I was quite astonished when I discovered this newly opened travel agents, in the heart of London -…read morea stone's throw from Oxford Street. It's a glamorous outlet - deceptively spacious - unlike any travel agents that I've ever come across previously. Even more extraordinary, given the current economic climate. On entering, you'll see a huge world map, on one side of the wall, stickered with comments from happy travellers. To the other side, there's a comfy and inviting sofa with a plasma screen behind it. Take a seat and you'll be offered a drink, as you contemplate and ponder your next trip. There are only around six staff - with booking screens - in spite of the impressive size of the premises. It's set-up to enthuse and inspire the traveller, with space to dream and inform yourself. On my recent visit I had a lengthy chat and explored some ideas, confirming that one of my dream destinations will realise itself on my agendaone day. I wasn't made to feel pressurised, or ill-at-ease, although I didn't make a booking there and then. Instead, I was encouraged to return and experience one of their special evening events (I haven't had the chance to yet). During 'normal' office hours, it's a 'pure' travel agents (albeit luxurious and super client-friendly) but venture here in the evening and you might find it transformed into an exotic destination, featuring themed dancing and festivities. It quite turns the trend for isolated exploration, from the 'comfort' of your lonely keyboard, on its head and re-inspires enthusiasm for the expertise and input of a real travel specialist. I'll definitely consider returning when I'm ready to book, or if I'm close to the area and fancy a quick 'escape', or some enticing inspiration.

From the owner: peoplestravel offers amazing holiday deals and cheap flights to destinations like the Far East,…read moreDubai, Australia, China, Europe and more. Part of the Emerald Global Group, we have more than 35 years experience in the travel industry. We also offer travel extras such as travel insurance, car parking and car hire

We really enjoyed every aspect of our trip to Barcelona. Need to go back - there was too much to…read moresee in a weekend. Experienced Tapas at its best. We went to the football also and that was amazing. The hop on and hop off Sightseeing Bus Tour is a must. 3 routes to choose from - we did the green route and that took all day!! Very good value for money. We stayed in the Nova City hotel and that was amazing. Outside the main Catalunya but Metro takes you everywhere. We purchased a T10 ticket for €9.95 - this enables you to take 10 trips on Metro/Tram - we used this between the 4 of us. All in all you will not be disappointed in the least..... Thanks Crystal Travel

From the owner: Crystal Travel is the leading pan-European flagship travel company of Moresand Group of Companies…read more It is the largest online travel portal providing online travel and tour solutions for the UK. Being a prominent name in the travel arena it offers a varied range of travel products that include airline tickets from more than 150 airlines, 65,000+ hotels, holiday packages to your desired destination, car rentals, travel insurance and other travel extras.

A few years ago I found myself in a bit of a tight spot in London, due to a travel agent back in…read moreAustralia making an error with a booking. In a panic, I popped into the nearest Flight Centre (this one) to see if they could help me out. I remember being so impressed with the service I received that I promised myself I was going to write to Flight Centre UK and convey my gratitude and praise for the staff at this branch. I didn't because I was too lazy... but now with Yelp! I can at last take some step to thanking them and recommending them to others.

Simply the best corporate and private client travel agents in the City. Extensive knowledge,…read moreexceptional access to travel products which other so so agents won't even know about and proactive customer service which not only thinks for you, but is also responsive and geared up to the challenges which the customer faces and will not dictate to you. Their itinerary format is second to none - states clearly what check-in times are applicable for the flights which YOU will be taking (i.e. done the thinking for you), tells you which terminal, which type of aircraft (bonus info if you or your boss object to certain types e.g. propeller engines) and if the flight is operated on a codeshare basis, which airline will actually be flying that flight. The itinerary is also produced in MS Word format for those who want to add their own info/further notes. I don't know of any other travel agent who does that. Reed Mac costs, on the face of it, quite a bit more but really, what you get back is so much more!! Go to Expedia if you need to count your pennies in real terms and if you have time to do all the work yourself and can put up with the grief of getting little to no service.

From the owner: Corporate travel managementread more

Upmarket, tailored holidays and adventures in wonderful locations throughout Asia, Africa, South…read moreAmerica and so on. We have travelled with UTC three time in the last two years and have been more than impressed every time. Each of our itineraries (2 in India and 1 in Kenya/Zanzibar) was well-thought out and allowed us to see all we wanted, whilst giving us time to relax as well. Seamless organisation by ground staff at all locations. At times we felt like royalty as we were whisked through crowds, got the inside view and learnt from locals keen to share their local treasures and special places. Everywhere we have stayed with UTC has been stylish, from tented bush camp to exclusive boutique hotel. Highly recommended!

From the owner: The Ultimate Travel Company is a tailor-made tour operator, offering luxury holidays and every kind…read moreof travel experience imaginable - from tailor-made journeys and luxury beach holidays to escorted cultural tours and weekend breaks in Europe.

This is an awful awful awful travel company. I cannot believe it's still in business. It advertised…read morea price that was cheaper than the competitors so I tried to buy through them and they couldn't manage it. Mangled it horribly, cost me an afternoon to sort out, and to top it all off, I had to pay for the all the calls at 10p a minute. It's outrageous.

I would give a zero if possible- I was using web site and every flight I wanted that was a "good"…read moreflight price and duration would have me do everything including putting in payment information; only to say "OOPS" call our office - Why- so they could say it's not available and charge hundreds more. If anyone can share if these businesses are regulated in the UK and send a reply of who I can contact; please DO....It is what we call in the U.S. "Bait and Switch" and STA has mastered it

Is this the best travel agent in London? Well I've been using them for 15 years and I've…read morerecommended them to dozens of people and my experience, and theirs, is unequivocally, yes! On the phone they're not the smoothest outfit in town but they deliver prices that are usually the same as you can get on the Internet. So what? I hear you say. Well the what is as follows if you need to change your booking or if something just goes wrong with your itinerary they're absolutely brilliant! Doug Simm, the owner/manager gets my prize as the most helpful, patient and genuinely useful person I've used in any business anywhere. Nothing's too much trouble, your problem is his problem, and he just sorts it out. No hassle, no panic, just solid and knowledgeable advice and a workable solution at the cheapest available price. Absolutely stunning. No-one that I've introduced them to over many years has anything but praise for their services and virtually everyone has become a repeat & loyal customer. What better recommendation can there be?

This is a small privately run travel agents in Harold Wood and I would never go anywhere else. They…read morehave got me the best deal on my holiday after the collapse of Xl and I thought I already had a good one. The manager there is so friendly and they are so so helpful and lovely in there. They have an expert on Florida holidays and she knows everything there is to know about Florida. Many of my family members have got good deals from this travel agents and I would really recommend it to anyone local looking to book a holiday because they can't be any more helpful!!

I've been using Harold Wood travel for many years,the staff there are EXTREMELY pleasant and…read morehelpful and really know their stuff, will DEFINITELY book through HWT again.

Hi, I am in a similar situation and totally agree with you…read more These guys are SCAMMERS. I did a big mistake returning back to them after they reassured me they will fix my 1st problem but then LIED and got me stuck again with not fixing my 1st ticket but with another problem ticket. I was dealt with WAQAS and Danish, Waqas couldnt help my elderly mother she had document issue but was fakely reassured by Waqas to wait for his call back on the day, he purposely made us wait for hours u til her ticket fell into noshow and then was demanding us to buy a new ticket for double the price otherwise we will not get the 1st ticket refunded as a voucher. Then i had booked my husbands ticket 5 months in advance already and wanted time changed so he can travel with me and ny infant. Danish and waqas yet lied once again and told us he can change my hubands date FREE if we purchase mine and infant ticket and will also email out my mothers lost ticket voucher. We fell into his trap and booked mine and baby ticket. He sent our ticket and then would not answer the call later. When he eventually got intouch he explained we have to pay extra which was now almost the fare amount to change husbands date and time. Now im totally stuck as i will be travelling alone with baby. They have spoiled our excitement for travel and got us under immense stress. THEY ARE CONS. If i could give a 0 rating i would.

Had a terrible experience with this... Had a terrible…read moreexperience with this company. Asked for ticket cancellation way in advance but quoted heavy fees. Unable to offer voucher and offer and competitive prices for alternative dates on request. Avoid

A real gem... This is a unique travel shop that needs people to experience. The staff were really…read morehelpful and went out of their way and spent over half an hour with me showing what holiday packages were available within my budget. Thank you very much and just to add that we had an amazing holiday. I couldn't have found the same deal on the internet myself. I know because I tried it... Steve - IT Engineer

Worth a visit for tailormade itineraries and specialist travel arrangements including cruise events…read moreworldwide.