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Is there such thing as an 'open' euro-star daytrip ticket?

Posted by on

I'm looking to try and get my nephew and his girlfriend a euro-star day trip ticket as a Christmas present (to Paris).

The thing is, I have no idea when they might be available to use it, so I can't put a date on it. They have just moved to London, and have not yet got a job, which also means that they are likely going to be broke or at least have a very limited budget if they choose to go before February.
If anyone has any better ideas please feel free to share them. I haven't yet decided the budget limit, but would appreciate keeping it as low as possible, as I have sent a bit of money already.
They are loving London at the moment, and they are exploring, but I think a break even for a day might help them, but I don't want to put pressure on them to have to take it, if I can help it.
Is there such a thing as an 'open' day trip ticket?

Thanks in Advance.

Posted by
5426 posts

Note that gift vouchers are only good for a year. They expire 12 months after purchase.

I think a voucher is a much better idea than a day return ticket anyway. It seems like an easy day trip when the train only takes 2 1/2 hours. But when you add the time it takes to get from wherever you are to St Pancras or Gare du Nord, then mandatory 1 hour predeparture for security and Passport Control, then getting to wherever you want to go, you are now looking at a minimum of 4 hours EACH WAY. That doesn't leave a whole lot of time to enjoy Paris. At least with a voucher they can plan well in advance for an overnight or weekend get away, at least.

Posted by
7968 posts

Keep in mind that Eurostar prices can vary depending on how early you buy them, and what time of day you will be traveling. So the amount you choose for the voucher may want to reflect that.

Posted by
10186 posts

I would be sure to advise them when you give them the gift voucher (what a lovely and generous present!) simply that their gift money on Eurostar will go further the earlier they “purchase” the tickets ahead of travel; also, that off days /times have cheaper tickets. I.e. trying to go on Friday night and come back on Sunday evening will be about as expensive as it can get. If they can travel at other times, they will find tickets for much less.

Posted by
1043 posts

Make your own gift voucher or search around on the internet and download one. You don't have to mention the price or dates, just say one euro-star day trip then they can just tell you when they want it and you can buy it.

BTW, this is a very common way to do it among family and friends here in Switzerland. Kids make very elaborate ones and give them to their parents with gifts like: 5 times mowing the lawn, 3 time unloading the dishwasher, etc... Some adults make very fancy ones as well as an indication that they put some time into your present, not just buying something of the shelf.

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