Tourists from UK

According to the data, Brits are falling out of love with the USA in a major way. Searches for flights to key US destinations have fallen off a cliff when it comes to holidays in 2017. Searches for flights to Tampa are down 58%, Orlando is down 58%, Fort Lauderdale is down 57% and Miami is down 52% when compared to last year. To add to the woes, searches for San Diego are down 43%, Las Vegas is down 36% and Los Angeles is down 32%.

So, what does this mean for prices? Well surprisingly, flight prices are holding quite firm for now for all destinations, but hoteliers are reacting more quickly. Average prices for hotel rooms in Vegas are down on average 39%, in San Francisco down 34% and even New York has seen hotel prices fall by 32%.

https://www.kayak.co.uk/news/brits-cheap-summer-holidays-2017/

 

Not surprising the exchange rate at only $1.22 means that costs have risen as last year we were getting almost $1.6 so over 20% dearer to come to USA now. But yes I agree on checking flight prices especialy to Vegas they are still £600/£750 economy and £1,200 premium from London. So no longer a cheap holiday. Also I have noticed that Food and drink prices in Vegas have gone up considerably. I am still coming out in April and November though.

 

As a Vegas addict but not a regular visitor, the exchange rate is not a good thing, but the movement to 6/5 blackjack, the limited supply of single zero roulette wheels and at my betting level virtually no comps like I used to get is making me question whether the costs and distance from the UK is worth the effort. I love so many other things about Vegas but the gambling is my focus and the rules are now making it unattractive. I'm thinking of other global gambling destinations for my jaunts.

 

Still bargains to be had. Did quite an expensive Vegas trip in November with Suites, Limos, Airline upgrade etc etc. Heading back on the cheap in May and will have just as good a time no doubt.

Think I've paid £545 for 10 nights at The Westgate this time flying from non stop from Manchester. Got 3 nights comped at Sam's Town so gonna take a couple of days there to break it up a bit.

Can't wait but I totally missed the good old $1.6 days

 

I would do the same. When I was in the UK for 4 years long ago the exchange rate was $2.40 for one Pound. Vegas has gotten bad for me (in many ways) so I tend to spend more time in Biloxi now days.

 

I'm going back for our usual 6 weeks at the end of March to mid May, but I have yet to even look at flights and accommodation for our fall trip. Not sure if we will bother with Vegas, go elsewhere in the USA, or even try somewhere completely different.

 

i miss the year it was 2 dollars to the pound great shopping bargins

 

I still think the direct flights from VS & BA are linked pricewise, they always seem to be within 30-50 GBP of one another, definite price fixing !! The USD-GBP exchange does not affect me, I get paid in USD, which is nice just now, not so nice 15 years ago when it was 2 for 1 !!

 

The poor value of the Pound is putting me off booking another Vegas (or elsewhere Stateside) trip in the short term. When I was in town last October the Pound was sliding every day, and you have the problem that even though you have booked hotel rooms months in advance you don't actually pay until you stay so it was cost +20% to what you'd originally thought.

This is on top of the usual Vegas complaints of poor gambling conditions, extra fees on everything, increase in prices in bars and restaurants.

 

We have 5 return flights from Edinburgh to Vegas (Via JFK on the way out) for £1 each

Plus taxes = £1600 total

Hello ridiculous suite at Elara and wraparound fountain Cosmo suite with connecting (hopefully) 1 bed suite

Can't wait for July....

 

I can't say I've noticed the prices being so close. We fly from Manchester direct with either Virgin or Thomas Cook and would have to fly to London first to fly BA. Last three trips the direct flight has been around £500. This year it was £515. BA would have been at least £200 more and a longer day due to having two flights.

 

The exchange rate is also making most things at home more expensive so that leaves less money to fritter on Vegas. We're lucky that we brought a decent wedge of dollars back last year otherwise we probably wouldn't be going this year.

There's also the other issue to consider, but we don't do politics on here! It could well be our last trip to the US for a while because of that.

 

Still going but the exchange rate is a killer and not surprised to read it has kicked the bottom of the market. 1.20ish the lowest of my adult lifetime and I've been going for best part of 30 years now.

 

If money is an issue why do you guys stay at those super fancy/expensive hotels? You can stay at cheaper places and still visit all those places you know?

 

Still consider Vegas great value for food and hotels despite the exchange rate.

 

We don't. Never have. We follow the deals and go to happy hours at our favourite places. Airfare tends to be the biggest expense for us, and we keep that down by going for the least expensive times to fly.

 

I do same. Stay at Bally's mostly for the good value.

Agreed relatively Vegas is still less expensive than many other destinations. Right now it must be a killer going to say San Fran or NYC.

 

Agreed and no sane person wants to go to those places either.

 

You just have to shop around with flights. I have just had a look at Thomas Cook and could do a direct return flight for £420 from Manchester to Vegas at the end of this month. If you wanted extra room and fly premium then it's £650. I know some don't like Thomas Cook but I have flown with them many times and I have found it very reasonable. Just checked Virgin for the same dates and your looking at £720 for economy return.

 

I think Thomas Cook offers a great service for those who have Manchester as a reasonably accessible airport. Stig, is that flight still a seasonal one or are they running it all year round?