A UK-based holiday company specializing in group travel tours has fallen into administration after nearly a decade. Tripsmiths and TS Travel, often referred to simply as Tripsmiths, sell unique, unforgettable holiday experiences, offering tours to destinations across the globe, from Japan to the Highlands of Scotland.
What Happened to Tripsmiths?
On May 14, administrators were appointed, and the business and assets were immediately sold. A spokesperson told the Scottish Herald: “Tripsmiths Limited and TS Travel Limited entered administration on May 14, with Michael Solomons and Andrew Pear of Moorfields appointed as joint administrators. Following their appointment, the joint administrators completed a sale of the companies’ business and assets.”
Due to the quick sale, holidaymakers’ plans should not be affected. The spokesperson continued: “The purchaser has confirmed that existing customer bookings will continue to be honoured and all future holidays are going ahead as normal. All customer monies are held securely in a trust account and guaranteed by the Travel Trust Association.”
Background of Tripsmiths
Tripsmiths was founded in 2016 by Charles Starmer-Smith, a former journalist who served as the Head of Travel at the Daily Telegraph. The company describes itself as offering “travel experiences that go beyond ordinary holidays.”
“These are holidays that you simply cannot find anywhere else,” reads their LinkedIn profile. “Each one handcrafted by our passionate team and designed to showcase the best of your dream destination, as well as giving you the chance to travel in the company of inspiring experts from the worlds of literature, art, history, nature, music, television and gastronomy and learn the secrets of their trade.”
Many of their group tours team up with notable names, such as the BBC’s Carol Kirkwood, chef Prue Leith and opera singer Russell Watson, to feature exclusive chats and performances for customers.
Current Tours and Protection
On their website, tours for 2026 include a five-day trip to Scotland with marine biologist Monty Halls for £2,349, and a 10-day visit to the Galapagos Islands with broadcaster Martha Kearney for £9,495. There are also options on sale into next year, which bodes well for any customers worried about the news of the administration.
On Tripsmiths’ website, the operator confirms that all of their “package holidays that include flights” are ATOL protected. They added that in addition to this, travellers get even more protection as trips are financially bonded through the Travel Trust Association.
Broader Travel Industry Challenges
British travel businesses are having a rough time, with several prominent companies going bust in recent months. Many are facing challenges due to soaring jet fuel prices, which is throwing international travel into uncertainty. When these companies collapse, bookings are often cancelled and holidaymakers can be left out of pocket if their packages fall outside ATOL protection coverage.
For a full rundown of all the UK travel firms facing liquidation in 2026, take a look at Metro’s guide.
What Are ATOL and ABTA?
Both ATOL (Air Travel Organisers Licensing) and ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) provide financial protection for UK travellers if the company they booked their holiday through goes bust. ATOL covers flight-based holidays, helping customers with refunds and getting home if they’re stranded abroad. ABTA covers holidays that don’t involve flights (trains, cruises, road) and helps with complaints and refunds.
Regardless of whether your trip is ATOL or ABTA protected, you must always still get travel insurance. According to Citizens Advice, you’re entitled to a full refund if the company cancels your holiday. Through ATOL protection, you’ll get a refund for the package itself, but it won’t cover any other elements booked separately, such as car hire. And while it may also be able to find another operator to take over your trip, Money Saving Expert says this is “rare and not guaranteed.”
“If you are due to travel on an ATOL-protected trip and your travel company has ceased as an ATOL holder, we will offer advice on what steps to take,” the UK Civil Aviation Authority website explains. “We’ll let you know how to claim an ATOL refund. Our advice will often be either not to travel or, if you are in possession of flight tickets issued by the airline and they have confirmed they are valid, you can travel but you may need to pay for the cost of replacement services and then claim for these.”
Metro has reached out to Tripsmiths for further comment.
