Having been in the travel business for nearly 30 years, we know just how important it is to get the flights right! Whilst we do have certain constraints on the flights that we can use for our groups, we aim to be as flexible as possible. The following may help you understand how Explore works with airlines and what the flight options are for you.

are flights included?

We sell most of our tours with a flight included from and back to the UK.

A handful of tours have exceptional travel arrangements, such as a Eurostar hop for the Dordogne Discovery or an Edinburgh rendez-vous for the Norwegian Fjords & Polar Bears cruise.

However we can also provide 'Land-Only' prices - that is 'without flights' - for all tours.

how does explore work with airlines?

We tend to hold a block of seats on flights for most of our published tour departure dates. We work with many different airlines (mostly scheduled, but with a few charters as well), and each has their own way of working.

So, with some airlines we have a full allocation of seats, whilst others give us a minimal allocation and the rest of the seats have to be booked on an individual basis.

Also at an agreed time (usually 4-7 weeks prior to departure, depending on the airline) we have to return any unused seats to the airlines. Thus for anyone booking after this 'release date', we have to search for alternative flights.

flexibility is key

Whilst many people like to fly on our 'Group Flights', we are aware that others would rather fly from regional airports or leave a day or two before the start of the tour - or indeed stay for an extra few days at the end.

Our friendly and knowledgeable Adventure Travel Specialists are able to search for and book flights with many different airlines, so should be able to find the exact flight to suit your needs.

can I book my own travel?

If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements we recommend that you only purchase flights (or train/bus tickets) that are totally flexible and refundable. Due to the nature of adventure holidays, days of operation and itineraries can change. It is important that all customers are able to amend their connecting travel arrangements should the need arise. Also in the event of a tour being cancelled (for whatever reason), it is important that customers are able to get refunds if they no longer wish to use the transport booked.

So if you would rather make your own way to the starting point, or wish to include one of our trips as part of a longer period of travelling, this may be a better option for you.

regional flights

As well as booking direct flights from many airports around the UK, we may be able to arrange domestic flights to link with our Group Flights from London at very competitive prices. Again, please call our Adventure Travel Specialists for details.

upgrades and special requirements

If you have any other special meal or seating requests, or would like to upgrade to Premium Economy, Business or Club/First class please give us a call.

For more in-depth information about our flights please see the ‘About our flights/trains’ and ‘Flights, passports and visas’ sections of our Booking Conditions. (include links to these pages)