How would you like the chance to send a parcel with DHL Service Point for FREE? Well, here it is!

We’re giving you the opportunity to win one FREE parcel shipment from the UK to any part of the world*, which you can send from any one of our many DHL Service Points available nationwide at select Ryman, Staples, WHSmith, Safestore and Homebase stores.

Fill in your details here to enter. It’s that simple.

Hurry, the competition ends on 31^st August 2013.

*Subject to Terms and Conditions upon entry. The shipment must be pre-arranged with DHL prior to sending

On 4^th July 1776, the United States declared its independence from Great Britain and the date has remained as a big day of celebration for Americans…

If you have family or friends in the States, more than likely they’ll be celebrating 4th July with backyard BBQs and explosive fireworks. DHL helps families and friends celebrate special events, like Independence Day, regardless of the distance between them.

We make it easy to send gifts to your friends this Independence Day. With over 1,300 Service Points nationwide, we’re sure to be on a high street near you. So, once you’ve found the perfect present, just take it to your local Service Point and we’ll send it on its way!

Why not impress them with some of our favourite 4^th July facts?

• On 4^th July 1776, America declared its independence from Britain. It was the separation of 13 colonies from Great Britain.
• Each year on 4^th July, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics and family gatherings.
• The estimated population on 4^th July 2013 is 316.2 million
• Three of America’s first five presidents died on 4^th July.
• 150 million hotdogs are consumed on 4^th July every year
• 700 million lbs of chicken is purchased in the week leading up to 4^th July
• 190 million lbs of red meat/pork is purchased in the week leading up to 4^th July
• 25 million lbs of fireworks is sold to cities for public celebrations
• 11: number of places in the US with “Independence” in their name

Sources: (CNN, The Herald Tribune, US Census Bureau as of 7.3.2012)

Whilst we can’t deliver sizzling BBQs or explosive fireworks, we can help you join your American buddies in spirit by celebrating Independence Day with a hamper full of American goodies. Click here to find out more about our new competition. But hurry, it closes tomorrow!

Are you ready to deck the halls and hang the baubles? As the annual festivities edge ever closer, it’s time to get prepared for Christmas…

The evenings are drawing in, the shops are staying open later and that advert has hit our television screens. It can only be time for one thing: Christmas!

Yes, it’s November. But with less than 27 shopping days until the big day, it is time to get ready.

Not convinced? We’ve outlined five reasons why you should prepare early:

1. Budget

As un-festive as it sounds, budgeting is the key to a happy Christmas – there’s nothing worse than stressing about the cost of the celebrations, so spread the cost and start shopping now!

2. Offers

Take advantage of the discounts. Many retailers have pre-Christmas sales so get in there early and bag a bargain!

3. Beat the crowds

No one wants to get involved in a scramble for the last game of Scrabble on the shelf.

4. Find the perfect gift

By starting early, you’ll get people presents that they actually want.

5. Relax!

As it gets colder, darker and wetter, the last thing you want to do is rush around the high street in mid December. Stay inside, light a fire and put your feet up in front of the box. It’s a pretty good feeling when, in December, all you have to worry about is who ate the last mince pie!

Plus, with many families spread across all four corners of the globe, the earlier you start your Christmas shopping, the more likely your presents will be delivered on time.

The good news is, we’re making it even easier to send your gifts this Christmas. With over 1,300 Service Points nationwide, we’re sure to be on a high street near you. So, once you’ve found the perfect present, just take it to your local Service Point and we’ll send it on its way!

Being prepared not your strong point? No problem! Our later posting dates guarantee your gifts will be there in time to be placed under the Christmas tree.

Here at DHL Service Point, we like to give helpful tips and advice to students. And as our parcels travel around the world every day, we thought it would be a great idea to give some useful tips to those of you who are thinking of doing the same!

We asked top online hostel booking site, Hostelbookers, if they’d like to share some top tips for saving money before and whilst travelling, and luckily for you – they said yes! So here they are: 10 top tips for saving money before and during your travels.

Save Before

Before you hit the road, you need to make sure you’ll be able to support yourself throughout your travels. By doing a bit of research and making a few changes to your lifestyle before you set off on your big adventure, the pennies will soon add up.

1. Budget. Do your research and make sure you can afford to visit the countries you want to. The cost of living varies from place to place. For example, a bed for the night in Thailand will cost much less than it will in Australia, so make sure you know the price of accommodation, food and sights before you set off. Many countries also require you to get a visa before entry – you can send visas and important documents around the world using DHL Service Point.

2. Before leaving, you must check with your bank to find out what charges they have for overseas withdrawals – the fees will soon add up. Traveller’s cheques or specialist travel spending cards give you much better exchange rates and are worth looking into. It’s also advisable to clear any debts you may have. If you have credit cards, complete payments where possible or move debts to one account to make it easier to keep track of your money.

3. Don’t buy everything in the shops. Chances are, unless you’re climbing Machu Picchu, you won’t need hiking boots or sleeping bags. They’re expensive, bulky, and difficult to carry around and you’ll probably end up throwing them away when you realise how much space in your bag they take up! If you really feel like you should have bought something, get your ‘rents to buy it and post it to you via their local Service Point – it’s that easy!

4. Although you’ll spend a lot of time waiting for trains, buses and planes, there’s no need to stock up on piles of books before you go. Most hostels have a book exchange service and many travellers swap books and country guides with each other after they’ve used them.

5. Take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves. Instead of spending a few pounds on a sandwich from the local supermarket, make your lunch at home. Stop going out for dinner and buy a cheap cookbook down the local charity shop and get experimental in the kitchen – you’ll save loads and have fun. Cancel any luxuries you may have, like Sky television – you won’t have a chance to keep up with any programmes whilst you’re away, so we’re sorry to say that now is the time to finally give up watching Hollyoaks!

Save During

It’s imperative that you have enough money to keep you going throughout your travels. Think how upset you’d be if you ran out of money half way through your trip and had to come home. But don’t worry; there are easy ways to save money whilst on the road.

6. Now of course, we’re a little biased, but hostels are a cheap way to bed-hop around the world and a great way of meeting friends!  Whether you’re travelling alone, as a couple or a group of friends, staying in dormitory rooms is the cheapest way of grabbing a bed for the night. If you wish to have a bit more privacy, most hostels offer private rooms at a reasonable price. In some hostels, you can also work for your accommodation. It’s not glamorous, but it’s a free bed at the end of the day! Check out our range of hostels here.

7. Travel like a local. After all, you’ve gone abroad to experience life in other countries, so why fly or take tourist buses or trains, which are often overpriced? Transport is very good in many countries. For example in South America, the bus services are fantastic, even in second class. You will get reclining seats, films to watch and sometimes even a hot meal, for a fraction of the price of a first class ticket.

8. Eat like a local. Many people shy away from trying the local cuisine or street food, and opt for the tourist restaurants. Big mistake. Street food is often freshly caught or prepared that day, and as you can see them making it in front of you, you know what’s going into it, unlike in a restaurant. Of course, common sense comes in to play here and you should always choose the busiest stalls – if the locals are eating there, it’s sure to be good. Another alternative to eating in restaurants is using the kitchen facilities that many hostels have nowadays.

9. Haggle. It may seem like a strange concept after coming from a country where everything is a fixed-price, but it is often expected in many markets and cultures around the world. Lose your inhibitions and give it a go – you never know what bargains you might pick up.

10. Finally, if you are a student, make sure you get an International Student Card, which is valid in 120 countries and can save you money at many attractions, stores and restaurants around the world.

Now you’ve got your money in check, there’s only one thing left to do – go out there and have some fun!

Remember to visit www.hostelbookers.com, a cheap and easy way to book accommodation around the world.

DHL Service Point is available in many locations around the UK. It’s ideal for sending important documents, including visas and passports, at a reasonable price.

Rugby World Cup 2011 kicks off with a little help from DHL, as one young boy’s dreams are made…

Teenager Elliot Webster was the envy of Rugby fans around the world last Friday when he was given the once-in-a-lifetime chance to present the match ball for the opening match of Rugby World Cup 2011.

Elliot, from Shepperton in Surrey, was handed the honour of delivering the match ball for the New Zealand vs Tonga fixture after being specially selected from thousands of youngsters around the world by DHL, the Official Logistics Partner of Rugby World Cup 2011.

We asked employees to nominate inspiring young people for the chance to be part of this historic sporting occasion. Elliot’s mother put him forward for all the incredible work he had done in caring for his father, who very sadly passed away 18 months ago, after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Diseases.

Speaking to us before heading out to New Zealand, Elliot, a massive Rugby fan, captain of his school rugby team and regular winger at Esher Rugby Club, was giddy with excitement at the prospect of handing over the match ball. “It still hasn’t sunk in if I’m honest. The whole experience will be amazing – something I’ll never forget. I’m obviously an England fan, but getting the chance to meet the All Blacks – especially Dan Carter – will be fantastic,” he said.

Phil Couchman, CEO of DHL Express UK & Ireland said DHL were thrilled to make Elliot’s dream come true: “We were delighted to give Elliot this opportunity. It’s an experience he will hopefully remember and cherish for the rest of his life.”

DHL is the Official Logistics Partner of Rugby World Cup 2011 – delivering Rugby to the world…

Saving coppers, keeping an electricity meter reading diary and refusing to flush the toilet for fear of unnecessary water consumption. Once upon a time, three or four years ago, these were the kinds of activities guaranteed to draw comparisons with Scrooge McDuck and mark you out as a penny-pinching social pariah, owner of a bathroom best avoided. Fast-forward a few years and now, post-economic global meltdown, watching what you spend is the necessary norm. Which is great news for those of us who’d rather stick to a daily diet of crumbs and the occasional delicacy of peas on toast than risk the culinary and financial unknown of healthy, balanced and moderately appetizing cuisine.

2011 is the year of cutting back. To help you have a prosperous year in the face of all the economic trouble, the @DHLServicepoint Twitter stream has dedicated itself to delivering tips on great ways to save money, as well as letting you know about all the latest deals on parcel delivery available through DHL Servicepoint.

Last week, to let everybody know about this new direction, we launched our May money saving competition, giving you a chance to win £100 in high street vouchers in exchange for your top money saving tips.  You didn’t let us down. Here, in no particular order, are some of our favourites…

Money and spending

Don’t get married! And if you do, hide the credit card from the wife! @Ivy106

Only go shopping with cash. Leave your cards at home – that way you can’t overspend what you don’t have @cyderapple

This money saving tip works in my home: buy BOGOF bargains and put the second product in the freezer to keep until you want it @LondonBirdLucy

Shop at outlets for clothes and use Vouchercloud on the Iphone for discounts on pretty much everything else! @Tinky_Pink

Set yourself a budget after compiling a list of your incomings and outgoings & STICK TO IT. Stop smoking and drinking too! @CRYSTALmse

Energy savings

Save money when having a shower & flushing the toilet – request a water saving device… @JoMaries86x

With regards to flushing the loo…if on water meter…if it’s yellow let it mellow…if it’s brown flush it down @onelittlewonder

Save energy: bring pasta to the boil, turn heat off, put lid on, leave for 18 mins. Perfect cooked pasta. @mrsmildredroper

Save money on petrol. Drive slow & people will crash into the back of your car. You get a new rear end or a new car @gumbie23

Only put enough water in the kettle for the drink you are making @shazpaz

Use price comparison websites…Saved over £1000 a year on gas/electricity @melandjake99

Food

Do you need that coffee? A latte each day at £2.50, 5 days a week, for 48 weeks a year costs £600/yr. Cutting 2 a week out saves 240/yr! @V1cki_Lou

Invest in a gastric band. You’ll save cash in the long run because you’ll have no food bills! @Paul4Rach

Top tip: take your own lunch to work and homemade coffee. It saves at least £5 per day. X5 days x52weeks = £1300 per year! @GAarcade

Save money by taking turns with friends to make lunch and taking it to work. It’s like eating out but much cheaper. @aratology

Entertain at home rather than eating out – everyone brings a course to share the costs & no babysitters required! @Hertschick

And the winner is…

Some great ideas we’re sure you’ll agree, but sadly, there can only be one winner. For its combination of wit and hard-hearted practical advice, the title of DHL May money saving competition winner goes to this little gem:

Tell your kids that when the ice cream man plays his tune, he’s run out! Guaranteed to save money @sassyele

Thanks to everyone who entered. It was a real close call in the end, but rest assured we’ll back with another great competition in the not too distant future.

For more information on DHL Servicepoint www.dhlservicepoint.co.uk

To follow us on Twitter and hear about all the latest practical money saving tips, @DHLServicepoint

Who to blame? Bankers? Brown? The coalition? Take your pick. In reality, it doesn’t really matter how we got here: the fact of the matter is, with the global economy in trouble, times are tough across the board as spending cuts start to hit each and every one of us.

But it’s not all doom and gloom: people are pulling together like never before in an effort to save money. Online communities like the moneysavingexpert forums are thriving as eagle-eyed bargain hunters share cost-cutting tips, discount codes and creative ways of reducing spending.

At DHL Servicepoint, we’ve always been committed to delivering great deals on sending parcels to destinations worldwide. And with free packaging we help save on the substantial hidden costs of parcel delivery too. For maximum convenience, you can find your nearest DHL Servicepoint on high streets everywhere, in branches of Whsmith, Safestore, Rymans, and Staples.

Now we want to help with your cost-cutting efforts outside the world of parcel delivery. That’s why our Twitter stream (@Dhlservicepoint) strives to provide insightful tips on great ways to save money – without necessarily cutting back on fun!

To mark this new direction and let the world know @Dhlservicepoint is here to help frugal followers with ideas on how to get more for your buck, we’re running a competition that gives you the chance to win a whopping £100 in high street vouchers!

How to enter

To enter, simply tweet @Dhlservicepoint with your own top 140 character money saving tip. The best suggestion will win £100 in high street vouchers!

The winner will be selected and results announced via Twitter and this blog on Tuesday 10th of May, 2011. So get tweeting and help your fellow tweeps make great savings with @dhlservicepoint!

Terms and conditions

1. There is one prize consisting of £100 of high street vouchers.
2. The draw is open to all DHLservicepoint Twitter followers and DHL Servicepoint Blog users.
3. All entrants must be over 16 years of age.
4. Only one entry per person is allowed.
5. One winner will be picked.
6. The competition is open to UK residents only.
7. No cash or other alternative is available.
8. No purchase necessary.
9. The competition will close at 6pm on May 10th, 2011. The winner will be notified by email or by Twitter on May 11th, 2011.
10. Prizes are non-transferable and no cash alternative will be given.
11. Rude or offensive entries will not be accepted.
12. The judges’ decision is final.
13. DHL employees are not eligible to enter the competition.
14. Details of the winner can be requested by writing to the promoter at:

Marketing Department, DHL International (UK) Limited, 178-188 Great South-West Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW4 6JS