I just returned from a visit to Britain and am convinced that the main reason American tourists are not visiting in great numbers has nothing to do with Britain, but the weak dollar. London has always been expensive, now with the US dollar dropping on a daily basis, it has become prohibitive for Americans to visit the great United Kingdom.

I agree with Robert above. I went to London last May, and I found it very expensive, not only in US Dollars, but also in Euros. I found London more expensive than Paris, in terms of transportation, food an accomodation. The only advantage of London compared to Paris is the free entrance to its great museums

I used to go to London every 2 months to go to shows. I live in Miami and it was a nice change. I have not gone in 2 years as the pound is ridiculous (mostly thanks to the Bush administration) but I will NEVER pay almost $6 for pint of Guinness now matter how good it is nor $22 for a plate of $10 curries!
Sorry UK, you are off my list, even if I lose my elite status with British Airways!

Way, way, WAY too expensive. Even in Euros. And waiting in line at Heathrow for two hours for the opportunity to buy a $6.00 pint of beer and a $15.00 sandwich is just not worth it.

I spent the equivalent of US$25 just getting from Heathrow to my hotel, which was on Bath Road, looking right at the airport.

I really can’t understand how even Brits can afford to live in Britain. Surprised tourism is down ONLY 13%!

I love Britian…but DON’T love the worth of our dollar over there right now. That ’s the only thing keeping me away at the moment.

You think it’s expensive travelling here?

Have you tried living here

It’s not called RIP OFF Britain for no reason

The UK is very expensive when traveling from the USA.

There are much cheaper alternatives in Europe now.

I want to visit Britain but the dollar to euro is the problem.
Way too expensive at this time.

I am being picky but we don’t have the Euro in Britain.

I understand what you are saying through, it is expensive here.

Surprised nobody’s mentioned the cost of fuel? especially as it’s set to go up again!! (And of Course most of the cost is Tax)
Recently went to Barcelona, A Metro Ticket allowing you 10 journeys was only 6 euros, great value for money.

In the past we would have visited UK at least three times per year - but for the last three years we have gone to Europe. The main reason is that with changing to Sterling and the outrageous prices - it is just too expensive.

I have friend working on contract in Bristol. He said the exchange rate has been brutal for US Expats. I asked him about coming over for a visit. (sleeping on his floor) but he said save your money and meet up with him in Spain for X-mass instead. The collapse of the dollar IS the determining factor for me.

I think the jury has come back on this issue. The relation of the pound to the dollar has just become completely ridiculous. Nevertheless we have been there the last five years in a row. This coming year however, will be the first we skip. I think a lot of people will be doing that. If they thought 13% was a big drop, just get ready.

It’s not only the US dollar that struggles: feel for us poor Kiwis!

We recently looked into budget travel options within Britain and they certainly exist - coach from London to Glasgow is only 3.50 if booked in advance. A flight might cost 16 or 17. We wrote up our findings here.

I’d recommend getting out of London if money is the issue; walking the West Highland Way or the Lake District is a very rewarding holiday.

Like Carol we used to visit family in Lincoln at Christmas. Well we have for the past five years, but not this year.

It’s too expensive, with the flights, and poor exchange rate in the Euro.