Cheapflights.com issued a news release this week that says a company survey found North Americans are opting for destinations closer to home and becoming less likely to go to places like London. The British capital ranked as the seventh most popular destination on last year's survey, but plunged to 15th in 2007. Cheapflights.com's Director of
Marketing Carl Schwartz says unfavorable exchange rates are a key factor. What do you think? Is a $2 USD British Pound enough to keep you away until next year?Cheapflights.com issued a news release this week that says a company survey found North Americans are opting for destinations closer to home and becoming less likely to go to places like London. The British capital ranked as the seventh most popular destination on last year's survey, but plunged to 15th in 2007. Cheapflights.com's Director of
Marketing Carl Schwartz says unfavorable exchange rates are a key factor. What do you think? Is a $2 USD British Pound enough to keep you away until next year?Related Articles
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Hell yeah the exchange rate is definately a damper. I love to travel and do it as often as my money will allow. When I am not travelling, I am a working Joe having to pay attention to every little costly detail. Love to find butter under $2.50 a pound. But when I am an vacay, I like to let down my financial hair.The British pound rate really impacted my visit. Usually I like to buy a slew of souvenirs and share them widely on triumpant return. Looking it at the pound rate, I was actually trying to determine if I loved Aunt Sally enough to spend $20 on a coffee mug. Aunt Sally is still drinking coffee in styrofoam. Aunt Sally, I love you baby but not that much.
So the exchange rate had an impact on what you did in England, but it did not stop you from making the trip. My thought is that people who want to go to a given destination will go, even if they have to pay 10-20% more…it’s not a deal breaker for most people.
Just got back from London Saturday. The prices have me floored.
6oz Hamburger/Fries at the hotel bar – $20.00
Bottle Of beer at hotel bar – $9.00
Cigarettes – $12.00
Tower Of London – $30.00
Westminster Abbey – $20.00
One Way Subway Zone One – $8.00
Cab From Victoria to Gatwick – $148.00
Train From Victoria to Gatwick – $45.00
A quick look at London is hardly a trend. Just got back: Favorite tourist spots in Italy, Greece, Spain & Switzerland were even more crowded — shops and hotels were booked solid. People grumbled some about the rate but enjoyed their holiday as usual.
I would never go to London at these prices. There are better travel opportunities MUCH CHEAPER than London. I was there last year, but only to visit a college exchange student. Used my Hotel frequent stay awards rather than spend $500 a night they wanted.
We quickly gathered the student and went to Barcelona on a cheap Ryan Air flight. The prices there were quite acceptable.
This year, Peru….
But, it is sad to seethe dollar go from Euro 0.80 to Euro 1.35
We are retired and have been to UK about every two years for the last 15, usually staying from 1 to 3 months. we haven’t been there in 5 years because of the prices.This year we intended to go for 6 months, but With the influx of immigrants and the Bombings, weak dollar exchange, their inflation, We believe we’ve seen the best of Britian.The face of England has changed forever, and the Brits are moving out by the thousands.
We are going to Mexico for the winter.
I went to London 3 years ago and it was expensive then! I can wait till the exchange rate is favorable. London has become a stew of malcontents from all over the world.
Yes, the weak dollar has definitely impacted my travel plans. I’ve been putting off a trip to Italy for the past two years because I don’t want to feel poor on vacation. Right now, I’m considering Turkey before it joins the EU.
I was in London a year ago and was so annoyed by the prices (example: $35-40 per cab ride that would cost $15 in NYC) that I left a day early. And nearly everything was double the cost in the States. So as wonderful as London is, I consider it unaffordable for the time being.
Absolutely impacts our travel plans. I have family in Germany and used to go about every 12-18 months. Last time we visited was 2004 and the rate was so bad then, we haven’t been back since. Went to London in Oct 2006 just because I wanted to take my kids while they were young (I’ve been many times), but it was only a 3-day trip. Not only do exchange rates deter trips, but departure taxes. Took the family to Mexico a number of years back and paid almost $200 in departure taxes. Pretty hefty on a 3-day trip. So for years I have avoided giving Mexico my beach-going tourist dollars due to their very high departure taxes. I realize on a week-long trip it’s not as bad, but since Mexico is so close, it otherwise would be prime for long weekend trips.
I retired to Scotland nearly 5 years ago before the Iraq War began. Exchange rate was about 40% better then than now. If its tough to travel here, just think how bad it is to live here on a US pension. Scotland is far more expensive than England to live except for housing. Housing costs have tripled in last few years. I paid $112 today to fill up my Honda. Gas is $8.00 a gallon. I live amongst incredible history and beauty but will have to sell up and return to the states before I spend my life savings dealing with the dollar drop.