In a troubling turn of events for UK holidaymakers, travel company Great Little Escapes has officially ceased trading, leaving hundreds of customers unsure about their summer plans. The collapse of the popular short break provider has sparked concern among families and individuals who had booked getaways for the coming months.
The announcement comes just as the summer holiday season kicks into gear, and many affected customers are now scrambling for answers, refunds, and alternative travel arrangements. Here's a full breakdown of what happened, what it means for customers, and how to protect your travel plans going forward.
Who Were Great Little Escapes?
Great Little Escapes was a UK-based travel company that specialised in offering short holidays, particularly hotel stays, countryside retreats, and spa breaks. The brand gained popularity for its curated packages and affordable rates, attracting many British families looking for easy domestic getaways without the hassle of planning everything themselves.
The firm was part of a broader travel group and had been operating in the market for several years. Its attractive "little escape" offers helped it gain a loyal customer base, especially among those looking for last-minute or budget-friendly travel options.
However, like many in the industry, the company faced mounting financial pressures — likely worsened by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising operational costs, and shifting travel trends.
The Sudden Collapse and Its Immediate Impact
The company announced it had gone into liquidation on Monday, leaving many customers in limbo. According to reports, the travel company ceased trading with immediate effect, and its website was taken offline shortly after. Those who had existing bookings quickly found themselves without access to support or updates.
Customers who had booked holidays for the upcoming summer were hit hardest. For many, the collapse means cancelled trips, lost deposits, or uncertainty about refunds. Some have already reported receiving cancellation notices from hotels and resorts that were part of their Great Little Escapes package.
Adding to the confusion, many customers claimed they were not given any advance notice of the company’s financial difficulties. The suddenness of the announcement has left people feeling disappointed, frustrated, and concerned about getting their money back.
What Happens to Bookings and Refunds?
The good news is that not all is lost for customers who had already paid for trips. Since Great Little Escapes was a part of a larger group and operated under travel industry regulations, some protections are in place.
1. Bookings Made by Credit or Debit Card
Customers who paid for their holidays using a credit card (and in some cases, debit cards) may be able to claim a refund through their bank. Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, if the amount paid is over £100, customers may be entitled to a full refund.
2. ATOL Protection
If your holiday package included flights and was ATOL-protected (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence), then you are likely eligible for a refund through the Civil Aviation Authority. However, many of Great Little Escapes’ offerings were land-based, meaning ATOL may not cover all cases.
3. Travel Insurance
Customers who had comprehensive travel insurance might also be able to claim for the financial failure of the provider. Not all travel insurance policies include this coverage, so it’s important to read the terms carefully or contact your provider directly.
What to Do If You're Affected
If your holiday was booked with Great Little Escapes and you haven’t heard anything official, here are steps you can take:
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Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Provider: Start the refund process as soon as possible.
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Check for ATOL Protection: If flights were part of your booking, look for your ATOL certificate and submit a claim through the Civil Aviation Authority.
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Reach Out to Hotels Directly: In some cases, hotels may still honour the booking or allow you to rebook directly at a discounted rate.
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Review Your Travel Insurance: Contact your insurer to see if you're covered under financial failure or cancellation policies.
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Document Everything: Keep copies of all receipts, booking confirmations, emails, and payment records. These will be vital for refund claims.
Reaction From Affected Customers
Social media platforms have been flooded with posts from disappointed travellers who had made bookings through the company. Many were looking forward to family getaways, anniversary celebrations, or simple weekend escapes.
A large number of complaints focused on the lack of communication from the company prior to the announcement. Customers expressed anger over the fact that bookings were still being accepted just days before the closure.
Others shared stories of planned holidays with children and elderly relatives, now cancelled without warning. The emotional and financial toll has left many questioning how such a situation, like the Great Little Escapes travel company collapse, could happen with little warning.
A Troubled Time for the UK Travel Industry
The Great Little Escapes travel company collapse is another blow to a sector already struggling. Great Little Escapes is not the first travel company to go under in recent years. The UK travel sector has been under immense pressure due to multiple factors:
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Rising Costs: Inflation has increased hotel, fuel, and staff expenses.
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COVID-19 Aftershocks: Although restrictions have eased, the long-term economic effects of the pandemic still haunt the industry.
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Changing Travel Habits: More travellers are now opting for DIY bookings via Airbnb and direct hotel websites, squeezing out traditional travel firms.
The company’s collapse is yet another reminder that the travel industry remains fragile and that customers need to be extra cautious when booking through third-party providers.
How to Protect Yourself When Booking Holidays
While the situation with Great Little Escapes is unfortunate, it’s also a wake-up call. Here are some useful tips to protect yourself when booking future holidays:
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Always Pay by Credit Card: Offers the best financial protection under UK law.
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Book ATOL-Protected Packages: Especially for holidays that include flights.
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Read Terms and Conditions Carefully: Understand cancellation policies and refund procedures before booking.
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Check Reviews and Company Reputation: Do your homework before using lesser-known travel providers.
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Use Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Make sure it covers supplier failure and cancellations.
Final Thoughts
The collapse of Great Little Escapes is another blow for UK holidaymakers and the travel industry at large. It serves as a reminder to book smart, use protected payment methods, and always check the fine print.
If you're one of the many affected, don’t panic — there are steps you can take to recover your funds or make alternative arrangements. Stay informed, be proactive, and take care when planning your next trip.
The travel landscape is changing, but with the right precautions, you can still enjoy your escape — even if it’s not with Great Little Escapes.
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