MR J’sTOP CONSUMER TIPS
Gas compensation offer
Shopping around for the best rates is an easy and effective way to stock up on extra money before you’ve even departed. Always look out for happy hours as well from online exchangers. Never exchange your money at an airport, where some current rates are now almost equal to the pound.
2. Book holidays late
If you’re not picky about your destination, then waiting until the last moment to book could see you get the top resorts for a fraction of the price. There are plenty of websites offering last-minute deals, but make sure to look for comparison sites too.
Travel agents are able to see through your internet browsing history and are able to hike prices when you next search for them.
Avoid this by searching through private browsing.
4. Cycle where possible
Renting bikes will be far cheaper than renting a car, and due to rentals most likely being daily you can choose to rent a bike only on days you need them.
5. Ask locals for recommendations
Popular tourist restaurants and bars are likely to jack up the cost assuming that tourists will still pay extortionate prices. Try asking residents for recommendations.
6. Look for the free tours
Free tours are often a great way see cities and towns on foot, without having to fork out of expensive sightseeing trips.
7. Local wines over foreign
Locally produced wine doesn’t have to go through the same expensive shipping process that foreign imports do.
8. Smartphone sat navs
Using your hotel or apartment’s wi-fi to download maps of the area is a great way to save on buying a tour guide.
9. Make the most of your hand luggage
People always seem to neglect just how much luggage you are able to take with you on a flight. If possible, try flying without any extra luggage at all.
10. Fly at unsociable hours
You can often knock a decent amount off your flights by choosing to fly at the hours when most people are tucked up in bed. Flying midweek instead of weekends is another cost-cutter when flying. A LAUNDRY which claimed compensation after a gas company cut off power for almost 24 hours has come out smelling of roses.
Poss Tub Laundry lost money when it was forced to close after contractors for Northern Gas Networks blundered by switching off the wrong valve.
Owner Stuart Urwin was told he did not fall under a compensation scheme because the power had been cut for less than a whole day.
But they did offer £125 goodwill payment, which Stuart said was not enough.
The businessman, of Hebburn, South Tyneside, estimated he had lost £1,500 after the incident which lasted about 22 hours. Now Stuart says a compromise has been reached after a meeting with Northern Gas Networks.
He said: “They made me an acceptable offer and were very nice about it.
“They are going to meet me halfway. I am happy with the offer and they were very apologetic.”
Stuart told me what impact the incident had on his business.
He said: “I was informed by my staff that all of our laundry machines had ceased production.
“An engineer from Northern Gas Networks came into our premises and informed us a big mistake had taken place which resulted in our area being cut off in error. This was due to their contractors turning off the wrong valve during upgrade works in Hebburn town centre.
“They informed me supply couldn’t be restored until all the surrounding prem-