Telephone Enquiries
+44(0) 1843 609 699
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Telephone Enquiries
+44(0) 1843 609 699
[email protected]
[email protected]
Telephone Enquiries: +44(0) 1843 609 699

Covid19 Update

Please find International Friends policies regarding COVID19 below. We hope this answers your questions about our response to COVID19, but please feel free to contact us if you have a question not answered in the collapsible sections below. 

Good news!! We are now back operating a full programme of day trips, tours & transfers.   

We would like to reassure all customers that the health and safety of International Friends customers and staff will continue to remain our number one priority. The situation here is monitored daily, and updates will be provided when there are changes to the current situation.

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS OFFICE & CONTACT DETAILS

Our team of staff are now all back working, with a mix of office and working from home. We do have phone lines open, but we recommend contacting us by email at [email protected] as opposed to by telephone. This will ensure your email is forwarded to the relevant staff member immediately, and our team will reply to any emails as quickly as possible.

DAY TRIPS AND TOURS 2021 & 2022

Free cancellation available on the vast majority of products up to 7 days before before your travel date. For Harry Potter Studio, Downton Abbey, Overnight tours/packages and Private day trips free cancellation up to 14 days before travel. 

- Policy above applies to all bookings received from 10th March 2020. If you booked before this date your original terms and conditions apply.

CRUISE/SHORE EXCURSIONS & TRANSFERS 2021 & 2022

If your cruise ship cancels for any date we will immediately offer a change of date or full refund. 

Please note these policies do not apply retroactively for bookings cancelled prior to Monday 6th April 2020.

If you have any questions or queries regarding the above, or any International Friends product please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] 

GTI Travel Group Ltd - Leaders in travel for visitors to Britain

 

International Friends Safety Policy for Covid-19 has been designed taking account of key guidelines and information from three key sources:

  • World Travel & Tourism Council ‘Safe Travels’ initiative
  • UK government advice on travelling in Britain
  • Working closely with our key partners (e.g. tourist attractions) and staff (guides, drivers).

        We haGood to Gove been awarded the "We're Good To Go" mark. This is the official UK mark to                signal that a tourism business has worked hard to implement procedures in line                  with Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, and has a process in place to              maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing. 

 

KEY OBJECTIVE – TO ENSURE THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENJOYMENT FOR ALL INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS CUSTOMERS AND STAFF

To meet our Key Objective, our planning and delivery has been broken down into 3 areas:

1. STAFF AND OPERATIONAL PREPAREDNESS

We have developed a COVID-19 prevention plan including an action/checklist for infection prevention, and a special cleaning and disinfection plan.

  • Protocols and guidelines are in place for staff health, including health checks for staff if required.
  • Office layout has been re-designed to ensure staff keep their physical distance, and we have limited the number of staff in common back-of-house areas where possible.
  • Protocols in place to minimise physical contact. Physical distancing protocols have been implemented.
  • Personal protection equipment (PPE) is available to all staff, such as masks and hand sanitisers.
  • We have worked closely with all suppliers and partners, including tourist attractions, restaurants, hotels and transport partners, to ensure they follo likeminded health and hygiene protocols and guidelines to protect all International Friends guests.
  • A COVID-19 contingency plan is in place should new cases emerge, in collaboration with destinations, suppliers and partners.
  • All cleanliness and disinfection best practices have been validated by expert bodies, health authorities and governmental institutions.
  • Different options for operations have been explored to ensure the customer health and safety risk is as low as possible. Areas explored and implemented include smaller groups, timed entries for attractions and empty seat policies.

2. REBUILDING TRUST & CONFIDENCE: OUR PROMISE TO YOU

  • We will provide clear, consistent and up-to-date communication to all customers on health & hygiene protocols.
  • All suppliers to implement clear signage to inform guests of the enhanced cleaning protocols, avoiding physical contact, and recommendations
  • We will share guest guidelines ahead of your day trip, tour or transfer and where applicable in person upon commencement of trip.
  • Inform all guests about support available if questions or concerns arise prior to your travel with International Friends.

3. DELIVERING A SAFE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

  • All vehicles used are deep cleaned and disinfected daily.
  • Hand sanitiser products available to all guests on all vehicles.
  • All attractions and restaurants pre-booked to ensure timed entry allowing for strict control of overall numbers present at any time.
  • Established with partners and suppliers that they follow likeminded health, sanitation, disinfection and hygiene protocols aligned with local regulation.
 

We understand this is a very difficult time for everyone, and we are aiming to be as flexible as possible. Although we're not able to operate tours at the moment, here are just some of the customer reviews we have received on TripAdvisor during the COVID19 pandemic. 
 

Wonderful responsive customer service!
"We had booked with International Friends for our excursion after our big trans Atlantic cruise in June of 2020. Of course due to the pandemic, that cruise was cancelled. Of all the vendors we worked with International Friends is the only one that was responsive and worked with us to rebook for June of 2021. We lost a lot of money on other bookings because I didn’t realize they had a no refund policy. So now due to the continuing pandemic, our June 2021 cruise has been cancelled and of all our bookings International Friends is the only one that is working with us for a refund. We didn’t rebook another cruise because we don’t know what is going to happen. When we do we will be using International Friends for all of our London excursions, I have learned my lesson! I highly recommend them!" Tripadvisor traveller Pat W, February 2021

Hassle free refund
"Unfortunately due to the COVID19 travel ban, we were not able to make it to this trip. However, the staff was very professional and the refund was taken care of with no hassle." Tripadvisor traveller ViLi, July 2020 

Great business
"For the Second year in a row our trip to London got cancelled. International Friends provided immediate refunds with just an email notice." Tripadvisor traveller Vincent C, July 2020

Superb Customer Service
"I have nothing but good things to say about this company. We have used them once in the past and had such a wonderful tour that we booked them again this year. Unfortunately Covid-19 prevented us from traveling to the UK and we asked to cancel. Our tour venue was not being refunded because the venue was not issuing any refunds, but International Friends was reimbursing out of their own pocket for all of the dates they were not operating. Our tour was scheduled after they resumed operations and they still worked with us giving us a credit and ample time to reschedule. This was above and beyond. All this and excellent, personable, well-written communications throughout. I highly recommend International Friends because I believe the true worth and value of a company comes into view when things do not go right. We are eagerly awaiting the time when we can travel again!" Tripadvisor traveller Macnac, July 2020

Hassle-Free Rescheduling
"When we scheduled our British Isles cruise, we thought that a Highclere Castle tour would be the perfect post-cruise activity. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, our cruise is not happening. It was a pleasure to work with the staff at International Friends. They were extremely accommodating, and we are now looking forward to re-creating our vacation during the summer of 2021. We are so appreciative!" Tripadvisor traveller Suzzi F, July 2020

Wonderful Customer Service
"While I unfortunately was not able to take this tour (yet), I wanted to share my great experience with this company. When Princess canceled our summer cruise, this company was quick to refund my money, no questions asked. Their customer service was extremely responsive to emails and a delight to work with. I will definitely be booking them in the future when I am able to take the cruise." Tripadvisor traveller Casey W, May 2020

Wonderful Customer Service
"While I unfortunately was not able to take this tour (yet), I wanted to share my great experience with this company. When Princess canceled our summer cruise, this company was quick to refund my money, no questions asked. Their customer service was extremely responsive to emails and a delight to work with. I will definitely be booking them in the future when I am able to take the cruise." Tripadvisor traveller Casey W, May 2020

Didn't get to go...but want to share my experience.
"We decided to spend an extra night near the airport before our cruise so we could rest up from the flight and tour Stonehenge the next day en route to the cruise terminal. They offered great service, so we booked it. With the COVID cancellation of our cruise, we had to cancel the trip. I knew when we booked that they had a 20% (or more) cancellation fee. But when I cancelled in May for our August booking, they quickly returned ALL of my payment (without my having to plead and beg for it). They did the right thing and we hope to be able to use their services in the future!" Tripadvisor traveller Brad S, May 2020
 
Trustworthy Tour Company
"Due to COVID we were unable to do this excursion, so this review is strictly for the tour company itself. We had a 13 day Baltic cruise in May using NCL, Delta, Virgina Airlines, Hotels.com and International Friends. Thinking we would have no trouble getting credit from all companies except for perhaps International Friends since we didn't know much about them. It was the exact opposite. International Friends reached out to us first, immediately indicating that we would be credited back the full amount to our credit card. We recvd credit few days later. I'm still fighting with the other "well known" larger companies to get my money back. So thank you International Friends for being so trustworthy. I would highly recommend and try using you again as soon as it's safe to travel. Stay safe everyone!!" Tripadvisor traveller Deb W, May 2020 
 
Supportive Staff
"Due to COVID-19, my travel plans were cancelled for this year. I had planned for my trip and tours for over a year. Your staff responded to every email to discuss the travel arrangements and ideas for the best tours. When the COVID-19 crisis started to affect travel plans on a global scale, your staff continue to respond to my questions and concerns. At the end, I had to cancel my reservations. Your organization provided me with a full refund without any discussion or pressure to accept a future voucher. I have not had this type of experience with any of my other travel plans for flights and hotels. These organizations should learn about wonderful customer service from you. I know that when I am able to travel again, I will most definitely reach out to you to book my tours as your tours sound amazing. I wish your staff and their families good health in these very uncertain times. Until we meet.." Tripadvisor traveller Jayshree, May 2020
 
A Good Company To Schedule Excursions With
"We had 2 excursions scheduled for June 2020 with this company. Due to the Covid-19 fiasco, everything was cancelled. I reached out to this company and they promptly contacted us. I asked if they could just extend our reservations to next July 2021 as we are going to "recreate" this trip that was cancelled. They readily accepted this and we are now scheduled for next year. Since the excursions were already paid for, I thought this was a win-win situation for both of us. I would definitely do business with this company in the future." Tripadvisor traveller Breenw, May 2020
 
Tour Cancelled due to Covid-19 but Received 5 Star Customer Service
"We chose this transfer from the Southampton cruise port to our London airport hotel as it seemed like a fabulous way to visit two spots we wanted to see, Bath and Windsor, while doing an otherwise unappealing transfer. Our luggage would be taken care of while we toured these locations which was a big plus. Sadly, the cruise which was to take place the end of May 2020 into early June was cancelled due to the Covid-19 travel restrictions. Almost immediately after the cruise cancellation was announced, International Friends contacted us first to work through the refund details. Their process was smooth and reassuring and we received a full refund very quickly! Based on this excellent customer service, I would absolutely book with them again and hopefully actually be able to enjoy the tour!" Tripadvisor traveller Gradan, May 2020
 
Can't wait to get to London
"We were so disappointed that our trip to London was canceled due to COVID-19. The highlight of the trip was going to be our WB Harry Potter tour and trip to Oxford with International Friends. A special thanks to International Friends for handling the pandemic so graciously and quickly refunding our money. We'll be back and book our tour as soon as we safely can!!" Tripadvisor traveller Chandi K, May 2020
 
Excellent Customer Care
"While we did sign up and pay for this tour, scheduled for late April, Covid-19 forced cancellation. That said, everything leading up to it was excellent. Our initial inquiry (and subsequent questions), were answered quickly, they assisted with pin-pointing the tour that best fit our needs and, when events forced the cancellation, were quick to offer a refund, with options (ie. future credit, discounts or cash)." Tripadvisor traveller Blue Express, May 2020
 
Outstanding Service in a time of Crisis!
"In 2019 we booked several post cruise tours and transportation arrangements with International Friends for June 2020. The service was excellent, response to questions was quick and clear. They were extremely flexible in adjusting to several scheduling requests. Of course, Covid-19 happened. And International Friends was again extremely responsive, offering a full refund and processing that refund quickly and hassle free! I WILL absolutely use International Friends again in the future." Tripadvisor traveller BuddyRayATL, May 2020 
 
Fantastic Customer Service
"Unfortunately, our tour was cancelled due to Corona-virus, as was our trip to Europe. International Friends was in contact with me and assured me that they would take care of our refund. The reason we chose International Friends to begin with was because our son who was studying abroad in London went on about 6 tours through International Friends and he was very pleased with them. They were well organized and led and he thoroughly enjoyed them. I had booked the tours for him as a gift and was very well taken care of through their customer service. I felt I had a very good idea of what was going on the entire time. I hope we get to visit Europe and re-book our tour with International Friends." Tripadvisor traveller G Nat, May 2020 
 
I did not actually have the chance to take this tour since my cruise was canceled due to the coronavirus.
"Even though I didn't take this tour, all of my interactions with International Friends were excellent. Their customer service is extraordinary!" Tripadvisor traveller Joan R, May 2020 
 
Amazing SERVICE!
"Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 our cruise was cancelled, BUT this organization was SO AMAZING! They contacted us before we contacted them to give us a full refund. It is so disappointing that our cruise we had been planning for over 2 years was cancelled, but International Friends made everything so easy. When we do get to go on our cruise in the future we will absolutely use them again for our cruise terminal pick-up and excursion to Canterbury & Leeds Castle!" Tripadvisor traveller Lilly A, May 2020 
 
Fantastic refund experience
"As soon as Harry Potter studios were closed due to C19 we received the offer of total refund for our trip from International Friends.This was a non refundable trip yet they refunded us 100% within a few days. The whole booking experience was great, they actually have agents working late into the night who respond instantly to their customers from over the pond. We are sad we missed our tour but will certainly rebook with this company again." Tripadvisor traveller CXR919, May 2020 
 
Quick to Respond
"Thank you for allowing us to change our date of travel from 2020 to 2021 with ease. This whole pandemic has been stressful and you made switching so easy and you were quick to respond. Looking forward to using your service next year!" Tripadvisor traveller Kristie M, May 2020 
 
Excellent Service
"While my wife and I had scheduled a trip for May 2020, we’ve since had to cancel because of the virus. In canceling this excursion, we were individually contacted by the company and our refund made immediately and without hassle. When this is past, we’ll definitely be re-booking!" Tripadvisor traveller Chris F, May 2020 
 
Thanks!
"While we were unable to make the trip due to Covid 19, we were promptly & cheerfully issued a full refund. We will definitely use them next time!" Tripadvisor traveller Paul H, May 2020 
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