A UK shopper has stumbled upon a clever loophole that allows her to take multiple free day trips to France via the Dover to Dunkirk ferry route. Zoe Williams, who claims to have discovered the trick by chance, revealed that spending €150 (£130) in the duty-free shop on a return journey earns passengers a complimentary ticket for their next trip.
Williams explained that meeting the threshold is relatively easy – purchasing large quantities of confectionery or tobacco products can quickly add up. She used this method to book two free day trips, and even had her receipt honoured by the ferry company when she misplaced it.
The trips have allowed Williams to combine work with leisure, working remotely during the two-hour crossing while also stocking up on cheaper French goods like crémant wine. "It's a form of 'hedonic thrift'," she said, describing the experience as both a mini-holiday and an opportunity to save money.
While the specific ferry company was not named, Williams' discovery suggests that similar duty-free promotions may be available on other cross-Channel routes – potentially offering UK consumers a cost-effective way to explore France while also benefiting from duty-free shopping.
Williams highlighted the benefits of combining these trips with remote work or other activities, such as sightseeing in Dunkirk and Calais. "It's not just about saving money," she said – it's also an opportunity to experience new places and cultures at a lower cost.