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Thorne Travel

Thorne Travel is an independent, multi award-winning Travel Agency and Tour Operator based in the scenic west coast of Scotland.

With our luxurious, eco-friendly coaches and access to a wide range of accommodation, we love nothing more than helping people to explore Bonnie Scotland.

Whether you want to discover medieval castles; take a trip on a vintage steam train; sample a wee dram of whisky in a distillery; see a critically acclaimed show at a theatre; or get up close and personal with Highland coos and ewes, our team of Travel Experts have hundreds of tours, day trips, short breaks and exciting excursions to allow you to experience the very best of what Scotland has to offer.

If you are looking for a bespoke tour, our highly knowledgeable team will be happy to develop a tailor-made solution that will allow you to create memories that last a lifetime.  We have experience in booking golf tours, walking tours, photography tours and much more!

Beyond our tour company, our team of Travel Experts have a combined experience of over 100 years and have travelled the world extensively, giving them first-hand experience of a wide range of destinations and resorts. 

If you are looking for a city break, an all-inclusive package holiday or five-star cruise, the team at Thorne Travel will ensure that you always receive a first-class professional service.

Payment Methods

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The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

What's Nearby

Accommodation, attractions, food & drink, terms and conditions.

thorne travel agents

  • 0300 373 0800

thorne travel agents

At Thorne Travel WorldWide we are an extension of the multi-award winning independent travel agency Thorne Travel . With thousands of inspiring luxury far away destinations to choose from we have all the best deals, promotions and exclusive offers all over the world.

Established in 2009, Thorne Travel is a multi award-winning independent Travel Agency with high street branches in both Kilwinning and Largs.

We love nothing more than helping our wonderful customers to explore the world!

With a combined experience of over 100 years, our team of Travel Experts are able to answer all of your holiday questions. Our highly knowledgeable team have also travelled the world extensively, giving them first-hand experience of a wide range of destinations and resorts.

We work with over 600 suppliers to bring our customers the very best holiday prices everyday. As an independent business we can often add extra touches that other, larger operators simply can’t such as making a reservation for you at a recommended restaurant.

We are a member of ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) meaning that you can book with confidence, safe in the knowledge that we provide protection for your money.

Browsing our website is the perfect place to find your holiday inspiration. You can also pop in to one of our branches and speak with our team of Travel Experts. Alternatively, call us on 0300 373 0800 or send us an email at [email protected]

With our Thorne Travel Worldwide, you can rest assured that your trip will be unforgettable.

Telephone: 0300 373 0800

Email: [email protected]

About Us (3)

Call Our Holiday Experts

Call our experienced team on 0300 373 0800.

Visit Us In Store

Pop in at any of our 3 stores • 153 Main Street in Kilwinning, Ayrshire • 10 Main Street in Largs Ayrshire • 66 - 68 Main Street, Prestwick, Ayrshire

Email Our Team

Email our team on [email protected]

Thorne Travel Registered Office: 153 Main Street, Kilwinning, KA13 6EQ

All holidays shown are subject to availability. Thorne Travel acts as retail agents for ATOL protected tour operators. The air holidays shown on TR10 Travel website are ATOL protected by the civil aviation authority.

thorne travel agents

Opening Hours

Information.

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sustainable Travel
  • Foreign Office

Contact Information

Telephone: 0300 373 0800 Email: [email protected]

Postal Address: 153 Main Street Kilwinning KA13 6EQ

Site by MeltedHouse Digital

thorne travel agents

  • 0300 373 0800

Our History

I fell in love with travelling when I was a teenager, and this has never left me. The sense of inspiration when you come back from trying new experiences, food and cultures is amazing.

I started Thorne Travel in 2009 as I wanted make travelling inclusive, and a multi award-winning team was born.

Cruising has changed dramatically over the years allowing it to become something that everyone can enjoy. From ships catering for families wanting  waterslides to those offering 6-star service with butler, large and small there is a ship just perfect for you. As cruise lovers ourselves we know how important it is to speak to an expert who has the experience and inspiration to find you the perfect cruise.

The growth in this part of our business has been so strong due to our knowledge that we decided to set up the team dedicated to cruise only.

In 2017 our Cruise Manager John joined us and won 3 awards in his first year by the leading cruise industry body, Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). Since then, the company has grown and now John has his own team to specialise in cruise holidays, and finally leading “Cruising With Thorne Travel”.

They love nothing better than experiencing cruise ships, discovering fabulous new ports whilst enjoying world class entertainment and indulgent cuisine. John and his expert team will be delighted to help ‘float your boat’.

They have a wealth of knowledge from a world cruise, a Mediterranean cruise, or a relaxing river cruise, they are completely dedicated to helping find the most amazing deals for you.

When you book your cruise holiday with us we take care of every detail from flights and transfers to any additional nights on land or shore excursions. Ensuring you have a seamless and stress-free but exciting adventure.

We are a completely independent company and not financially connected with any cruise line or operator, with full ATOL and ABTA protection.

This fully independent position allows us to offer completely independent cruise offers to suit you.

Why not cruise with us and get in touch with our specialist team now, who currently have exclusive cruise deals from all cruise lines, combined with first class service you will be completely hooked!

Call Our Cruise Experts

Call our experienced Cruise team on 0300 373 0800.

Visit Our Cruise Store

Pop in at any of our 3 stores, 153 Main Street in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, 10 Main Street in Largs Ayrshire or 66 - 68 Main Street in Prestwick, Ayrshire

Email Our Team

Email our team on [email protected]

Thorne Travel Registered Office: 153 Main Street, Kilwinning, KA13 6EQ

All holidays shown are subject to availability. Thorne Travel acts as retail agents for ATOL protected tour operators. The air holidays shown on TR10 Travel website are ATOL protected by the civil aviation authority.

thorne travel agents

Opening Hours

Information.

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sustainable Travel
  • Foreign Office

Contact Information

Telephone: 0300 373 0800 Email: [email protected]

Postal Address: 153 Main Street Kilwinning KA13 6EQ

Site by MeltedHouse Digital

thorne travel agents

Find Your Experience

Enter a Title, Experience Type, Date or Location

A Glimpse Into Our Latest Trips

thorne travel agents

Mary Poppins, Edinburgh Festival Theatre

From: £ 89.00

thorne travel agents

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, Edinburgh Playhouse

From: £ 75.00

thorne travel agents

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Edinburgh Playhouse (Saturday 7th December 2024)

From: £ 85.00

thorne travel agents

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Edinburgh Playhouse (Thursday 12th December 2024)

From: £ 79.00

thorne travel agents

Jesus Christ Superstar, King’s Theatre, Glasgow

From: £ 65.00

thorne travel agents

Burlesque The Musical, Theatre Royal, Glasgow

More amazing experiences.

thorne travel agents

Livingston Designer Outlet Shopping Special

From: £ 20.00

thorne travel agents

Jacobite Steam Train September 2024 EXTRA DATE

£ 105.00

thorne travel agents

Here You Come Again – The New Dolly Parton Musical, Kings Theatre Glasgow

From: £ 55.00

thorne travel agents

Jacobite Steam Train 2024 FULLY BOOKED

thorne travel agents

The Ultimate BoyBand Party Show, Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow

From: £ 52.00

thorne travel agents

South Queensferry Cruise

From: £ 50.00

Wonderful Lake Windermere Day Trip Thorne Travel Experience (1)

Wonderful Lake Windermere 2024

From: £ 38.00

thorne travel agents

The Book of Mormon, Edinburgh Playhouse

From: £ 95.00

thorne travel agents

FULLY BOOKED Lord of the Dance – A Lifetime of Standing Ovations, Edinburgh Playhouse

Blackpool Illuminations at The Savoy Thorne Travel Experience (3)

Blackpool Illuminations Daytrip

From: £ 35.00

Pitlochry Adventure Thorne Travel Experience

Pitlochry Adventure & Falkirk Wheel 2024

From: £ 30.00

Great Story

Welcome to thorne travel experience.

Thorne Travel Experience are experts in day trips, family days out, theatre panto fun, adventure trips and gift vouchers. Whatever your looking to experience – we can make it happen.

Thorne Travel Experience has enjoyed many successful years of delighting our wonderful customers and helping them create lifelong memories. 

We have been carefully planning, meticulously booking and joyfully accompanying thousands of very happy customers on the most amazing range of breaks and day trips imaginable.

Follow Our Thorne Travel Instagram

thorne travel agents

A massive variety of experiences for all the family.

Professional Service

Over 10 years of creating exceptional experiences.

Instant Messaging

Our team is available to help by phone, email, instant messaging or video chat.

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Advertisement

Travel Advisers: When to Let a Professional Plan Your Trip

An illustration of a person sitting on a folded-out map with books, papers and coffee laid out around the area. That person is inside the head of a beige-colored person wearing a teal telephone headset, and drawings of the Eiffel Tower, a compass, a signpost, a jet plane, mountains and other travel imagery are all around the head.

By Julie Weed

Decades ago, your vacation most likely began with a visit to a travel agent, who relied on a combination of expertise and connections to find the best deals on plane tickets, hotels, tours and more. Since then, the internet has turned most of us into our own travel agents, and artificial intelligence software is making research and self-booking even easier. But for some trips, that special insider knowledge can still make a big difference.

So when should you hire a professional, and how does it all work? Here are some tips.

Why should I consider a travel adviser?

It’s easy for a traveler to do the research for a standard trip, said Chris Anderson, a professor at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, “so they should look for a specialist for the type of tour they are looking for, say a bike trip in Ireland, who can really add value.”

The insider knowledge offered by a travel adviser can add the most value to trips that have multicity itineraries, involve a wide age range of travelers , are very significant (like an anniversary vacation) or are to destinations you are unfamiliar with, said Gary R. Johnson, who has run the travel agency Woodside Travel in Seattle for nearly 30 years. An adviser could help you decide, for instance, in which order to visit European cities based on local events and transportation options.

What can an adviser give me that a booking site can’t?

Travel advisers can help you research the best destinations, lodging, or activities for your particular group and travel goals, offering up specific advice that might be hard or time-consuming to find yourself. Those specializing in cruises might know which cabin to choose if you are prone to seasickness, while a safari planner could help you decide which park would be best for bird-watching or seeing specific animals, like rhinos.

Travel advisers typically have relationships with tour companies, hotels and cruise lines, sometimes through networks. Those connections can allow advisers to offer extra perks such as late checkout, free breakfast, airport transfers, a welcome basket or a credit to spend on a cruise ship.

“A good travel agent will be a better steward of your travel budget than you are,” said Guy Rubin, managing director of Imperial Tours , which arranges travel in China.

When bad weather or other circumstances disrupt your itinerary, travel advisers often have direct lines of communication with providers and can do the work of rebooking and changing plans, saving you time and stress.

OK, let’s say I need help. How do I find an adviser?

Networks like the American Society of Travel Advisors and Travel Leaders have websites that can help you start your search for a travel adviser by answering a few questions about your desired trip. Once you have a handful to choose from, get on the phone with them to talk about what they might do for you, how they charge and the level of service you can expect. Special trips can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s worth investing time up front, Mr. Rubin said.

Make sure to read over the travel agent’s reviews and any user-generated social content that mentions them, Dr. Anderson said. “If there is no external validation, that’s a red flag.”

How do advisers get paid, and how much will it cost me?

Advisers receive commission from suppliers, typically 10 to 15 percent of the price, when selling cruises, lodging and tours. They also sometimes charge travelers a planning fee, from a few hundred dollars, which may be credited to the final bill if the booking is completed, all the way up to tens of thousands of dollars annually for a luxury concierge travel planner they can call on all year. Mr. Johnson said that he charges a planning fee the first time he works with customers. If they return for other trips, he waives the fee.

Advisers may be tempted to sell you something that will earn them a higher commission, Dr. Anderson said. But, he points out, the same is true for the large online services, which promote hotels that pay them larger commissions. Travelers can ask advisers about specific commissions they receive or how they are affiliated with the products they are recommending, he said.

Sometimes a local tour company will package transportation, lodging and experiences for an adviser, who tacks on a percentage before passing it along to a client. But a bill that is not itemized can make it harder to make trade-offs — between a more expensive hotel and a special experience, for example. If pricing transparency is important to you, discuss it with the adviser up front.

How are A.I. and other technologies affecting travel advisers?

While new technologies are allowing do-it-yourselfers to create their own itineraries online based on individual preferences, and to type questions directly into travel websites, advisers are also taking advantage of those technologies to improve their services. Joan Roca, chief executive of the upscale travel planning company Essentialist said his team “uses technology to enhance the human touch,” employing artificial intelligence to choose options from a database of travel offerings selected by a human team. If a couple wants to take an after-dinner stroll, for example, Essentialist’s app will offer up ideas of where to go, based on what part of the city the travelers are in and conversations they’ve had with their travel adviser.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

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  3. Our History

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COMMENTS

  1. Thorne Travel

    Thorne Travel acts as retail agents for ATOL protected tour operators. The air holidays shown on TR10 Travel website are ATOL protected by the civil aviation authority. Opening Hours. Monday: 08:00 - 17:00 Tuesday: 08:00 - 17:00 Wednesday: 08:00 - 17:00 Thursday: ...

  2. Cruising With Thorne Travel

    Independent Multi Award Winning Travel Agency Thorne Travel is Scotland's Top Travel Agency 2023 as voted for by TTG. We love that we are trusted by our customers and respected by our peers. Our goal is to create something unique just for you. Wherever you want to go and however you want to get there let our travel experts help you.

  3. About Us

    At Cruising with Thorne Travel we are an extension of the multi-award winning independent travel agency Thorne Travel. With thousands of inspiring cruises to choose from we have all the best cruise deals, promotions and exclusive offers from all the favourite cruise lines. Choose from free upgrades and onboard spend to new itineraries and unique packages all packaged together by our award ...

  4. Tours

    At Thorne Travel, we offer a wide range of tours holidays throughout Africa, Asia, Australasia, the Middle East, North America and South America. Our tour itineraries are packed full of exciting places, famous landmarks, wildlife encounters and authentic experiences. They also provide an opportunity to discover lesser-known hidden gems that you ...

  5. Our History

    2009 - Thorne Travel was established in a small store on Kilwinning Main Street. 2013 - Thorne Travel established Thorne Experience, our tour agency focusing on day, overnight and theatre tips. 2013 - Thorne Travel moved to much larger premises on Kilwinning Main Street. 2014 - Thorne Travel went viral following the release of our hugely ...

  6. Thorne Travel

    Thorne Travel, Kilwinning. 24,012 likes · 492 talking about this · 2,118 were here. Passionate about delivering the very highest level of personal service to create a holiday for you. Thorne Travel, Kilwinning. 23,952 likes · 430 talking about this · 2,133 were here. Passionate about delivering the very highest level of personal...

  7. Thorne Travel, Kilwinning

    Thorne Travel is an independent, multi award-winning Travel Agency and Tour Operator based in the scenic west coast of Scotland. With our luxurious, eco-friendly coaches and access to a wide range of accommodation, we love nothing more than helping people to explore Bonnie Scotland.

  8. Exclusive Offers

    Thorne Travel Registered Office: 153 Main Street, Kilwinning, KA13 6EQ. All holidays shown are subject to availability. Thorne Travel acts as retail agents for ATOL protected tour operators. The air holidays shown on TR10 Travel website are ATOL protected by the civil aviation authority.

  9. Thorne Travel Worldwide Holidays

    Welcome to Thorne Travel Worldwide Holidays. We are dedicated to providing you with the best advice, prices and the latest variety of amazing destinations, all combined with exceptional customer service. ATOL protected, you can ensure your holiday is in safe hands providing you with peace of mind on your booking.

  10. Contact Us

    Thorne Travel Prestwick. 66-68 Main Street, Prestwick, KA9 1PA. Opening Hours. Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday: 08:00 - 17:00. 08:00 - 17:00. 08:00 - 17:00. 08:00 - 17:00 ... Thorne Travel acts as retail agents for ATOL protected tour operators. The air holidays shown on TR10 Travel website are ATOL ...

  11. About Us

    About Us At Thorne Travel WorldWide we are an extension of the multi-award winning independent travel agency Thorne Travel. With thousands of inspiring luxury far away destinations to choose from we have all the best deals, promotions and exclusive offers all over the world.Established in 2009, Thorne Travel is a…

  12. Prestwick: Thorne Travel open third store on Main Street

    Ayrshire-based travel agents Thorne Travel unveiled its third store in the county on Thursday, January 4, adding to existing shops in Kilwinning and Largs. A large crowd packed into the dazzling new shop to celebrate as the ribbon was cut outside by West FM pair Ali and Michael alongside the Thorne Travel's managing director Shona Thorne.

  13. Our History

    Our History I fell in love with travelling when I was a teenager, and this has never left me. The sense of inspiration when you come back from trying new experiences, food and cultures is amazing.I started Thorne Travel in 2009 as I wanted make travelling inclusive, and a multi…

  14. Contact Us

    If you need any help in choosing or booking your Thorne Travel Experience, or have any questions about existing bookings, please do not hesitate to call our Customer Service Team. Our friendly team are on hand to advise and help with all our wonderful experiences. You can speak with one of our Customer Service Team by calling 01294 559949 or ...

  15. Thorne Travel

    Thorne Travel - Prestwick, Prestwick. 646 likes · 44 talking about this. Multi award-winning Travel & Cruise Agency.

  16. Thorne Travel (@thornetravel) / Twitter

    Thorne Travel. @thornetravel. ·. So whether you are looking to catch some Canaries sunshine or explore a brand new city, get in touch with one of our experienced team today! 💜 Thorne Travel 📞 0300 373 0800 📩 [email protected] ABTA & ATOL Protected Subject to availability, terms & conditions apply.

  17. Thorne Travel Experience

    Welcome To Thorne Travel Experience. Thorne Travel Experience are experts in day trips, family days out, theatre panto fun, adventure trips and gift vouchers. Whatever your looking to experience - we can make it happen. Thorne Travel Experience has enjoyed many successful years of delighting our wonderful customers and helping them create ...

  18. Thorne Travel Largs

    Thorne Travel Largs, Largs. 1,430 likes · 26 talking about this · 11 were here. With over 45 years' experience, we bring together the world's most fascinating destinations,

  19. Planning a Trip? Tips and Tricks for Working With a Travel Adviser

    Decades ago, your vacation most likely began with a visit to a travel agent, who relied on a combination of expertise and connections to find the best deals on plane tickets, hotels, tours and more.

  20. Prestwick

    Thorne Travel Prestwick 66 - 68 Main Street, Prestwick, Ayrshire, Scotland, KA9 1PA. Opening Hours. Monday: 08:00 - 17:00 Tuesday: ... Thorne Travel acts as retail agents for ATOL protected tour operators. The air holidays shown on TR10 Travel website are ATOL protected by the civil aviation authority.

  21. Travel Professor Paul

    Independent travel agent. I work from home and I am available to you 24/7. Travel Professor Paul, Newcastle upon Tyne. 151 likes · 1 talking about this. Independent travel agent. I work from home and I am available to you 24/7.