I would receommend Portalnd Holidays Direct to anyone who doesnt mind booking their holiday direct and anyone who likes a Thomson holiday as Portland is part of the Thomson/Tui group - so your getting the same as you would get travelling with Thomson.
How to book ----------------- You can only book by telephone or internet.
If you book online on the internet they normally give online discounts - look out for special online booking offers. Their website is completley secure so you can feel safe using your credit/debit card to pay. If you pay a deposit you can pay additional amounts by telephone to their dedicated after sales team.
If you book by telephone there is a dedicated call centre waiting to take your call - in my experiences they have always been really friendly and helpful and give honest opinions. I have never felt pressured into booking anything that I dont want to book - and I personally feel better speaking to someone over the telephone rather than booking it online...so I can blame someone else if they make a mistake hehe.
They offer something for all - families - groups - couples - singles - young at heart - young & lively....
You can choose accommodations of all sorts - All inclusive,Bed & breakfast, Half Board, Full Board, Self catering apartments, bungalows, villas, they even do Thomason Cruise!!! Accommodations come in all standards - you can have basic budget to elegant luxury.
Price ------- It is amazing to see the difference in price of a Portalnd holiday to a Thomson one. Sometimes you can get the exact same holiday booking it under the Portland brand for hundreds of pounds cheaper. They offer several units that also feature in Thomson brochures so its always good to compare the price of both to find out where your getting the best deal.
Prices are worked out the same way as all the major tour companies - you take the price in the costing pannel - add on flight supplements - fuel supplements - tax - room supplements -meals on flight and transfers if applicable....however how much easier is it to just log online to get a total cost or easier still - pick up the phone and they'll work out the price for you!
How to view holidays ----------------------------- You can call Portand direct and order a brochure in which they will send direct to your door at no cost or you can go online and view an online brochure or read online descriptions.
Flights ---------- Portland use the same flights as Thomson - so most will be Thomson flights. When your travelling your travelling under the Tui group. Thomson flights are Britannia flights which are well known for their punctuallity, comfort and overally good service.
Reps -------- You will have your own Portland rep in every Portland unit in resort. They are employed by Tui so again same standards set as a Thomson rep would be.
Disadvantages --------------------- You will never see anyone from Portland face to face until you arrive at your resort airport. You cannot book in any travel agent as they only deal direct. You cannot pay by cash - only credit/debit card or cheque. Only have 2 brochures - summer & winter
Overall ----------- I honestly cannot think of many disadvantages - aslong as you dont mind booking direct then Portland is the ideal company you should be looking to book with. I trust them 100% and know that they will take the best of care of me when im on my holiday. The fact that they are part of Tui gives me peace of mind that im going to get a fantastic holiday for my money - and its amazing that i can get the same holiday for cheaper just by booking with Portland rather than Thomson.
I have travelled with Portland serveral times and always look at what they have to offer when considering my future holidays. I book on value for money & budget - Portland gives me this and guaranteed good standard.
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ive never heard of them so i musnt get enough holidays lol
helencbradshaw 30.07.2006 16:31
Quote:- "Disadvantages:You will never see anyone from Portland face to face until you arrive at your resort airport. ". I would have put that as a major advantage!!!! In fact not seeing them at the resort would be even better!
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Advantages: Everything can be done on-line, Subsidiary company of Thomsons Disadvantages: None that I am aware of yet. but if you know of any let me know before I book
sue.51 09.06.2001 (29.05.2002)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Portland Direct
Jul 30th, 2006
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