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Leisuretime FAQs

Company FAQs

Who is behind Leisuretime by Toureasy?

The Leisuretime brand and certain other assets were acquired by The Group Travel Company Ltd, trading as Toureasy, in March 2022. The Group Travel Company Ltd is an independent business led by industry veteran Sean Taggart who also owns the business along with a small group of private investor friends with more than 150 years of industry experience between them.

Where is Leisuretime based?

Leisuretime is the trading name for The Group Travel Company Ltd which has its registered office in Swindon. We operate with a team of remote workers located across England and Wales. This not only keeps our costs low so that we can keep our prices low, but also contributes towards our sustainability commitment.

How do I know my money is safe with you?

Leisuretime by Toureasy fully protects all customer money, so that in the unlikely event of our failure, you will be refunded in full. For more information on how we protect your money, please click HERE.

Why don’t you print a brochure?

As part of Protecting our Planet, we aim to be an entirely paperless business. We have invested heavily in our website which provides much more extensive and up to date information than a traditional brochure ever can. We will not produce large print brocures but will from time to time produce sustainable seasonal flyers or leaflets which will be available on our website or on request.

I don’t use e-mail. Can I still book with Leisuretime?

We need an e-mail address to be able to send you booking and other documents. If you have not got your own e-mail address perhaps you can ask a friend or family member to help you with this? We may be able to post a confirmation to you if not, though an additional cost may apply.

Our Coach Tours FAQs

Who travels with Leisuretime?

Anybody and everybody. There is no typical Leisuretime customer. If you love holidays and enjoy sharing your experiences and making new friends, then you’re likely to be in very good company.

What do you mean by ‘Direct Travel’?

It means you travel on the same coach from the moment you are picked up until you are dropped off back home. We don’t ask you and your bags to change coaches at any point (those changes are referred to as interchanges by other companies).

Why don’t you operate coach interchanges, so we have more choice of destinations?

In our opinion, direct travel is a quicker and easier way to get away and return from your trip. Not only do coach interchanges require you to change vehicles which can be a hassle, but you are also at risk from further delays waiting for customers to arrive on other ‘feeder’ services.

If I'm unhappy about my Leisuretime experience, what should I do?

Please tell us straight away if you are unhappy with any aspect of your Leisuretime experience. The quicker you tell us, the quicker we can try and fix things. This is especially true if you are unhappy with anything once on tour as our opportunities to put things right once you return are much more limited. Please follow this link to see how best to contact us.

I really love what you do! How can I help spread the word?

That is fabulous news and makes us all smile! If you want to help us, then please follow us on Facebook and Instagram and tell your friends and families all about us. Leaving reviews through Google or Trustpilot is also a fantastic way of telling people how you feel about us and our tours. Your feedback will also be shared with our coach operator suppliers and may be included for publication on their website.

Why are your short breaks and holidays such excellent value?

We can offer you really affordable trips because we don’t spend money on things that we don’t think actually add to your holiday experience (like an office for us, for example) and we are very good at keeping our actual operating costs as low as possible without compromising on service or quality.

Are all activities and excursions included in the price as described on the website?

Yes. We do not sell optional extras.

Do I/we have to do the excursions and activities included in our package?

Of course not. We include excursions and activities that we think our customers will enjoy, but it is your holiday to enjoy as you wish. If you would rather do your own thing then that is perfectly fine. We just want you to have a lovely holiday.

Can I add on extra activities and excursions?

You are free to make any arrangements you want but we cannot be responsible for any aspect of activities or excursions that you arrange yourself nor can we provide additional transfer services, etc.

What will I need to pay for during the holiday?

You will only have to pay for meals, drinks and other extras not included in your holiday package.

Other operators offer a self-drive option which would allow me to drive to the holiday destination rather than travel by coach, why don’t you?

A self-drive option conflicts with Protecting our Planet, so this may not be available. Please call us to discuss further.

Why are you asking me to change my chosen departure date or holiday choice?

Occasionally, we do have to ask you to change your holiday. This could be because we haven’t sold enough seats on that particular holiday to meet our minimum cost and/or sustainability requirements or because of issues related to the supplier or holiday destination itself which we think will impact your holiday experience.

Where we ask you change your holiday because we don’t have enough people booked on your trip, this request is driven by two factors. Firstly, one of the ways we keep our prices low is by running relatively full coaches and whilst we will often operate tours with fewer people on them than we would like, we can’t let our average drop too low. Secondly, our commitment to sustainability means that we would always prefer to send out 1 coach with 40 people on it than 2 coaches with 20.

If you ask me to change my chosen departure date or holiday choice, what options do I have?

You will be asked to choose from one of three options:

  • accept the alternative holiday offered, or
  • a voucher for future travel, or
  • a cash refund of all monies paid and cancel your booking with us
If I can’t travel with you for any reason, can I transfer my booking to someone else?

Yes, you can transfer your booking to another person entirely free of charge up until 72 hours prior to tour departure.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The majority of our trips will operate in all weather conditions. However, due to unforeseen, major adverse weather conditions a holiday or day trip may be cancelled at short notice. If this should happen, customers will be contacted as soon as possible. A substitute trip of equivalent value may be offered. No Cash refunds will be offered.

Why can’t I find any pick-up points close to where I live?

We are launching our tours to customers located in South Wales first. Our intention is to expand our pick-up network across the country, so please sign up for our e-mail updates and we’ll make sure you’re the first to know when we’re coming.

Do you offer discounts for groups of friends or family travelling on the same trip with you?

Well, that depends on how many of you there are but if you have at least 12 people in your party, then there are deals to be done! Please call us on 0292 025 7777 or follow this link for more information on how we can help you enjoy a great break away together – with zero impact on our planet!

Can I book a private group trip from any departure point in the UK or only from your designated pick-up points?

Again, that depends on how many people there are in your party. If you have at least 36 people in your group, then we can probably arrange to pick you up from anywhere in the UK! If you have more than 40, we definitely can!

Can I book through my local travel agent?

At the moment we do not work through travel agents, but we may do so in the future. Please check back for more details and in the meantime, we would be more than happy to speak to you and try to help.

I don’t trust the internet, so can I speak to a real person at Leisuretime?

Yes! Our knowledgeable team would love to speak to you. Please call us anytime during our opening hours, which are shown on our website homepage.

How do I make a booking?

You can book online through our secure website 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. If you’d prefer to speak to one of our team members, then please call us on 02920 257777. Please note our calls are sometimes recorded for training purposes.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept payment by debit card, as well as Visa and Mastercard credit cards. We also accept payment by bank transfer. I am afraid we do not accept payment by American Express, cheque or cash. We do not charge any fees for card or bank transfer payments.

When is the balance payment due?

The balance is due 6 weeks prior to tour departure or on confirmation if you book fewer than 6 weeks before travel.

How will you take the balance payment?

You can make your balance payment online by credit or debit card, organise a bank transfer or speak to one of our team members and they can take payment by credit or debit card over the phone.

Where are the pick-up points?

All our pick-up points are shown here, but please check back regularly as we will be expanding to other locations over the coming months.

When will I receive my trip itinerary?

Trip itineraries are published on our website.

Where can I see my booking details and travel documents?

You can see them in your MyLeisuretime section on our website. All you need is your MyLeisuretime login details.

Are children welcome on your tours?

In many cases yes, but it does depend on the age of the children.

Unless you are booking a family break, we do not feel that our tours are suitable for children younger than 6 years of age. If you are travelling with a younger child let us know so we can check the child seat and seat belt requirements. In any case, once a child gets to their 13th birthday, they pay adult price. You will also need to have two full fare paying passengers in a room to qualify for a child discount.

Any person under 18 years of age travelling with Leisuretime must be accompanied by a responsible adult, parent, or guardian (aged at least 18 years old).

Do I need to bring a car seat for my children?

That depends on the age and size of your child. Please just let us know when you book, and we’ll let you know.

Can I bring my dog?

Unfortunately not. We will carry official assistance dogs but please call us first to double check so we can ensure your holiday is as enjoyable as possible for both you and your four-legged companion.

Can I pre-book seats on the coach?

Coach seating is not allocated at time of booking, however we do preallocate seating prior to departure to try to ensure that you are seated together. You may request specific seats on a coach when booking, and we will always do our best to accommodate these but they cannot be guaranteed. We cannot accept bookings that are made on the condition of being sat in specific seats. We reserve the right to change your seats for operational reasons if required. These changes are rare and will not constitute a ‘major’ change to your booking.

Does the coach have air conditioning?

Yes, many of our coaches will have air conditioning, but not all. Those that do not will have forced air cooling/heating as an alternative.

Is there a toilet on the coach?

Many of our coaches will have toilet facilities, but not all. It will often depend on the length of your journey. Your driver will make frequent comfort stops in all cases and onboard toilets are generally provided as a back-up should you get caught short.

Can I bring food and drink onto the coach?

You are welcome to bring cold food, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages onto the coach. We regret that you cannot consume hot food or alcohol onboard.

How much luggage can I bring with me?

Per person: 1 piece of hand luggage to take on board the coach with you, and 1 suitcase (weighing not more than 18kg) which will go into the luggage hold. We recommend that you label your luggage clearly and as with all personal items, it is your responsibility to ensure your suitcase is on board the coach.

Do I need travel insurance?

We recommend travel insurance for all of our holidays although it is only mandatory if you are travelling to destinations outside the UK. Please follow this link for more information on the insurance provided by Leisuretime.

Do you cater for dietary requirements?

Our hotels will always try and accommodate your dietary requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking and we will pass your request on to them. We cannot guarantee they can meet all of your requirements, but they will always do their best. If you have an allergy that could result in harm to yourself, then you must tell us at the time of booking.

Are your tours suitable for those in a wheelchair or have mobility issues?

Some tours and/or excursions may not be suitable for users of wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility aids or for those with walking difficulties. If in doubt, please check with our customer service team at the time of booking.

Can I bring a wheelchair, Electric Scooter & Mobility Aid?

When you travel with us, we will carry your wheelchair, or one mobility item, in addition to your normal luggage allowance. Your mobility aid cannot weigh more than 20kgs in total and must be collapsible. You must pre-book these with us to ensure we have the capacity to accommodate them. We recommend your mobility items are fully insured as we do not accept responsibility or liability for loss or damage to any of your mobility items. If you are planning to take an electric scooter, it is essential that you let our customer service team know in advance as there is a limit on the number that we can carry. We reserve the right to refuse to carry any mobility items that are not pre-booked. No refunds or compensation with be provided in these circumstances.

In any event, we can only carry mobility aids with non-spillable or dry cell batteries, and mobility aids with lithium-ion batteries. You will need to ensure that:

  • 1. Battery terminals must be protected from short circuits e.g., enclosed in a battery container
  • 2. Battery must be securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid
  • 3. Electrical circuits must be isolated, so there is no chance of the device being operated by accident. If this is not possible – and as a last resort – you’ll need to disconnect the battery cables and the battery terminals must be insulated to prevent short circuits
  • 4. You carry the instruction manual with you

We are sorry, but even if your mobility aid is accepted on the coach, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to use your electric scooter/wheelchair etc. inside hotels, attractions, or other premises. There will usually be a place for you to store and charge them if required. We cannot guarantee that your mobility item will give you unaided access to any premises or places that we visit. If you have any specific needs or questions, please check with us before booking.

Anything else I need to know?

From time to time we may take photographs or shoot videos for promotional purposes whilst you are on tour. If you do not wish to appear in these, please make it known to your driver.

Sustainability FAQs

How is Leisuretime a sustainable travel company?

Exact definitions of sustainability vary, but at Leisuretime we refer to ourselves as a sustainable travel company for the following reasons.

  • 1. We remove all the harmful carbon emitted by both our trips and our business operations through high quality, verified carbon offsets. That is why we define our business as carbon neutral.
  • 2. We work with our team members and industry partners to help them limit or reduce their emissions over time.
  • 3. As a business we aim to have a positive impact on the society that we live in and that includes offering our team great working conditions and participating in activities above and beyond our core business operations where they align with our vision and values.

We are a socially responsible business and aim to meet our own needs without compromising the lives of those that come after us. That is why we refer to Leisuretime as a sustainable travel company.

Why have you chosen to offset all of your emissions?

Offsetting all of the emissions from our tours and business operations means that Leisuretime can deliver on its sustainability commitment from day one. It gives our customers confidence that their holiday with us is really giving the planet a break too.

How do you measure how much carbon your tours emit?

We work with Carbon Footprint to identify and capture all of the relevant emissions data for each tour and use this to calculate the total carbon emissions on each holiday. Our calculations are independently audited by Carbon Footprint on a regular basis to make sure we are doing things right.

How does Leisuretime select the offset projects it invests in?

All the high-quality projects we invest in use Certified Emission Reductions (CERs), Gold Standard CERs, Gold Standard Verified Emission Reductions, and Verified Carbon Standard certified credits. All of our projects meet the stringent requirements of the Quality Assurance Standard for Carbon Offsetting.

Beyond that we choose projects that strike a personal chord with us, or our customers and we really like projects that have a wider community benefit in addition to their environmental benefits.

Why aren’t you just planting trees?

Good question. Planting trees is an excellent way to combat climate change, but it takes 30-40 years for new trees to grow to a point where they are really making an impact. In the short term, stopping or slowing the removal of trees that are already fully grown (deforestation) and helping people across the world switch to more sustainable forms of energy will have a much bigger impact.

For that reason, we are planting trees as part of an offsetting programme, but the majority of our offsets are aimed at stopping further short-term damage to our beautiful planet.

Will this really offset your emissions?

Yes. All our emissions are externally audited and matched to the offsets we purchase.

Can I choose if I want to offset or not?

No. We do not believe that protecting our planet should be an optional extra. But neither do we believe that it ought to be costly. So, we are committed to both delivering on our great value-for-money prices and combatting climate change. Contributing to the latter comes at no additional cost to you.

Do I have to pay more to cover the offsets?

No. Whilst there is a cost to us to offset the carbon emitted on our tours and through our business operations, we are doing things a little differently from other operators and that saves us money elsewhere. So, your holiday with Leisuretime will never cost more because we offset your carbon emissions.

What sustainability criteria do you use to select your suppliers?

In our experience, every supplier is at a different stage in their sustainability journey.

All of our vehicle suppliers must commit to agreed minimum environmental standards both for the coach itself and how it is operated whilst on tour with us. As far as our hotel and attraction partners are concerned, we work with them to understand their carbon footprint and to support their own actions to reduce emissions.

How sustainable is coach travel compared to other forms of transport?

Travelling on a modern touring coach is the most environmentally friendly way to travel by any form of diesel or petrol fuelled transport. Click here for more information on how coaches compare with travel by plane, car, and rail.

Do you use electric or hydrogen powered coaches?

We would if we could! Whilst electric buses are starting to be rolled out across the country, the long distances that touring coaches cover means that, unfortunately, coaches that use electric or hydrogen power are not yet available, although they certainly will be some day. We’ll keep you posted!

If you have any further questions, please let us know and we’ll do what we can to help: