We’ve got some great news to share. Wide Awake Holidays has officially been granted its ATOL licence. While this might sound like just another industry term, it’s a big deal – especially for you, our customers.

If you’re booking a holiday with us, here’s why that little four-letter word means more freedom, more confidence, and far less to worry about.

What is ATOL and Why Does It Matter?

ATOL stands for Air Travel Organiser’s Licence. It’s a financial protection scheme backed by the UK government and run by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

If your holiday includes flights, an ATOL licence makes sure your money is safe – and that you’re not left stranded if your airline or travel provider goes out of business.

In short:
If your holiday is protected by ATOL, you’ll get a full refund if things go wrong before you travel. And if something happens while you’re abroad, you’ll get help returning home.

That’s proper protection. And now, every eligible package holiday you book through us comes with it.

Why This Is Great News for You

Getting our ATOL licence is more than a badge. It’s a promise that we take your financial security seriously – not just some of the time, but every time.

When you book a package holiday with us (including flights), your money is protected from the moment you pay. That means:

• No stress about airline collapses
• No worries if a tour operator fails
• No scrambling for alternative flights or accommodation

You’re covered. It’s that simple.

Backed by Protected Trust Services (PTS)

We’re also proud members of Protected Trust Services – another level of protection that benefits all our customers, even if you’re booking a UK-only hotel or land-based break.

PTS ensures that every penny you pay is held in a secure trust account until your travel services are delivered. That means your money stays safe and separate – not used for anything else – giving you full peace of mind no matter what kind of holiday you’re booking.

Whether it’s a one-night countryside retreat or a multi-stop LGBT adventure abroad, your funds are always protected with us.

Extra Cover with Supplier Failure Insurance

At Wide Awake Holidays, we don’t believe in doing the bare minimum. On top of ATOL and PTS protection, we also include both Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI) with your holiday.

Let’s break that down:

• Supplier Failure Insurance: Protects you if any hotel, excursion provider, or ground agent unexpectedly goes out of business before your trip.
• Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance: Covers you if your airline fails before you fly.

Even if it’s not a full package or doesn’t qualify for ATOL, we’ve got you covered. We don’t just sell you a holiday — we make sure it stays yours.

Secure and Simple Payments

We also use secure payment links for all bookings. These links let you pay through a fully protected online gateway, so there’s no risk of fraud, miscommunication, or handling errors.

• You don’t need to share your card details over the phone.
• You receive instant confirmation and proof of payment.
• Everything is trackable and transparent.

This means you can book from anywhere — your phone, laptop, or tablet — knowing your details are safe and your money is going exactly where it should.

Why This All Matters – Especially for LGBT Travellers

Wide Awake Holidays is a gay-owned travel company that believes personal service should come with solid protection. For many in our community, trust is everything. We don’t take that lightly.

When you book a holiday, you’re not just investing in time away — you’re investing in yourself. That trust deserves to be backed by the best safeguards in the industry.

Our ATOL licence, along with PTS, insurance cover, and secure payments, gives you a clear signal: you can book with us confidently, knowing we’ve got your back every step of the way.

Jamie says: “When I started Wide Awake Holidays, I wanted more than great destinations. I wanted to create a business people could rely on — especially in a world where LGBT travellers still have to think twice about where and how they book. This ATOL licence is one more way we’re keeping our promise to our community.”

Ready to Plan Your Next Holiday?

Whether you’re dreaming of a winter escape, a spring city break, or your first big LGBT adventure, you can now book with even more confidence.

With ATOL protection, PTS membership, supplier failure insurance, SAFI, and secure payments, Wide Awake Holidays is one of the safest ways to book your next break.

Call us today on 01495 400947
Or use our holiday enquiry form on the website

It’s your holiday. It should feel safe, supported, and unforgettable — right from the moment you book.