What to expect when you book with Port & Place

Travel planning should feel personal

There are plenty of ways to book a holiday online. But sometimes having endless tabs, hundreds of hotels and countless different prices makes planning a trip harder, not easier.

At Port & Place, we do things differently.

Our approach is summed up rather neatly by TRAVEL, PERSONALLY PLANNED.

We take the time to understand what you're looking for, research suitable options and help you through the booking process. And once your holiday is booked, we're still here.

So, what actually happens when you book with an independent travel agent like Port & Place?

1. It starts with your enquiry

Every great trip starts with a conversation. Ready to get started? Tell us what you're looking for and we'll take it from there.

Tell us where you're thinking of going, when you'd like to travel and who's coming with you. If you already know exactly what you want, great. If your starting point is simply "somewhere warm in February", that's absolutely fine too.

The more we know about what matters to you, the better we can tailor our recommendations.

What we'll usually want to know

This might include:

• Your preferred dates and departure airports
• Who is travelling
• Your approximate budget
• Destinations you're considering
• The type of holiday you're looking for
• Accommodation or cabin preferences
• What you've enjoyed, or not enjoyed, on previous trips
• Any particular requirements that could affect your travel plans

You don't need to have all the answers. Helping you work through the options is part of what we're here for.

2. We research and plan your trip

Once we understand what you're looking for, we'll start researching suitable options. Rather than simply giving you a huge list of holidays and leaving you to work it out, we'll focus on the options we think best fit your requirements.

That could mean comparing different resorts, cruise lines, ships, cabin categories, hotels, flight options or complete packages.

Sometimes the best option isn't the first one you had in mind. That's where having someone look at the overall trip can make a real difference.

3. You'll receive a personalised quote

When we've found options worth considering, we'll present them through your personalised Port & Place Trip Link.

This brings the important information together in one place, making it easier to explore your proposed trip without hunting through a long chain of emails.

Depending on your holiday, your quote might include details of your:

• Flights
• Accommodation
• Cruise
• Transfers
• Itinerary
• Pricing
• Other elements included within your trip

If something isn't quite right, tell us. A quote isn't the end of the conversation. We can discuss alternatives and refine your plans before you decide whether you'd like to go ahead.

4. When you're ready to book

Happy with everything? We'll take you through the next steps to secure your trip. Before booking, we'll make sure you have the relevant information and booking terms. You'll also be told what deposit or payment is required and when any remaining balance will be due.

Port & Place operates as an independent travel agent as part of The JLT Group, PTS member 6090, which provides financial protection for booking funds.

Where your booking includes ATOL-protected arrangements, the appropriate ATOL protection and documentation will also apply.

We recommend reading the applicable booking terms carefully before confirming your trip.

5. Your Port & Place booking portal

Booking your holiday isn't where our service ends.

Once you've booked, your Port & Place client portal gives you a convenient place to manage important parts of your trip.

Through the portal you can:

• View your travel documentation
• Make payments towards your booking
• Submit change requests
• Download and print your documents

It means the important information relating to your booking is easy to find when you need it.

And remember, we're only a message away if you need us.

6. Getting ready to travel

As your departure gets closer, there are inevitably a few things to think about. Your final travel documents will be available for you to access, and it's important to check everything carefully.

You'll also need to make sure you're up to date with passport validity, visa and entry requirements, health requirements and any other rules applicable to your destination. We strongly recommend arranging suitable travel insurance as soon as you book your trip.

We'll help point you towards the information you need, but ultimately it remains your responsibility to ensure you meet the relevant requirements for travel.

7. What happens if you need help?

Travel doesn't always go exactly according to plan.

If you have a question about your booking before you leave, simply get in touch with Port & Place.

While you're travelling, the appropriate support will depend on the arrangements you've booked and the supplier or tour operator you're travelling with. Your travel documentation will contain the relevant contact details for assistance while you're away.

The difference is that you've also booked through a travel agent who knows your booking, rather than having started and finished the process with an anonymous website.

What we need from you

Good travel planning works both ways.

We ask that you give us accurate information about who's travelling and tell us about any requirements that could affect your trip.

Please check names, dates and other booking details carefully when you receive them, and make payments by the deadlines provided.

You'll also need to read the relevant booking terms and ensure that everyone travelling has the appropriate passports, visas, travel insurance and other documentation required for the trip.

If something changes, tell us as soon as possible so we can establish what options may be available.

Why book with Port & Place?

We're not trying to replace the excitement of researching your next holiday. We love that part too.

What we can do is make the process easier.

We can help you narrow down the choices, compare the options that matter, navigate the details and bring everything together into a trip that's right for you.

Whether you know exactly where you want to go or haven't got much further than "I need a holiday", you can start with us.

TRAVEL, PERSONALLY PLANNED.