Cox & Kings: the world's longest established travel company
Starting up an incredible 250 years ago, Cox & Kings now organises high quality group tours, private journeys and tailor-made itineraries to many of the world's most fascinating regions. Their holidays range from the luxurious to the adventurous, and are planned by experts with a passion for travel and made real by dedicated staff on the ground.
The company’s history stretches back to May 1758 when Richard Cox was appointed as regimental agent to the Foot Guards, later the Grenadier Guards, by Lord Ligonier during the French and Indian War (the ‘Indian’ in this context refers to the American Indians who were allied to France against the British in the war for control of America).
There was not a strict code for the role of an agent; in essence they arranged the payment of officers and men, organised the provision of clothing, acted as a go between for the buying and selling of officers’ commissions and acted upon any special requests from the regimental adjutant. This ranged from the shipment of personal effects to the requisition of weapons or supplies.
Such was Cox’s success that by the end of the 18th century the company acted as agents for 14 cavalry regiments, 64 infantry regiments and 17 militia regiments, becoming the largest military agent for the army. Through partnership with the Drummond family the company had also become involved in banking.
The company’s business grew hand in hand with the British Empire, notably during the Raj era in India, and by the early 20th century the company was acting as agent and banker throughout the armed forces. In 1922 the company merged with the Henry S. King bank and, although the banking business was sold the following year, the Pall Mall building was opened as the Cox & Kings branch.
Cox & Kings continued to flourish after the two World Wars and today it thrives as an independent travel company, with associated operations in India, Japan and the USA. The company has built on the tradition of high quality service and attention to detail established by Richard Cox in the 18th century and it now provides travel arrangements of the highest calibre in some of the most fascinating parts of the world.
Today, as Cox & Kings celebrate 250 years, the company organises group tours and tailor-made private travel to the Indian Subcontinent, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, the Far East and Europe, and run a programme of tailor-made Family Explorer holidays and a selection of special interest tours, including expert-led Art Treasures holidays.
EXPERTISE
Dedicated Teams of Experts : Cox & Kings’ Tour Consultants have all travelled extensively in their regions and offer a vast collective bank of knowledge. Whether you are planning to join a brochure tour or design a tailor-made journey, you can travel with the reassurance that your itinerary will have been fully considered by a regional specialist.
The Best Representatives : We work with affiliated companies and local agents throughout the world, offering a high level of support and expertise on the ground.
VALUE
Low Price Policy : Cox & Kings does not believe that you should pay a premium for excellent service and outstanding holidays. It is our policy to keep our prices as low as possible and, thereby, to make our holidays available to as many people as possible.
Buying Power : Cox & Kings’ low price policy is made possible through buying power established over many years and long-standing relationships in the travel industry generated by the network of associated Cox & Kings companies worldwide. As a result, Cox & Kings is able to contract flights, hotels and ground services at highly competitive rates.
Comparing Like With Like : By its nature, high quality long haul travel is not cheap, and when looking at the various holidays on the market it can seem as if there is a big difference in price between what on the surface are similar holidays. Therefore, when weighing up holiday options it is important to compare like with like and we are confident that our tours represent excellent value for money when the standard of accommodation, airline and other services are taken into account.
To find out more, book or check availability on Cox & Kings holidays, please call Wren Elite Travel on 0845 475 0342 or e-mail enquiries@wrenelitetravel.co.uk. Alternatively FILL IN OUR ON LINE ENQUIRY FORM BY CLICKING HERE!
