Just as families across the UK are gearing up for their summer holidays, many have suddenly found themselves stranded—at least on paper.

Great Little Escapes, a travel company once known for promising affordable UK getaways and exotic city breaks, has gone bust, leaving travelers in uncertainty.

From “Dream Deals” to Disaster

Based in Sandhurst, Berkshire, Great Little Escapes marketed itself as a budget-friendly option for memorable trips.

Its website featured slogans like “Holidays to the most iconic cities in the world”, but now those dreams have been put on hold.

The company has ceased trading and is no longer recognized as an ATOL holder—a major red flag for anyone who booked flights through them.

Thousands of Bookings at Risk

The Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) is a UK financial protection scheme meant to safeguard package holidays that include flights.

Without it, holidaymakers are vulnerable if a company goes under—which is exactly what’s happened here.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the company didn’t just trade under one name.

It also operated as Your Holidays, Tunisia First, and managed several high-profile travel websites like:

All of them are now caught in the collapse.

What Travelers and Agents Need to Know Right Now

If you’ve booked a trip through Great Little Escapes, don’t rush to submit a claim just yet.

The CAA is currently gathering details and has asked people to hold off until further instructions are provided.

Submitting now may result in your claim being automatically rejected.

Travel agents who worked with the company have also been warned not to refund customers or use client funds until they receive specific guidance from the Air Travel Trust. Each agent will be contacted directly.

Not the First Collapse This Year

This is just the latest blow to the travel sector.

Earlier this year in March, Jetline Travel—another budget package and cruise holiday provider—also went into administration.

Their collapse followed the withdrawal of ATOL protection and resulted in the appointment of financial recovery specialists to manage their fallout.

More Updates to Come

This story is still developing. The CAA is expected to release more information for affected customers and agents in the coming days.

If your holiday plans were through Great Little Escapes or one of its related sites, it’s best to stay updated via official CAA announcements and avoid making any travel changes until the full picture is clea