of a tour operator’s website—facilitating travel—is entirely absent. For those planning their next adventure, it’s crucial to look towards active, reputable alternatives that can deliver on their promises.
Here are some excellent alternatives for planning your next trip, focusing on ethical and reliable service providers:
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- Key Features: Small group tours, focus on sustainable and responsible travel, local experiences, diverse destinations worldwide.
- Average Price: Varies widely depending on destination and duration, generally mid-range to high-end.
- Pros: Strong commitment to ethical tourism, authentic cultural immersion, positive reviews for knowledgeable guides and well-organised trips.
- Cons: Group travel might not appeal to solo travellers seeking complete independence, prices can be higher than budget options.
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- Key Features: Small group adventures, emphasis on local communities, wide range of travel styles (active, family, classic), global reach.
- Average Price: Similar to Intrepid, offering options from budget-friendly to more premium experiences.
- Pros: Known for fostering genuine connections with local cultures, good value for money, strong focus on responsible travel.
- Cons: Accommodation can sometimes be basic depending on the trip style, requires flexibility and an adventurous spirit.
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- Key Features: A directory of ethical tour operators offering sustainable holidays globally, filtering by responsible criteria.
- Average Price: Highly variable as it’s a platform for various operators.
- Pros: Excellent resource for finding truly ethical and sustainable travel options, wide variety of niche trips.
- Cons: Not a tour operator itself, so booking process is through individual operators, which requires more research.
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- Key Features: Specialises in European tours, focus on cultural immersion and independent travel, practical advice and guidebooks.
- Average Price: Mid-range to premium for guided tours, guidebooks are very affordable.
- Pros: Deep expertise in European travel, promotes smart and efficient sightseeing, well-regarded for quality and value.
- Cons: Exclusively focused on Europe, tours can be fast-paced for some, independent travel philosophy might not suit all.
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- Key Features: Bespoke luxury holidays, tailored itineraries, expert travel consultants, global destinations.
- Average Price: High-end, focusing on premium and custom experiences.
- Pros: Personalised service, unique and exclusive travel experiences, high attention to detail.
- Cons: Expensive, caters to a luxury market, not suitable for budget-conscious travellers.
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- Key Features: Adventure holidays, walking, cycling, cultural tours, diverse destinations, over 45 years of experience.
- Average Price: Mid-range to high-end, depending on the adventure level and destination.
- Pros: Long-standing reputation, strong focus on adventurous and active trips, good safety record.
- Cons: Some trips require a good level of fitness, group sizes can sometimes be larger than Intrepid or G Adventures.
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- Key Features: Tailor-made journeys, expert country specialists, focus on unique experiences and authentic encounters.
- Average Price: Premium to luxury, as it offers highly customised trips.
- Pros: Highly personalised itineraries, exceptional local knowledge from specialists, strong customer service.
- Cons: More expensive than standard package tours, requires more input from the traveller during the planning stage.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
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Allabouttours.co.uk Review & First Look
Alright, let’s talk about Allabouttours.co.uk. If you’ve landed on this site looking for your next holiday, you’ll quickly realise it’s not what you expected. The moment you hit the homepage, you’re greeted not with enticing travel packages, but with a heartfelt, albeit sombre, message. It’s a direct announcement from Martin, the owner, stating the cessation of operations. No glossy images of pristine beaches or historical landmarks; just plain text explaining a difficult business decision and personal tragedy.
The site is essentially a digital obituary for a travel company. Martin explains that despite battling through the main COVID-19 period, they couldn’t grow customer numbers sufficiently to maintain the desired service quality. This is a common tale for many businesses in the travel sector post-pandemic. The message is raw, honest, and personal, even mentioning the passing of his mother, Jean Laver, which compounded the difficulties.
From a user perspective, this means Allabouttours.co.uk is not a functional travel booking website. There are no tours to browse, no prices to compare, and no booking engine to interact with. Its sole purpose now is to inform past and potential customers about the company’s closure and to offer apologies for any inconvenience caused by cancelled holidays. It’s transparent, yes, but for someone seeking a travel service, it’s a dead end.
Initial Impressions of the Homepage
The homepage is stark. It’s dominated by a single block of text. There are no navigation menus, no search bars, no calls to action typical of a travel site. The font is clear, but the overall impression is one of finality. The only active elements are links at the bottom of the page, which are simply to ‘Top of page’ and ‘Bottom of page’ anchors – not external links to other parts of a website, implying a single-page presence. This immediate and unambiguous communication leaves no room for doubt about the company’s status. It’s a bold move to keep the site live purely for this message, indicating a sense of responsibility to former clients.
Absence of Key Website Features
When you assess a legitimate, active travel website, you expect a certain suite of features. Allabouttours.co.uk, in its current state, lacks all of them. This includes: Mestro.co.uk Review
- Tour Listings: No descriptions, itineraries, or photos of any tours.
- Booking System: No way to select dates, input passenger details, or process payments.
- Customer Support Information: While Martin mentions personal letters, there are no general contact numbers, email addresses, or live chat options.
- Terms and Conditions/Privacy Policy: These crucial legal documents are entirely absent, which would be a major red flag if the site were operational.
- About Us Section: Beyond Martin’s personal note, there’s no company history, team information, or mission statement.
- Customer Reviews/Testimonials: Expected on a service-oriented site, but predictably absent here.
- Security Measures: No visible SSL certificate indicators or trust badges that typically assure users their data is secure. While irrelevant now, it would be critical for an active site.
The absence of these elements reinforces that the site is no longer a commercial entity but a communication channel for a closed business.
Allabouttours.co.uk Pros & Cons
Given that Allabouttours.co.uk is a defunct business, a traditional pros and cons list in terms of service offering is largely irrelevant. However, we can evaluate it based on its current function as a public announcement and the implications of its closure.
Allabouttours.co.uk Cons
Let’s be blunt: for anyone looking to book a holiday today, Allabouttours.co.uk offers no ‘pros’. The cons are overwhelming, primarily stemming from its non-operational status.
- Non-Operational: The most significant con. You cannot book any tours or services through this website. It is simply a notice of closure.
- Zero Service Offering: There are no active tours, itineraries, or travel packages available. The core purpose of a travel website is completely missing.
- No Customer Support Channels: While the owner mentions personal communication, there are no general contact details (phone, email, chat) for inquiries or assistance. This could leave some past customers in the dark if they haven’t received direct correspondence.
- Lack of Essential Website Information: Crucial elements like terms and conditions, privacy policy, and booking procedures are absent, which would be a significant red flag for an active site and potentially problematic for unresolved issues.
- Potential for Confusion: Despite the clear message, some users might still stumble upon it, misinterpret the situation, or waste time trying to find non-existent services.
- No Value Proposition: For a new visitor, the site offers no value beyond a sombre business announcement. It doesn’t guide them to alternatives or provide helpful travel information.
In essence, Allabouttours.co.uk, in its current state, serves as a cautionary tale rather than a functional business entity. Its primary “con” is that it’s no longer a business.
Allabouttours.co.uk Alternatives
Since Allabouttours.co.uk is no longer in operation, the discussion naturally shifts to viable, active alternatives for planning and booking travel. When selecting a travel provider, especially in the UK, it’s wise to consider companies with strong ethical practices, clear communication, robust customer support, and financial protection. Here are some of the top alternatives, ranging from small group adventures to bespoke luxury, all with a good reputation and focus on ethical travel. Nailsbyannabel.co.uk Review
Comprehensive Tour Operators
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Explore Worldwide: This is a UK-based company specialising in small group adventure holidays across the globe. They are known for their responsible tourism approach, supporting local communities, and offering a vast array of trip types, from trekking and cycling to cultural and wildlife tours. They have ATOL and ABTA protection, which is crucial for UK travellers.
- Why it’s a good alternative: Wide range of destinations, strong ethical credentials, financial protection, diverse activity levels, experienced guides.
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TUI: As one of the world’s largest travel companies, TUI offers a massive selection of package holidays, flights, and cruises. While not exclusively a “tour” operator in the small-group sense, they provide structured holidays that include flights, accommodation, and often transfers and excursions. They are a publicly listed company with strong financial backing and consumer protection.
- Why it’s a good alternative: Huge variety of destinations and holiday types, comprehensive packages, strong consumer protection (ATOL), often good value for money.
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Kuoni: For those seeking more tailored or luxury experiences, Kuoni is a well-regarded option in the UK. They specialise in bespoke holidays, honeymoons, and multi-centre trips, with expert travel consultants who can craft highly personalised itineraries. They focus on quality hotels and unique experiences.
- Why it’s a good alternative: High level of personalisation, luxury focus, expert advice, strong reputation for quality service.
Niche & Ethical Travel Providers
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Wild Frontiers: If you’re looking for adventurous and often off-the-beaten-path experiences, Wild Frontiers is an excellent choice. They offer small group tours and tailor-made trips to less-visited destinations, with a strong emphasis on cultural immersion and responsible travel. They are based in the UK and hold ATOL protection.
- Why it’s a good alternative: Unique itineraries, focus on authentic experiences, small group sizes, strong ethical travel policy.
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Much Better Adventures: This platform connects travellers with local tour operators offering unique, sustainable, and authentic adventures worldwide. It focuses on transparency and direct bookings with local experts, ensuring more money stays within the local economy. Eptaprojects.co.uk Review
- Why it’s a good alternative: Supports local businesses, authentic experiences, often better value by cutting out middlemen, diverse range of unique trips.
Independent Travel Planning Tools
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Skyscanner: While not a tour operator, Skyscanner is an essential tool for independent travellers. It’s a leading global travel search engine that compares flights, hotels, and car hire from hundreds of providers, helping you find the best deals for your journey.
- Why it’s a good alternative: Comprehensive search for flights/hotels, excellent for finding budget options, user-friendly interface.
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Booking.com: Another giant in the travel industry, Booking.com offers an extensive database of accommodations worldwide, along with flights, car rentals, and attractions. It’s perfect for those who prefer to build their own itinerary rather than buy a package tour.
- Why it’s a good alternative: Massive selection of accommodation, often good deals, flexible booking options, extensive user reviews.
How to Handle Potential Unresolved Issues with Allabouttours.co.uk
For anyone who had a booking or outstanding issue with Allabouttours.co.uk before its closure, dealing with the aftermath requires a methodical approach. The website’s direct message indicates that Martin, the owner, is attempting to contact individuals personally, which is a positive sign of accountability. However, if you haven’t been contacted or need to pursue a refund for a cancelled holiday, here’s how you should proceed.
Contacting the Business
The primary method of communication mentioned on the website is direct letters from Martin. If you were expecting a holiday and haven’t received communication, your first step should be to attempt to reach out based on any past contact information you have. This might include:
- Email addresses: Check your old booking confirmations or correspondence for any email addresses associated with Allabouttours.co.uk or Martin.
- Phone numbers: Similarly, look for any phone numbers you might have used previously.
- Physical address: If you have a record of their business address, sending a letter might be an option, though given the closure, response cannot be guaranteed.
It’s crucial to document every attempt at contact, including dates, times, and methods (email, phone, letter). This paper trail will be vital if you need to escalate your claim. Hraconsulting.co.uk Review
Understanding Consumer Rights and Protection
In the UK, consumers who book package holidays are generally protected by specific regulations.
- ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) Protection: If your holiday included flights booked by Allabouttours.co.uk and was a package holiday, it should have been ATOL protected. This scheme ensures that if the company goes out of business, you won’t be stranded abroad and will receive a refund for your holiday. The ATOL certificate (which you should have received at the time of booking) will have a unique reference number. You would then typically make a claim directly with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which administers the ATOL scheme.
- Action: Check your booking documents for an ATOL certificate. If found, visit the CAA website for guidance on making a claim.
- ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) Protection: If your holiday was a package that didn’t include flights (e.g., coach tours, rail holidays, cruises), it might have been protected by ABTA. ABTA offers financial protection for non-flight packages and can assist with refunds if a member company ceases trading.
- Action: Check your booking documents for ABTA membership details. If found, visit the ABTA website for their advice and claims process.
- Credit Card Chargeback / Debit Card Dispute: If you paid for your holiday using a credit card (Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974) or a debit card (chargeback scheme), you might be able to claim a refund from your card provider.
- Section 75: For credit card payments between £100 and £30,000, your credit card provider is jointly liable with the travel company for breaches of contract or misrepresentation. This is a powerful protection.
- Chargeback: Debit card payments can sometimes be disputed with your bank. This is a voluntary scheme by card providers, so protections aren’t as strong as Section 75 but can still be effective.
- Action: Contact your credit card company or bank immediately to explain the situation and initiate a claim. Be prepared to provide all documentation related to your booking and attempts to contact Allabouttours.co.uk.
Gathering All Documentation
Before initiating any claim, gather every piece of documentation related to your booking. This includes:
- Booking confirmations
- Invoices and receipts
- ATOL or ABTA certificates
- Any correspondence with Allabouttours.co.uk (emails, letters)
- Bank statements or credit card statements showing the payment
- Any records of attempts you’ve made to contact them since the closure announcement.
Having this information readily available will significantly speed up any claims process with ATOL, ABTA, or your bank/credit card provider. It’s a pain, no doubt, but taking these steps diligently can significantly improve your chances of recovering funds.
How to Cancel Allabouttours.co.uk Subscription or Free Trial
This section is a bit of a misnomer for Allabouttours.co.uk because, as we’ve established, the company is no longer operational. It’s highly unlikely they offered a subscription service or a free trial in the traditional sense of a digital platform or ongoing membership. Tour operators typically deal in one-off bookings for holidays, not recurring subscriptions.
Therefore, there is no “subscription” or “free trial” to cancel in the conventional sense related to Allabouttours.co.uk. The concern for past customers would be about cancelled bookings and refunds, not ongoing charges. Blacklionlynsted.co.uk Review
If, by some remote chance, you were under the impression of a recurring payment, it’s crucial to investigate its nature. This might be a legacy payment setup that needs to be addressed directly with your bank or credit card provider.
Steps to Take if You Suspect an Unwanted Payment
Even though it’s unlikely for Allabouttours.co.uk, here are the general steps you’d take if you suspect an unauthorised or ongoing payment from a defunct company:
- Check Your Bank Statements: Scrutinise your bank or credit card statements for any recurring debits from “Allabouttours.co.uk” or a similar merchant name. Note down the dates and amounts.
- Identify the Payment Type: Is it a direct debit, a standing order, or a continuous card payment?
- Contact Your Bank/Card Provider:
- For Direct Debits/Standing Orders: You can usually cancel these directly through your online banking portal or by contacting your bank. Explain that the merchant has ceased operations.
- For Continuous Card Payments: These are trickier as they are agreements you make with the merchant for recurring payments. You’ll need to contact your card provider (bank or credit card company) and request a cancellation or block on future payments to that merchant. Explain the situation clearly – the company has ceased trading, and you are no longer receiving (or will receive) any services.
- Document Everything: Keep records of your calls with the bank, any reference numbers, and the dates of cancellation.
Given the explicit closure announcement on Allabouttours.co.uk, any attempt to charge a new subscription or trial fee would be highly fraudulent. If you encounter such an attempt, report it to your bank immediately as a fraudulent transaction. However, the more common scenario for past customers is seeking refunds for trips that were paid for but won’t be delivered.
Allabouttours.co.uk Pricing
Discussing “Allabouttours.co.uk pricing” in the present tense is an exercise in futility, as the company is no longer trading. There are no active tour packages, no price lists, and no booking system to display any costs. The website, as it stands, does not provide any information about past pricing structures, typical tour costs, or how they compared to competitors.
In a general sense, tour operators’ pricing models typically vary widely based on several factors: Luxurydiningsets.co.uk Review
- Destination: Long-haul, exotic destinations naturally cost more than domestic or short-haul European trips.
- Duration: A weekend break will be significantly cheaper than a two-week expedition.
- Inclusions: Whether flights, accommodation, meals, activities, and guides are included greatly impacts the price. “All-inclusive” packages are generally more expensive upfront but can offer better value if they cover everything.
- Group Size: Small group tours often command a higher price per person due to personalised attention and lower economies of scale compared to large coach tours.
- Accommodation Standard: Budget hostels versus luxury hotels will dramatically alter the price point.
- Seasonality: Peak season travel (e.g., summer holidays, Christmas) always comes with a premium.
Without access to Allabouttours.co.uk’s historical pricing data, it’s impossible to comment on their competitiveness or value for money when they were operational. Any attempt to speculate would be just that—speculation. For potential travellers, the focus should be on current market offerings from active and reliable tour operators, where transparent pricing, clear inclusions, and robust consumer protection are paramount. Always look for providers that clearly list what’s included and what’s not, and those that offer ATOL or ABTA protection for your peace of mind.
FAQ
What is the current operational status of Allabouttours.co.uk?
Allabouttours.co.uk has ceased operations. The website displays a message from the owner, Martin, confirming the company’s closure due to financial difficulties and personal reasons.
Can I book a holiday through Allabouttours.co.uk?
No, you cannot book any holidays or services through Allabouttours.co.uk. The company is no longer operational, and its website serves only as a closure announcement.
Why did Allabouttours.co.uk close down?
The owner, Martin, stated that the company closed due to difficulties recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, an inability to grow customer numbers sufficiently, and a desire to maintain the quality of service they aimed for. Personal tragedy (the passing of his mother) also contributed to the decision and communication delays.
Is Allabouttours.co.uk a legitimate website?
Yes, the website is legitimate in the sense that it is a genuine communication from the owner of a formerly legitimate business confirming its closure. It is not a scam site; it simply no longer offers services. Potsofsweets.co.uk Review
What should I do if I had a booking with Allabouttours.co.uk?
If you had a booking, you should first check your email and postal mail for direct communication from Martin regarding your cancelled holiday. If you haven’t been contacted, review your booking documents for ATOL or ABTA protection details and contact your credit card company or bank if you paid by card.
Was Allabouttours.co.uk ATOL protected?
Whether Allabouttours.co.uk was ATOL protected would depend on the specific holiday package and whether it included flights. You would need to check your individual booking confirmation and ATOL certificate (if provided) for this information.
What is the best way to get a refund for a cancelled Allabouttours.co.uk trip?
The best way to get a refund depends on how you paid and whether your trip was financially protected. Check for ATOL or ABTA protection. If not, contact your credit card provider to explore a Section 75 claim or a debit card chargeback.
Are there any contact details for Allabouttours.co.uk?
The website’s current message does not provide general contact details like a phone number or email address. The owner mentions writing to customers personally. Your best bet is to use any contact information you have from previous bookings.
What are good alternatives to Allabouttours.co.uk for booking tours?
Excellent alternatives include Intrepid Travel, G Adventures, Explore Worldwide, TUI, Kuoni, Wild Frontiers, and Audley Travel. Ecocarchargingsolutions.co.uk Review
Did Allabouttours.co.uk offer package holidays or bespoke tours?
The homepage does not detail their past offerings, but the name “all about TOURS” suggests they specialised in organised tours. Without active listings, it’s impossible to confirm if they offered package holidays or bespoke tours.
Is the Allabouttours.co.uk website secure?
As the website is no longer processing transactions or collecting personal data, traditional security measures like SSL certificates are less relevant. However, for an active site, a lack of visible security indicators would be a concern.
Where can I find reviews for Allabouttours.co.uk from when it was active?
You would need to search external review platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, or specific travel forums for historical reviews of Allabouttours.co.uk, as the current website does not host any.
What consumer rights apply if a travel company goes out of business in the UK?
In the UK, consumers are protected by ATOL for flight-inclusive package holidays and ABTA for other package holidays. Credit card payments may also be protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
Is it possible to cancel a subscription or free trial with Allabouttours.co.uk?
It is highly unlikely Allabouttours.co.uk offered subscriptions or free trials in the traditional sense, as they were a tour operator. If you suspect an ongoing payment, contact your bank or credit card provider to stop it. Thelapacompany.co.uk Review
How transparent is Allabouttours.co.uk about its closure?
The website is very transparent about its closure, featuring a direct, heartfelt message from the owner explaining the reasons and apologising for inconvenience.
Are there any specific details about the company’s financial status on the website?
The website states “we had to accept losses and basically start from scratch” and “not been able to grow the numbers,” indicating financial difficulties, but no specific financial data or formal insolvency proceedings are detailed.
What are the key features missing from the Allabouttours.co.uk website?
Missing key features include tour listings, a booking system, customer support contact details, terms and conditions, a privacy policy, and any active functionality for booking or browsing travel.
Did Allabouttours.co.uk have a physical office?
The website does not provide information about a physical office location. For a tour operator, a physical presence is common but not always mandatory.
How long has Allabouttours.co.uk been closed?
The exact closure date is not specified, but the message mentions the passing of the owner’s mother on 2nd August, implying the decision to close was made shortly before or around that time. Greenalchemist.co.uk Review
Should I trust an active travel website that doesn’t display consumer protection like ATOL or ABTA?
No, it is highly advisable to only book package holidays and flight-inclusive trips with UK-based companies that explicitly display their ATOL and/or ABTA protection. This protects your money if the company ceases trading.
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