How to Book

We aim to make things straightforward.

We have included some suggested holidays throughout this website. These are simply ideas; none are fixed. You are welcome to ask for one of these exact itineraries or use them as the basis for your own specific trip. There are then several ways to make a booking:

Browse online for ideas and complete the Availability Form for any which particularly appeal.

Or, to request your own trip online, complete the tailor-made request and we will create a trip to match your interests and imagination.

You can also call 0141 260 9260 any time. We’re usually in the office Monday to Friday from 9am – 6pm, and on Saturdays from 9.30am – 4.30pm. Any other time, leave a message and we’ll call you back.

If calling from overseas the number is +44 141 260 9260, and you can also call us toll-free from the USA or Canada on (866) 922 8538 or from Australia on 1 800 760 824.

We will then send you a free planned itinerary with a precise costing. If you wish you can modify the plan further before you decide to book, as there is no obligation at this stage.

Confirming your Booking

Once you have decided which option you prefer, you may use our secure online booking system to confirm details and pay your deposit or settle balances.

This is also where you will be able to download a booking form, if you prefer to complete this off-line.

Following receipt of your booking form and deposit we will then be able to confirm accommodation and other arrangements.

Deposits

The deposit you are required to pay will ordinarily be 25% of the total holiday cost or a minimum £100 per person (whichever is greater). As most of the hotels and guest houses we use are small, we cannot guarantee availability until you have confirmed your booking in this way. In a few other instances, such as holidays including a cruise element and certain flights, the deposit requirement may be higher, in which case we will advise you specifically of this.

Balances

Your holiday balance must be paid eight weeks in advance of your travel date. If you are booking within eight weeks of departure, the full holiday costs must be paid at time of booking. You can use our secure online payment system to pay balances, as long as you have your booking reference to hand.

Payments

You can pay your deposit and balance by bank transfer, cheque, credit or debit card.

Our online booking system allows you a simple and secure method of paying online by credit and UK debit cards. If you wish to pay by UK bank transfer, please contact us for bank details.

We are also delighted still to accept £UK sterling cheques, made payable to McKinlay Kidd Ltd.

Overseas Payments

As our costs are largely in UK£Sterling, we quote all prices in UK£. Overseas clients may like to check current exchange rates here: free Currency Services by XE.com. Please note that when making an international transfer you should make sure that your bank sends the due amount in UK£Sterling, and not your own currency. This latter approach inevitably results in an under or over payment.

If you are an overseas customer wishing to pay by international bank transfer we have arranged a convenient and secure method, that enables you to pay in your home currency.

Simply follow this link to our partner Flywire

Trusted by thousands around the globe, Flywire is the safest, most convenient way to make global payments to institutions and businesses worldwide.

Note that the amount you pay in your home currency is based on daily exchange rates.

Travel Insurance

Please remember that on booking a holiday you are entering a contract, and that cancellation charges will apply should you cancel or curtail your holiday. We therefore strongly recommend that you make adequate arrangements for Travel Insurance. For UK resident customers Travel & General Insurance have developed a policy offering excellent value for money – policies start from as little as £8 per person. For more details and to arrange cover, call them on 0330 880 3625, or visit their website.

Consumer Protection

McKinlay Kidd is a fully bonded tour operator, and complies with all aspects of the UK’s onerous Package Travel Regulations, through ABTOT (member number 5416) and ATOL (Air Tour Operator Licence 9481). For full details of what these cover, please see the Consumer Protection section.

Late bookings

Unfortunately, due to the possibility of credit card fraud we are unable to accept bookings for travel paid for by credit card at less than seven days’ notice. Such bookings must be paid for by debit card, or immediate bank transfer. All tickets and holiday itinerary packs when paid for by credit or debit card must be sent to the address of the card holder.