Trafalgar Travel Reviews 176

TrustScore 4 out of 5

3.8

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Evaluating 45 reviews, most reviewers were somewhat happy with their experience overall. Many customers frequently praise the staff, particularly the tour directors and drivers, highlighting their knowledge, professionalism, and engaging personalities. Reviewers often found the itineraries well-planned and appreciated the included experiences and comfortable accommodations, with some hotels exceeding expectations. However, some people were dissatisfied with certain aspects of their holidays, noting issues with the pace of tours being too packed and not allowing for relaxation. There were also concerns about the quality of some hotels and meals, with a few customers reporting subpar conditions or bland food. A few other people also felt that safety protocols were unclear and expressed dissatisfaction with the company's handling of incidents.

What people talk about most

Staff

Reviewers mention positive feedback about staff. Customers consistently praise the tour directors, drivers,... See more

Holidays

Customers had ambiguous experiences with holidays. Many reviewers praised their trips as amazing adventures,... See more

Service

People report ambiguous experiences with service. Many customers praise the exceptional tour directors and... See more

Quality

Customers consistently note ambiguous experiences with quality. Many reviewers praise the hotels as... See more

Location

Clients share ambiguous opinions on location. Many reviewers enjoyed the special local venues, scenic... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

My wife and I have not long returned from a US Scenic Park Explorer tour with Trafalgar Travel. The tour itself was "awesome" (literally) and the tour manager (Miriam) and driver (Ronnie) were both e... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Gerwin was a great guide. He was informative and very efficient. I took away one star for the excursions. As the bulk of the tours are seniors, I would like to see more explanation about them regar... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

The travel itinerary was absolutely fantastic, as it covered over 1600K's of scenic historic Ireland in 5 days! The downside was a very full bus load of people (49), with varying degrees of mobility.... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

The tour director was very good with his job. The only problem I traveled solo with 2 other girls we were split up on different levels . And I had a bad experience where I was isolated and didn’t slee... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Travel & Vacation

Information provided by various external sources

For over 70 years Trafalgar has been providing guided vacations and escorted tours to the best destinations in the world. Book yours today!


Contact info

3.8

Great

TrustScore 4 out of 5

176 reviews

5-star
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1-star

Replied to 64% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 month

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Abandoned at WRONG hotel

When shuttle service delivers travellers (from the airport) to the WRONG hotel, at least apologise and refund the taxi fare expense (from wrong hotel to correct hotel) that was caused by the shuttle driver associated with YOUR tour - who should do his job properly and not cause distress and unnecessary expense.

13 September 2023
Unprompted review
Trafalgar Travel logo

Reply from Trafalgar Travel

Thank you for your review. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the shuttle transfer taking you to the wrong hotel, and we understand your dissatisfaction. As such, we have shared your comments with our Quality Control team to ensure the correct drop-off address is accurate to try and prevent this from happening again to our valuable guests. Please email your concerns to globalguestrelations@ttc.com. Once we receive your email, one of our team members will be in touch with you directly in due course to address these concerns. In the meantime, we hope that you were still able to return home safely and with some positive memories of your time away.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Traveled all night USA to Fr

Traveled all night USA to Fr, can’t wait to get to see the hotel to freshen up and do some sightseeing. When I arrive with 4 pieces of luggage, at 9am, I am told, with an attitude, check in is 2pm, so here I am sitting in the lobby with my luggage, my very, very costly vacation is already ruined, never again

24 September 2023
Unprompted review
Trafalgar Travel logo

Reply from Trafalgar Travel

Thank you for your review. We are sorry that during your booking process, you were not well informed that the official check-in times vary from hotel to hotel. Should your flight arrive in the early morning into the city where your trip begins, you may find yourself arriving at the hotel before noon, and it could be early afternoon before your room is ready (Two pm or Three pm). Hotels try to prevent this from happening, but check-in times cannot be guaranteed. The hotel can suggest how any spare time could be used to sightsee, relax or enjoy local restaurants while your room is being prepared. When arriving at your first hotel, check in at the main reception desk. The reception staff will need to know your name and that you are travelling with Trafalgar. When your trip begins, check-in will be managed by the Travel Director, who will advise you on procedures and hotel features before arrival. They will secure keys and oversee the delivery of your luggage to your room. Thank you for choosing Trafalgar as your travel partner, and we hope that you have an unforgettable travel experience.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

It is unfortunate that Trafalgar can no…

It is unfortunate that Trafalgar can no longer afford to supply name tags for guests. I don't know about the rest of you readers, but I am not sure how many days it is going to take me to remember 47 people's names

19 September 2023
Unprompted review
Trafalgar Travel logo

Reply from Trafalgar Travel

Thank you for your feedback. We regret that there may have been a miscommunication regarding name tags on our journeys. Indeed, as marked in our literature, we are trying to eliminate single-use plastics as part of our Make Travel Matter strategy. That said, we hope you have a pleasant journey with us and make many new friendships.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Trafalgar tours are a scam

Trafalgar tours are a scam, we did the Contrast of Switzerland tour, we could have taken a local train to the places we visited, as indicated in your brochure we never experienced the Glacier express from St Moritz to Zermatt, had to change trains 5 times in one day only to be shared by the locals, no air condition in any train, hotels below average and not suitable for seniors (shower above baths), food below quality especial the cheese fondue and optional extras well below the prices charged, a total rip off, wasted $13500,00 AUD
Looking into for reeimbursement

10 July 2023
Unprompted review
Trafalgar Travel logo

Reply from Trafalgar Travel

Thank you for your feedback during your Contrast of Switzerland trip. We understand your disappointment that specific details may have differed from your original itinerary; however, at times, for the safety of our valuable guests, there are occasions of last-minute changes to an itinerary or last-minute cancellation to an Optional Experience due to unforeseen circumstances.

We were also concerned to learn that some of the hotels fell below your expectations and did not meet the high standards we are recognised for, and we would like to apologise for any discomfort caused as a result. It should be noted that hotel standards in varying countries may differ from what our guests are accustomed to in their home nations; as such, the size and character of some hotel rooms can vary. However, the condition of each establishment should still be in line with our high standards. Nevertheless, your concerns will be investigated accordingly to help us make necessary improvements to our guests’ experience.

That said, we are pleased that you have returned home safely, and we hope you have kept some positive travel memories from this trip.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I just went to Rome and Tuscany on a…

I just went to Rome and Tuscany on a tour with Trafalgar.
My experience was Great,saw so much.
I would Highly recommend this tour.
It was really hot went 7/27-8/5.
I'm from Florida so no different.
Tour guide Rosella and bus driver were always on time and 37 people on tour.
We all had a blast!!

27 July 2023
Unprompted review
Trafalgar Travel logo

Reply from Trafalgar Travel

Thank you for your feedback during your time in Italy. Despite hot weather conditions, we are delighted to read that your Coach Driver and Travel Director's exceptional professionalism and enthusiasm contributed to making it a memorable experience, and their passion for travel significantly enhanced your overall enjoyment of the trip. Thank you for choosing Trafalgar as your travel partner, and we hope to hear from you soon about your future travel.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

FEEDBACK FOR GRAND EUROPEAN WITH EUROSTAR EXTENSION…

FEEDBACK FOR GRAND EUROPEAN WITH EUROSTAR EXTENSION 
The management of the meals was very poor. On the first day itself, for the Welcome dinner, we did not get bread. When asked, we were told that the other tables finished it off, and there was none left. We were then given old bun. This was just for the two of us.
Before the trip began, and multiple times during the tour, we had informed the Tour Director that we are Non-Vegetarians, but we don’t eat beef and pork and that we should be served Chicken or Fish in our meals. On many occasions, we were served only vegetarian food inspite of informing him earlier, much to our dislike. In fact, for one of the optional dinners (only I Asmita Anil Menon went for it), that costed 99 EUR, only vegetarian food was served. On asking the tour director, he in turn asked me what I eat, as if he doesn’t know. On enquiring the restaurant staff about this, they informed me that they don’t provide fish or chicken there. It’s either vegetarian or pork. Why did the tour director not inform this to me earlier when he knew well in advance that I have opted for this optional dinner? Inspite of me reiterating to him so many times, I had to eat the same vegetarian food. Why was I not informed earlier that food options are limited for that evening? 99 EUR is not a small amount. It was a complete waste of money as  I couldn’t eat anything.
We had an itinerary. But the tour director kept changing the itinerary frequently at his whims and fancies, as a result of which we could not visit and see some very important places which were clearly mentioned in the itinerary. Focus was always shifted to the Optional experiences.

7 September 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Trafalgar overcharged us for pre paid…

Trafalgar charged us for pre paid gratuities. Suggest you don’t pay these in advance to Trafalgar. We found Trafalgar asked for almost NZ$80 ( allowing for local currency exchange rate) more than the tour leader and driver expected or would have got. So far Trafalgar hasn’t responded to our request for a refund of the overpayment. Also the ‘included’ meals at local venues were very poor quality with the exception of one. Only one hotel had air conditioning. Very few USB charge points on the bus worked. However The tour itinerary and tour leader were great.

17 June 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent experience

I have no idea what all these reviewers are complaining about. I recently returned from a Best of Scotland tour and it was the best tour I’ve ever taken.
Our tour guide was exceptional. He packed so many experiences into a day we got back to our hotels exhausted each night.
Our driver was the best, too.
Several people had issues, the airline lost two couples’ luggage and Trafalgar sent them shopping for anything they needed on its dime. One woman fell the day she arrived in Scotland, breaking her femur and the tour guide did everything possible to make her trip successful.
Most importantly, even with all the issues, no one complained and most of us signed up for all the optional experiences because we had so much fun together.

17 June 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Bait & switch with "last minute deals"

Bait & switch with "last minute deals". I tried to sign up for the Majestic Europe tour by responding to their email with the quote. No one appears to read those so after 5 days, I called their main #. The operator did not want to take the order but wanted for me to await a return call from the person assigned to respond. I insisted that I had waited long enough. She reluctantly took the order, telling me that I would have to put 30% down to even be considered for the tour and I would be informed within 72 hours if I had been accepted. I paid the 30% down. At 11:51 PM, that evening I received an email indicating the full amount was due that day and they had the right to keep my $ if I did not pay. Needless to say, I went ballistic, threatening lawsuit, etc. I have now received an email saying no "last minute deals" were actually that! No discounts applied. Run like the devil from this company! I thought I should add their latest email to "contact them" to which you receive a message that they are "too busy" to respond! Thank you for contacting Trafalgar.

We reviewed your query and would like to inform you that as per the terms and conditions of the Last Minute Deal, savings are valid on new bookings only. Last Minute Deals require payment in full at the time of booking. All savings are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices displayed are per person, based on double occupancy, and are in United States Dollars for select departure dates only.

Further, you may use your pending booking amount to book alternative dates or you may also opt for a refund of the same.

Please reply to this email for any further assistance or chat with us by clicking on the icon “Talk to a Specialist” at the bottom right on our website and we would be happy to assist you.
Responding via email results in a message that they don't reply! Calling their "chat" results that they cannot do chats now!

3 July 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Currently on day 3 and I have quit…

Currently on day 3 and I have pulled out of all main tours as this whole experience is not worth the money or my time currently questioning to sort myself out transportation wise. ( long synopsis ahead)

First of we are adults I get there are kids on the tour but you can’t take us to the beautiful places and give us 1 hour “free time” so pretty much the option is eat or do the sits you can’t do one or the other

Myself and family have paid an astronomical amount thinking this would better for the older members in our group but on 2 occasions in 3 days random tour guides have just left and not let the elders keep up

Secondly we have these optional tour guides come on and we don’t have to tip but they just stand at the entrance of the bus and make you feel guilty if you don’t ??

Thirdly the fine print always seems to be corporate way of sneaking around ethical decisions , so you pay roughly $3000 euro for the tour thinking it’s all catered then on day 2 you get a piece of paper that sums up if you want to do optional tours (that on the brochure made it seem you can just do these as it’s all paid for) you have to pay so only half your day is set up for and you have to pay for the optional which is about $1000 euro to do the activities.

Overall shocking experience I couldn’t recommend this lower the reason I have given 2 stars is the hotels are lovely but they are all out of the main areas so you have to use Trafalgar as it’s to expensive to Uber or taxi and when asked why so far “ we just feel it’s better and to much tourist in the main area “ ok then , then what are we ??? Just randoms stuck in the outskirts

GO WITH G ADVENTURES. They are 10000x better

4 July 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Just finished a Croatia and Slovenia…

Just finished a Croatia and Slovenia tour. The hotels and coach were ok BUT to really see the destinations we went to you had to take the options which are really over priced for what you get. If you don't take the options you are left at the hotel and have to make your own way. Included meals were way below par with limited choices and the meals were rushed. Would never recommend this company .

9 June 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Tricked into sharing accommodation

After booking single accommodations the agent told me no single rooms were available for the Scotland tour. I was left with the impression that if I wanted to go on the tour I had to book shared accommodations. It turns out there were at least 5 other singles on the trip and I was the only one that had to share a room.
I was travelling with a couple of friends so it was very awkward having to tip toe into the room every night not to disturb my roommate. This is totally unacceptable and after complaining I have not heard anything not even an apology for this treatment. Considering I was the one that suggested Trafalgar tours to our group of 4 I can’t believe the lack of concern for my experience. I will no longer recommend Trafalgar tours

14 May 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

They've lost my £10,000 at the first hurdle!

A potential customer in the process of booking a tour for nearly £10,000 with Trafalgar, who thankfully stopped before it was too late.

We had a few questions to ask before final completion of our booking, but this utterly USELESS company can't even provide a sales team to answer the phone or web chat in a timely and efficient manner. After several failed attempts to contact them I decided to look here on TrustPilot to see if I was just being unlucky, and WOW thank goodness I did! I note their customer service reviews have been consistently atrocious for a very long time, without any responses or comments from Trafalgar, and apparently without them taking any action to rectify their appalling performance.

Over the years I've found many companies with slick and efficient sales teams but poor after-sales, but Trafalgar appear not even to have a competent sales department! This defies any semblance of commercial logic. If they can't even afford to employ sales staff how can they expect to make sales and take any money? They have certainly failed to take mine. Just staggering incompetence at the very first encounter, so heaven knows how bad they would be thereafter, and I'm not waiting around to find out.

Many thanks to all here who have taken the trouble to write reviews. Looks like you have saved me a whole pile of grief.

29 May 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We just finished The Best of Canada…

We just finished The Best of Canada tour with Trafalgar and it was first class every day. Hotels were beautiful and located in great areas. Bus and driver were great. Tour director was the best! I would recommend them. And we,like others, had 2 trips canceled and we waited along with thousands of others for a refund. But we knew it was going to take time and patience is a wonderful thing! We will travel with them again.

19 May 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Dont risk your money with Trafalgar

Trafalgar cancelled our tour booking without our consent because I asked about if there was availability on another tour. Never did they mention that enquiring about another tour they cancel your existing booking. Now the tour is full and I have spent $18,000 on Qantas airfares and accom. Tour booked in Jan 2023 for Sept 2023 tour. Nobody takes responsible and nobody will call me to discuss. Family of 4 holiday ruined,.

26 May 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Hotels were 1 star

Hotels were 1 star. No air conditioner, old, dated, some had no stairs others were just gross. Like drink some wine and fall in bed so you don’t notice the grunge. It seemed unorganized and chaotic. Not enough variety. The included meals had no choice. We usually ended up having to pay out of pocket for meals after the free ones. The only redeeming quality was the coach driver.

8 May 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Poor Customer Service

Customer service is terrible. I have been calling for 2 weeks with insane amount of time on hold just to be disconnected. I have emailed numerous times with the exact tour that I would like to book with no return email.

28 March 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Support correspondence too slow.

I’ve traveled to over 30 foreign countries. This is the first time I’ve tried Trafalgar. Initially, signing up and paying for the trip went fine. But the customer support is awful. I’ve waited days for return emails and hours on end for return phone calls. Their recordings apologize for slow service but that only goes so far. They need to ramp up their staff to handle their sales volume.

16 March 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Trip is a let down before it even happens.

I haven’t even gone on my trip yet and I will never use Trafalgar for another trip. I booked the Highlights of Eastern Europe trip for September 2022 in early 2022. After I booked the trip I got a new job and moved to a new city. Being a new employee I would not have enough leave to go on the trip. I notified Trafalgar in writing more than 90 days before the trip and requested to reschedule for September 2023. I received an email back canceling my reservation, which was paid in full, and instructing me to call when I was ready to reschedule. When I called to reschedule I was first told I couldn’t reschedule because the trip was less than 90 days. We went back and forth because I had given them notice in writing prior to the 90 days. Finally they allowed me to reschedule but raised the price. When I questioned it I was told there weren’t any deals at that time but if a deal became available to call back and they would give me that price. I originally paid $4095 for a single room and was now being charged $4795. So I checked online today and saw to book this trip today for a single room it would be $4195. I called Trafalgar to get my bill adjusted. They refused saying they don’t do that, even though I was told last summer to call back if the price went down. So I am stuck overpaying for this trip and I’m already disappointed with their customer service. I will never use this company to travel with again. Horrible customer service and they don’t stand by what they say. You can never get through when you call them. 2 hour wait times. I am now wondering what their customer service will be like during the trip. This is an expensive trip and I feel really let down and taken advantage of by this company. Corporate greed at its finest.

7 March 2023
Unprompted review

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