Top 10 Best Travel Agencies in North Devon

Why Use a Travel Agent in North Devon

In an age of online booking, you might wonder why anyone still uses a travel agent. For many North Devon residents, the answer is simple: expertise, reassurance and personal service. Travelling from North Devon often involves connections through Exeter, Bristol or London airports, and a good agent can build itineraries that make those journeys smooth. They also provide financial protection, support when things go wrong and insider knowledge of destinations, cruises and tailor-made trips.

This guide highlights ten of the best travel agencies serving North Devon.

What Makes a Great Travel Agency

Look for ABTA membership and ATOL protection for flight-inclusive holidays, experienced staff with first-hand destination knowledge, and a willingness to tailor trips rather than simply sell packages. Local agencies also offer the advantage of face-to-face meetings and personal accountability.

The 10 Best Travel Agencies in North Devon

1. Barnstaple Travel

Barnstaple Travel, located on Gammon Walk in the town centre, offers independent travel planning with a friendly, personal approach. It handles everything from beach holidays to cruises and long-haul adventures.

2. GoTravel, Barnstaple

GoTravel on Holland Walk offers a convenient high-street option in Barnstaple, helping customers plan package holidays, city breaks and bespoke trips.

3. Penny Furseman Travel

Penny Furseman Travel provides a personal, tailored service for travellers who value expert advice and careful planning.

4. Travel Counsellors

Travel Counsellors is a network of independent home-based travel experts, including advisers serving North Devon. Clients benefit from a dedicated personal contact backed by the protection of a large company.

5. Bideford Travel

Bideford Travel on Mill Street serves the Torridge community with independent travel planning, from holidays in the sun to tailor-made experiences.

6. World Class Adventures

World Class Adventures is an independent agency focused on memorable, often adventurous trips. It suits travellers seeking something beyond the typical package holiday.

7. Braunton Travel

Braunton Travel serves the wider North Devon area with bespoke holiday planning and personal service, popular with residents of Braunton, Croyde and surrounding villages.

8. Hays Travel

Hays Travel is the UK's largest independent travel agent, with a strong network of branches across the South West. It offers package holidays, cruises and tailor-made trips with the protection of a large, established company.

9. TUI

TUI is one of the best-known holiday brands in the UK, offering package holidays, cruises and flights. Its flights from regional airports such as Exeter and Bristol make it a popular choice for North Devon families.

10. Trailfinders

Trailfinders specialises in tailor-made and long-haul travel, with expert consultants available by phone and in regional branches. It is ideal for complex multi-destination trips and bucket-list journeys.

Travel Trends for North Devon Residents

Cruises are increasingly popular, particularly those departing from Southampton, which avoid the need to fly. Tailor-made holidays and experiential travel, such as safaris, rail journeys and wellness retreats, are growing in demand. Many travellers are also choosing regional airports like Exeter and Bristol over London to reduce travel time. Sustainable travel is becoming more important, with interest in rail holidays and carbon-conscious choices. Meanwhile, the value of financial protection and personal support has been highlighted by recent travel disruptions.

Tips for Booking Through a Travel Agent

Be clear about your budget, travel dates and priorities. Ask about ATOL and ABTA protection and read booking conditions carefully. Consider travel insurance at the time of booking. Ask your agent about transfers from North Devon to your departure airport or port, as they can often arrange parking, hotels or transport.

Getting to Your Departure Point

One challenge for North Devon travellers is simply getting to the airport or port. Exeter Airport is the closest option for many, while Bristol offers more routes. London airports are reachable by train from Barnstaple via Exeter St Davids, and cruise passengers often travel to Southampton. A good local agent will factor these journeys into your plans, suggesting airport hotels, parking packages, rail tickets or coach transfers so the start and end of your holiday are as smooth as the middle.

Specialist Travel Services

Many North Devon agencies go beyond standard holidays. Group travel for clubs, societies and weddings is a popular service, as is honeymoon planning with special touches arranged in advance. Accessible travel planning is another area where personal agents excel, ensuring that hotels, transfers and excursions meet specific mobility or medical needs. For older travellers or those less confident with online booking, the reassurance of a named contact who can be reached by phone is invaluable.

Agents also have access to trade-only offers, loyalty benefits and cruise upgrades that are not always available when booking directly, which can add genuine value to a trip.

Final Thoughts

North Devon's travel agencies combine local, personal service with access to the world. Whether you are planning a family holiday, a cruise or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the agencies above can take the stress out of planning and ensure your trip is protected from start to finish.