Latest News & Press Releases

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National Trust Press Release

31st January 2012

"National Trust coach tours take off"

Following a successful trial last year with Just Go! Holidays the National Trust can announce it has rolled out a range of National Trust coach breaks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

With an estimated nine million people taking a coach tour last year Just Go! Holidays and the National Trust are anticipating big demand from people eager to explore National Trust places a little further from home.

There are twenty unique National Trust breaks to choose from and with a national network of more than a thousand local pick-ups the tours are designed to make travelling to new places as easy as possible.

Tours vary between three and seven days and include: Society Scandal in the South East, taking in Basildon Park, The Vyne and Cliveden, a tour of Northern Ireland with iconic sites such as Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede island to discover, Landscape Gardens and Ghosts in the South West, and Romans and Rugged Northumberland which stops at historic Hadrian’s Wall, as well as Seaton Delaval Hall, Wallington, Cherryburn and Cragside.

Rod Hebden, Head of Corporate Partnerships at the National Trust said, “With the support of Corporate Partners like Just Go! Holidays the National Trust can continue its work protecting historic places and green spaces, and opening them up for ever, for everyone.”

He added, “In these carbon-and-credit conscious times National Trust coach tours will enable more people to explore the amazing places in the National Trust’s care. With coach breaks visitors can turn a few hours into a few days and discover parts of the country they may not normally travel to.”

As a charity completely independent of Government the partnership will raise valuable revenue for the National Trust with Just Go! Holidays giving £10 for every person that books a tour.

National Trust members also benefit from the partnership with savings of up to £55.00 when booking a National Trust Just Go! Holidays tour. Standard holiday breaks will start from £179.99 and including bed, breakfast and dinner in a quality hotel, three full-day excursions and return coach travel.

Luis Arteaga CEO of Just Go! Holidays, said “We are delighted to be expanding our range of National Trust coach breaks in 2012. Half of the customers that travelled on the National Trust breaks last year had never travelled by coach before and with it now costing upwards of £70 to fill up at the pump, holidaying by coach is the best value option for millions of people.”

“These tours offer the opportunity to visit some of the National Trust’s most spectacular houses, gardens and beautiful landscapes as well as other great attractions, as part of a relaxing holiday experience.” For full details of tours and itineraries, go to www.justgoholidays.com/nt or call 08448 22 34 60

 Click here to download the full press release.

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National Trust Breaks

21st January 2012

Following a hugely successful trial last year we have extended our selection of fantastic National Trust breaks. We now offer pickups from all over England and Wales.

This exclusive collaboration allows you to really explore some of the National Trust’s spectacular properties a little further from home.

So why not venture further afield and discover Cornwall’s Spectacular Estates and Gardens, or find A Warm Welcome in Northern Ireland?

 To find out more about these breaks click here.

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High Stakes & Glamour at the Just Go! Awards

7th January 2012

January 7th saw coach operators and suppliers travel from all over the UK to attend the 7th annual Just Go! Holidays Awards Ceremony. The Thistle Hotel in Cheltenham played host to guests from across the travel industry as they came together to celebrate the successes of the last year with us.

A sophisticated drinks reception was followed by the award presentations. A slightly less controversial choice than Ricky Gervais at the Golden Globes saw Head of Commercial Partnerships, James Massey compere the evening with Chariman & CEO Luis Arteaga joining Transport Operations Manager Darren Loftus to pay tribute to the dedication of all the drivers and to present the winners with their awards.

Upon taking their seats, guests found they had each been given the chance to become a millionaire with a lottery ticket for that night’s main draw. That wasn’t the only chance to strike it lucky as, following a pleasant three course meal; everyone was invited to take part in a Las Vegas style casino tournament. The winner walked home with the only prize worthy of a room filled with drivers: swapping a coach for high performance sports cars on a fabulous driving experience day.

This superb evening of entertainment was enjoyed by all and, although sadly there were no jackpot winners, everyone is very much looking forward to working with us in the busy year ahead.

Award Winners

Best New Operator - Belle Coaches
Best New Operator runner up - Carol Peters Coaches

Operator of the Year - W&H Motors
Operator of the Year runner up - Johnsons Bros

Most Skilful Driver of the Year - Sergio Despirito, Johnson Bros

Groups Driver of the Year - Stuart Darby, Skyline

Best Communicator - Brian Smith, Darleyford

Overall Driver of the year - Simon Oakley, Belle Coaches

Employee of the year - Dawn Brignull
Employee of the year runner up - Rob Mason
Employee of the year runner up - Nigel Jones
Outstanding Contribution Award – Paul Mason

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Featured Destinations - Floriade 2012

30th November 2011

Engage all your senses and experience nature first-hand at one of the most anticipated horticultural events of all. A true spectacle, Floriade is a globally important exposition hosted in the Netherlands just once every ten years. The first Floriade was held in Rotterdam in 1960 and, half a century on, it’s still going strong.

 Click here to visit our Featured Destinations page.

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Just Go! Holidays supporting Children in Need

18th November 2011

It’s a busy day at Just Go! Holidays today as we fundraise for this year's BBC Children in Need. Some people have come into work in their pyjamas, others have baked cakes and cookies to sell and the members of our management team, including our Chairman and CEO Luis Arteaga, have been busy making and delivering delicious coffees around the office…for a donation of course! More photos will be added throughout today and also posted to our Facebook page.

Click any image to enlarge...

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Featured Destinations - London

28th October 2011

Our great capital rivals any in the world in terms of culture, history, architecture and diversity. People have chosen to settle here for more than two thousand years; it was the Romans who gave the city its name, Londinium. A couple of millennia on and London has grown into a sprawling metropolis of nearly eight million people; a city that receives the most international visitors of any in the world...

 Click here to visit our Featured Destinations page.

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An interview with our Chairman and CEO

20th October 2011

We have put our Chairman and CEO Luis Arteaga on the spot to find out his views on the world of coach holidays.

1. The Hottest new destinations for 2012 are... Let’s just wait and see. Our Spring Collection 2012 brochure has just come out so our customers will soon let us know what’s hot and what’s not in the world!

2. The best / worst things about coach holidays are... Best; In an era of high food and energy prices. An era of online chats and online dating. Coach holidays provide the opportunity to meet real people, socialise with them for five days (or more) and get great value for money. Worst; When you offer all of the above and people do not appreciate it!

3. People should consider a coach holiday because... For the same reasons as mentioned above as it provides a fabulous opportunity to meet new people as you explore new destinations. Meeting like-minded individuals is key. The simplicity. The hassle-free way of travelling. The lack of queuing and surcharges.

4. The first time I travelled on a coach was... I can’t actually remember. I guess it was one of those great school trips to some place near Madrid, where I grew up.

5. My top tips for making the most out of a coach holiday are... Engage with your fellow travellers, with your driver, with the people in charge of the properties or attractions you visit. Ask questions. Listen. Enjoy. Just Go!

6. My favourite holiday (coach holiday if by coach) ever was... when I went to Italy with my school. I must admit that first glimpse of the Leaning Tower of Pisa will always remain in my mind - beautiful.

7. The perfect song to listen to when on a coach holiday is... To be honest I am not really the right person to ask about this as I am oblivious to songs – sorry!

8. My suitcase essentials when on holiday are... I always make sure I have a good business book with me. On holiday is the best time to think about the business and what else could be achieved without the day-to-day distractions that occur when in the office.

9. The most incorrect myth about coach holidays is... The biggest myth is that they are purely for grannies. This is definitely not the case and you’ll find out when you book your coach holidays through Just Go! Holidays.

10. What’s different about your company? The passion. The innovation. The people. The youth. The desire to do and create new things. The opportunities for young people to grow and develop.

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Featured Destinations - The Costa Brava

2nd October 2011

We are featuring some of our best loved destinations in more detail, discussing the beauty of the area, where’s good to explore and what you definitely shouldn’t miss on your holiday!

Translated as the ‘wild’ or ‘brave’ coast, Spain’s Costa Brava extends north from Blanes to the French border.

 Click here to visit our Featured Destinations page.

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Just Go! Holidays and the National Trust

26th September 2011

It was great to meet some of our customers on our latest National Trust tour, Churchill’s Cultural Kent, attended by our Chairman and CEO Luis Arteaga. The weather was fantastic and a good time was had by all. Here is everyone at Bodiam Castle. Click here to view a larger version of the photo.

 Click here to visit the National Trust Breaks section of our website.
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Featured Destinations - Northumberland

26th August 2011

Northumberland is often referred to as 'The Best Kept Secret' in England. It is the most northerly county and its rugged scenery and spectacular seascapes is a sight to behold.

Its numerous ancient castles hint at its violent history; it has seen many battles between England and Scotland, and many of these fortifications are still here today with its wealth of history, archaeology and heritage to explore.

 Click here to visit our Featured Destinations page.

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Featured Destinations - Newquay

12th August 2011

Newquay has long enjoyed fame as a vibrant summer destination, renowned for its long, clean beaches and offering a wealth of things to see and do.

This former fishing port has been popular with holidaymakers for well over a century now and it remains the ideal Cornish base from which to explore – full of life and character but within easy reach of the tranquil countryside and its pretty hamlets.

 Click here to visit our Featured Destinations page.

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Two new RSPB Breaks are now available!

27th July 2011

Snowdonia, Seabirds and Ospreys
The breathtaking scenery of Snowdonia and the isle of Anglesey are home to a range of amazing wildlife including buzzards, butterflies and the beautiful osprey.

Majesty of the Highlands
The deep lochs, heather-carpeted glens and dense forests of the Scottish Highlands are not only one of the last untouched landscapes in Britain, but home to the red kite, osprey and dolphin.

 Click here for more details.

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Just Go! Holidays is now on Facebook and Twitter

6th June 2011

You can now find us on Facebook and Twitter. We want to make it easier for you to keep informed of our specials offers and promotions, important announcements and all the latest news from Just Go! Holidays.

 Simply 'like' our page on Facebook or 'follow us' on Twitter.

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Featured Destinations - Blackpool

18th May 2011

Blackpool has long been known as a classic family resort with, its trams, donkey rides and three piers as well as seven miles of sandy beach.

Now, a huge regeneration and development project has brought this busy seaside town into the 21st century, with a sense of activity, culture and atmosphere.

 Click here to visit our Featured Destinations page.

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Featured Destinations - Brighton

18th April 2011

There’s nowhere quite like Brighton. Within one city, you’ll find a traditional seaside resort, an uber-trendy university town of unique shops and swanky bars, and a chic holiday destination crammed with boutique hotels and big-name restaurants. This is a place with charm and charisma in spades – no wonder more than eight million people flock here each year.

 Click here to visit our Featured Destinations page.

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Inspiring Breaks to National Trust Houses and Gardens

11th April 2011

We are proud to announce a new partnership with The National Trust.

We have teamed up to offer you a selection of inspiring breaks to National Trust properties. We are making it easier for you to visit some of their most interesting houses and beautiful gardens, as well as taking in historic cities and other exciting attractions.

 Click here for more details and to make a booking.

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Welcome to the exciting new partnership
offering RSPB Breaks from Just Go! Holidays.

4th April 2011

Welcome to the exciting new partnership
offering RSPB Breaks from Just Go! Holidays.

Visit some of the UK’s best nature reserves and enjoy some of the wonders of Britain’s natural world, whilst also getting to visit historic cities, houses, gardens and top attractions too.

We hope these packages delight and thrill, and make you keen to explore more.

 Click here for more details and to make a booking.

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Just Go! Holidays features in Coach Monthly Magazine

21st February 2011

Just Go! Holidays features in February's edition of Coach Monthly magazine.

Investing to succeed

Last month, theCOACHHOLIDAY.com re-branded itself as Just Go! Holidays. It’s a bold step and one that the industry will be watching closely. In this exclusive report, Stuart Render headed to ‘Lake Garda’ to witness the birth...

 View a PDF of the full magazine article

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Just Go! Holidays Launch Party & Awards Ceremony

Friday 28th January 2011 - click on any of the photos to enlarge.

On 8th January, we invited our hoteliers, coach operators, suppliers and a selection of our customers to join us for our Annual Awards Ceremony at the Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse to celebrate the success of the last year and announce publicly for the first time our new brand Just Go! Holidays which we had previously kept a closely guarded secret.

As our guests enjoyed a drinks reception, a group of magicians kept everyone entertained and baffled with their tricks.

We sat down to a ‘destination’ themed meal as the speeches began. Founder Mike Merron started off the evening talking about the growth of the company over the past few years as The Coach Holiday.com and then urging everyone in the room to keep their phones on. He then passed over to Chairman and CEO Luis Arteaga who, along with Marketeer David Barker, declared our ambitions for the next 3 years before introducing Just Go! Holidays As we announced our new brand, our coaches in their new yellow livery were unveiled and our new text alert system was announced with staff and guest’s mobiles ringing and buzzing.

As part of our plans for 2011, we are pleased to say that we have made a partnership with the RSPB and will be launching a series of new tours with them imminently. Bryan Bland, PR Manager for RSPB discussed how excited they were about the partnership and how the environmentally friendly nature of coach travel fits in with their ethos of conservation and connecting people with nature.

Our awards were then presented by Mike and Luis, see below for photos and details of the winners.

After the awards were all handed out, we finished the night with drinks and dancing with music from the Motown band Hitsville . We gave out special goodies to our guests as they left including our own branded Just Go! Holidays sticks of rock and huge Just Go! Holidays umbrellas as well as handfuls of our new brochure.

Everyone leaving told us what a great time they had and how much they’re already looking forward to working with us for the year ahead and next year’s Awards Ceremony.

Driver Awards 2010

The Driver awards recognise the hard work and skills of our drivers, with Mark Adams of Perry’s Coaches being awarded the Overall Driver of the year. Our previous year’s winner, Dave Elcoat, won Driver with the Best Communication Skills, showing our driver’s consistent high standards and showing how huge a part they play in the enjoyment of our customer’s holiday.

Coach Operator Award 2010

Our Coach Operator of the Year award was given to Johnson Bros. They have received consistently excellent feedback from our customers for their clean coaches and good drivers as well as being a pleasure to work with.

Hotel Awards 2010

We then announced our best hotels with Britannia winning the Hotel Chain of the Year and The Holliers Hotel in Shanklin, Isle of Wight for Independent Hotel of the Year.

Visitor Attraction of the Year 2010

We awarded The Eden Project with our Visitor Attraction of the Year award. The Eden Project is undoubtedly one of the most popular excursions that we offer and is a memorable day out, not only as a beautiful global garden but an unforgettable eco attraction as well.

Wholesaler of the Year 2010

Northern Holidays won our Wholesaler of the Year award. We have a brilliant working relationship with them and they have been instrumental in helping us develop our highly successful Spanish tours.

Supplier of the Year 2010

The next award was for Supplier of the Year. This was given to Ray Mullis and John Orchard at Alpha Response for the high standards of print production for our marketing materials and the outstanding service that they offer. They are endlessly flexible and helpful and will always go the extra mile.

Customer Awards

Our customers were next awarded with Harry White winning Group Organiser of the year and Pat Darrall receiving the Customer Loyalty Award. We wouldn’t be where we are today without our customers and inviting some of our best customers to Cheltenham to meet us and show them how much we appreciate them was a great way to say thank you for their loyalty over the years and our hope they will travel with us for many more.

Employee Awards

Our final award was our Employee of the Year award. This award is voted for by every member of staff. The overall Employee of the Year winner was our Business Intelligence Manager Andy Cheshire. He joined us in May 2010 but the amount of votes he received is testament to his impact on the company for what he has brought to us and help us become what we are now.

The 3 runners up were: Marie Adam, our Administration Operations Manager, Dawn Brignull, our Reservations Manager, and Adam Palethorpe, IT Manager.

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Just Go! Holidays radio advertisments now airing on Heart FM

Thursday 27th January 2011

<<< Click the play button on the media player to listen!

We now have 3 adverts airing on the Heart FM radio network.

Use the media player to hear these now, or listen out for us on the radio!

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Gloucestershire coach holiday company transforms

Tuesday 11th January 2011 - Featured in local newspapers and websites SouthWestBusiness.co.uk and ThisIsGloucestershire.co.uk - Written by business editor Bev Hawes

A CHELTENHAM-based coach holiday company, which is now one of the biggest in the sector, underwent a brand transformation at the weekend.

The Coach Holiday.com, which employs 65 people, has been renamed Just Go and launched its new look at Cheltenham racecourse.

The company’s striking new logo will go on 55 coaches initially, with the livery emblazened on all the company’s 100 coaches by the end of 2011.

Just Go has been providing value breaks by coach for the past 15 years and operates in 750 locations all over the country.

In 2008 it took 56,000 bookings but by 2010 the number had reached in excess of 200,000, placing Just Go as the second largest coach holiday company in the country.

It was founded in 1996 by Mike Merron and began life as The Coach Holiday Warehouse. With the steady growth of the company it changed its name to The Coach Holiday.com and now Just Go with the company moving to its current offices at Pate Court, Cheltenham, in 2005. The growth in turnover has been significant. In 2008 the company achieved £10.4 million turnover, rising to £19.1 million in 2009 and £29.5 million last year.

Spanish-born Luis Arteaga joined the company in 2002 as financial director from a large Spanish multinational company.

Mr Arteaga became managing director of The Coach Holiday.com in 2005 and then bought out the business at the beginning of 2009, becoming both chairman and CEO. Originally from Madrid, he now lives in Cheltenham with his wife and two children.

Mr Arteaga said the size of the company workforce had grown from 19 two years ago to 65 now. Despite the effects of the recession, coach holidays are more popular than ever, especially in the 60-plus age range.

“We provide an easy, affordable and social way of enjoying the country,” he said. “The coach is also the most environmentally friendly way of taking a holiday.

“The social aspect of coach holidays is absolutely fundamental. People share interests and feel comfortable. They also like having everything done for them.”

Although 95 per cent of Just Go holidays are in the UK it also takes people to such destinations as Spain, Belgium and Italy. The most popular destination in this country is the Isle of Wight. Mr Arteaga was kept waiting six days as he attempted to fly out of the weather-hit UK to get back to his Spanish homeland at Christmas. But he is proud that all 21 of his company’s coaches going out to Spain on the 19th of December reached their destination on time.

“The flying experience is getting worse and worse,” he said. “We offer a great hassle-free service.” The coach drivers can make or break a holiday, which is why Just Go has established its own academy for drivers. This covers everything from customer safety on board to disability awareness. Mr Arteaga said in hard times value for money was more important than ever, which is why he believes his company has continued to grow during the recession. Just Go has recently linked up with the RSPB to offer excursion to some of the UK’s finest nature reserves.

“People have worked hard and feel they have earned these breaks,” he said. “My goal is to have a million customers by 2014 and the rebranding is the first step. “We had to find a name that represents who we are and what our vision is. We want to transform this industry.

“In hard times companies that have a belief in the future invest. It is the perfect opportunity.”

 View a PDF of the newspaper article

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A very warm welcome to our new website!

Tuesday 4th January 2011

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