UK on a budget !

[limeydal]

Whatever happened to the cost of living in the UK?
Looking at returning home for a vacation next year, along with my wife and 2 boys.
The missus went Google happy,eagerly checking out accomodation/car rental/ eating out etc.
WOW!
Looks like things are more expensive, than here in southern California !
Was thinking of a week in London (boys are castle/ arms mad ) then off to Cardiff for a week and then to Wolverhampton.

We thought of an RV rental (as parents dont really have the room ) Gees ! could buy one here cheaper ! thinking of putting tubes around one and driving it there

So any inside scoops on the best deals or inside information would be appreciatted.
Meanwhile we are re-financing our house , so we can afford to eat chinese at our old haunts
cheers Dal

[PeterR]

Yes ,I do know what you mean.What time of year were you thinking and for how long and what age and boys/girls are the kids.Have you thought of house swop.But you might have to throw the boat in as well.Dont forget next year would be good but 2012 its the olympics here in london.From us its 45mins by train.

[Nasher]

Travelodge hotels are very resonable, yet also comfortable, clean etc.
Although the four of you are in one room.

http://www.travelodge.co.uk

They often do deals if you move from one to another where you get the second one at a much reduced rate.

The four of us have used them occationally, and do rate them, but have only ever done a couple of nights at a time.

Nasher.

[SDGANDER]

I frequently go the other way and none of my friends in California can believe how expensive the UK cost of living is.

Although I think this year is the first time I have seen cheaper UK to US fare than US to UK...

SDG

[limeydal]

thanks guys; keep the ideas coming !
Nasher, thanks for that link ,as they don't seem too bad.
(it's the cost of eating out that seems way up !! )
Sd , a frequent flyer ?? who do you find has the best deals?

And house swap hmmmm ;have to think on that.
We are 20 mins from downtown/ seaworld/ zoo etc .
Have two boys 11 and 13 , but may need to be more mobile , as a lot to try and fit in. Good thoughts though and did check out several exchange sites last night.

And just how much is gas Oh my
We whine at $3.00 a gallon.
cheers Dal

[SDGANDER]

I prefer to travel Virgin Atlantic as direct LAX to LHR but they do tend to be a little bit higher priced.

Normally use either kayak.com or pricefinder.com but not sure how competitive they are for advance bookings. Got LAX to Michigan for $79 return this time last year with one lay over each way, with Priceline.

SDG

[Pikey Dave]

Try Tripadvisor for good reports on hotels & B&B Find a good B&B (bed & Breakfast) & you will pay half the comparable hotel rate & it will be far friendlier. You need to be selective though. I have stayed in some cracking B&B's at very reasonable rates & I've also dropped on some sh1t0les. Tripadvisor is very good for sorting the good from the bad.

[9D280]

On the subject of cheap hotels, Premier inn and Ibis (google'em) also have deals a plenty.

For london, there are a selection of hotels at Wembley Arena / Stadium, plenty transport links into London, and unless there is something big happening at either place, cheap as chips. (and still in the Travelcard Zone so cheap transport to / from London).

If you can put up with a caravan and come "off season" you could probably rent a static van for not a lot of money & self cater.

[John Kennett]

I've not been very impressed with Travelodge, but Premier Inn are OK. Other budget hotel chains to consider are Ibis as 9D280 mentioned, and Novotel. All impersonal, characterless and dull, but clean, reliable and not too pricey.

Originally Posted by limeydal

And just how much is gas Oh my

About $5.50 for one of your little gallons. Not even twice the US price any more!

So when are you thinking of coming over? And why are you going to Cardiff and Wolverhampton!

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

About $5.50 for one of your little gallons. Not even twice the US price any more!

Have you made an arrithmetical error?

3.8 (L / US gallon) * 1.20 (GBP / L (ish)) * 1.59 ( USD / GBP) = $ 7.25 per US gal.