12 replies to this topic

[curzon]

We dont use Tesco so the clubcard deals are not an option.
How, where and when can I get the best deal ?
This would be for next year but we have never used the tunnel always used the ferry deals
so any tips would be great
Thanks

[Janet]

Start using Tesco and get some points.   If you start now you might have enough by next year!

Seriously though - book as early as you can as the prices go up as the demand goes up.   We delayed by two weeks and it cost us another £20

[curzon]

Janet, on 15 June 2012 - 02:00 PM, said:

Start using Tesco and get some points.   If you start now you might have enough by next year!

Seriously though - book as early as you can as the prices go up as the demand goes up.   We delayed by two weeks and it cost us another £20

Thanks Janet .. using tesco is false economy for us, not one near enough to use on a regular basis ... plus last time I got diesel there it cost more & I got less MPG.
Just looking at alternate options ..... I usually use the ferry for 2 reasons... living up north I can use the crossing as a driving break & it is cheaper. But am considering the tunnel with an overnight stop near Dover both ways just for a change

[Janet]

We didn't use Tesco either, just started using online shopping purely to collect points to use the tunnel.  I don't like their quality or range, preferring Morrisons, but was worth it to save the money, got to buy groceries so not much of a problem really.    I also aren't keen on their diesel.

[petera]

Have you considered getting a Tesco credit card, I believe some people get enough points without ever going near a Tesco. Worth considering if you can pay it off each month, and haven't got a good cashback card.

Pete

[John Douglas]

curzon, on 15 June 2012 - 02:14 PM, said:

not one near enough to use on a regular basis .

As Peter said, get a credit card.   Tesco give points on every credit purchase on the card.   One of my daughters puts all her business expenses on her Tesco card so she gets a huge amount of points.   Fortunately she has the same initial and surname as me, so I don't go short. I also get Tesco points by getting my gas & electric from E-on.

[AlBundy65]

Another way is to be on the eurotunnel e-mailing list. If you are flexible about travel dates, you get an early shout on any offers knocking about. But Tesco's for me, I put about £250 a week fuel in my company van, soon makes enough for a crossing, and I find the tunnel less hassle than the ferry, no need to go into Dover for starters, just slip straight off the motorway and up to the check-in booths.

[klyne]

petera, on 15 June 2012 - 11:08 PM, said:

Have you considered getting a Tesco credit card, I believe some people get enough points without ever going near a Tesco. Worth considering if you can pay it off each month, and haven't got a good cashback card.

Pete

I have a Tesco credit card and don't shop in Tesco on a regular basis and I seem to accumulate enough points each year for two crossings a year!

David

[csarina]

We have used the tunnel several times and its our preferred crossing route. Next year we will stay at Black Horse Farm CC site on the way out and back. This will allow us to travel to our first French destination without too much stress, and coming back we will spend a couple of days in Kent before tackling the journey north. I no longer do so much shopping at Tesco, Aldi is cheaper the the quality of the fruit and veg is much superior, I do however have a Tesco CC which I use, so we may not have enough to pay for trip out and back but should be able to pay one way at least.

[penny5]

I've also stopped shopping at Aldi to get some more Tesco points in. Hope I'll have enough points before summer starts! :)

[trophywife]

Leaving before 6am and coming home after 10pm or travelling mid week are also a good ways of reducing the fares.

I was always scared of using the tunnel but now I have I wouldnt cross the channel any other way given the choice.

PS we do shop and fuel at Tesco so we have never spent more than £12 on the crossings in August :)

[Beejay]

John Douglas, on 16 June 2012 - 10:25 AM, said:

As Peter said, get a credit card.   Tesco give points on every credit purchase on the card.  

1 point for every £4 non-Tesco  purchases

1 point for every £1 in Tesco stores

1½ points for every £1  spend on Tesco fuel.............. but  NOT Tesco Express with Esso  petrol

[Rodders]

I am surprised at the negative comments regarding the quality of Tesco food and fuel , we have Tesco , Sainsburys , Morrisons , and Asda all at about the same distance , we find little difference in quality of Tesco food & veg compared to the other stores , and Tesco vs other fuels . I keep a running spread sheet on fuel used in my van and to my mind there is no measurable difference when comparing Tesco fuel to other brands , perhaps it considered down market to be seen to fill a "quality" car at Tesco
I get the feeling that there are some that would dismiss Tesco out of principle just because they are just about the largest food retailer in the UK .
We take full advantage of the Tesco points system including the credit card .
This has given us our annual Eurotunnel crossing , Café Rouge eating on numerous occasions , 3 or 4 Eurostar trips to Paris ,plus  a few nights in a Best Western hotel .
For us it is a no brainer