USA 'still good value for money'

The USA still represents a value-for-money holiday destination for people from the UK despite the strength of the dollar, according to an industry body.

The "unfavourable exchange rate" does not mean the country has become very expensive, spokesperson for The Travel Association (ABTA) Sean Tipton has said.

Indeed, the representative pointed out shopping and eating out are generally cheaper for visitors coming into the USA.

He noted for many people it is not a spur-of-the-moment choice to travel long-haul to the US, therefore suggesting "negative headlines" and the poor exchange rate should not influence their decision a great deal.

Getting there is the main expense, which means if people have reasonably-priced flights it is affordable to take a trip.

"Traditionally speaking, in terms of exchange rate issues, America is regarded as a fairly good value country for people from the UK," Mr Tipton remarked.

According to the Office for National Statistics' survey of overseas travel between June and August 2008, visits to the USA by UK residents increased by one per cent in the 12-month period up to August 2008.

Posted by Paul, 28 October 2008 16:14

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