How do you arrange a holiday in Tahiti from the UK?

[kgt]

I am trying to arrange my honeymoon in Tahiti (or one of the other French Polynesian islands). Flying from Glasgow in July 2008. I cant seem to find any web sites that will arrange flights and accomodation from the UK.
Can anyone help with some suggestions? Thank you.

[JK2]

I just googled "holiday in Tahiti" and loads of UK companies came up - you may have to fly from Glasgow to London but there are plenty of holidays advertised.

[JK2]

Is it perhaps that you expected to find a package like you do with Spain, Italy etc? Because of the distance (26 hours) and the cost of this type of holiday, you will have to have the package made specially for you.

You will need to look at websites and decide on a hotel then contact some of the companies who specialise & also Virgin, Kuoni etc and get them to quote for the dates you want - for hotel + flight.

It is probably going to be an Air New Zealand flight.

[Buenchico]

As JK2 states, it's extremely unlikely that you'll find an online service which puts an 'instant package' together for you. The travel operators who offer this type of service for European destinations are able to do so because European travel usually only involves a single flight. Things get far more complicated when you need to take several flights, with different airlines.

I suggest forgetting about the web altogether (apart, possibly, from checking for reviews of any hotels which are suggested to you). Try to find a well-established, local independent travel agency. (Avoid the big High Street chains ). You really need to speak, in person, to somebody who really knows their job.

Be wary of anyone who tries to route you with eastbound travel (which is probably what some of the inexperienced staff in the High Street chains would do). The best route is probably westbound via Los Angeles. Aer Lingus fly from Glasgow to LA, with a change at Dublin, twice a week. BA fly the route, with a change at Heathrow, daily. Flight times vary between 12 and 16 hours, depending upon connections. Then you've got to wait for a connection for an 8 hour flight from LA, possibly with Air Tahiti Nui.

Chris

[JK2]

I had a look at flights in July from Glasgow.
You go Glasgow/London - change terminals - London/LA - LA/Papeete - cheapest flight was �1400 with United Airlines (London/LA part) or �1800 with Virgin
Total time from Glasgow to Papeete 26 hours

[saintpeter48]

Try calling Trailfinders, they are brilliant. 0845 058 5858 or visit website trailfinders.com

[kgt]

Thanks guys, this is great. I will get on the phone and the web.