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DG TUG Member Posts: 59 From: Houston,TX, USA Registered: Dec 2000	posted 02-11-2005 13:59 We have exchanges for Cornwall, England and Scotland for April '06 and I'm starting to get cold feet thinking about the terrible exchange rate. I'm thinking of canceling in hopes that the exchange rate will someday improve. Any thoughts on this? Thanks. IP: Logged
Carolinian TUG Member Posts: 5681 From: North Carolina Registered: Dec 2000	posted 02-11-2005 15:05 Go now. From what I read, many economists think the dollar will fall more than it has already. At least in the UK, one does not have the ''Euro inflation'' from the rounding up in the switchover to the Euro to compound the problem as exists in the countries that use the euro. Eastern Europe is still very reasonable in cost, at least until they get the euro. IP: Logged
wauhob3 TUG Member Posts: 1671 From: Valparaiso, IN Christmas Mountain Village week 27 and 30 Registered: May 2002	posted 02-11-2005 16:09 quote: Originally posted by DG: We have exchanges for Cornwall, England and Scotland for April '06 and I'm starting to get cold feet thinking about the terrible exchange rate. I'm thinking of canceling in hopes that the exchange rate will someday improve. Any thoughts on this? Thanks. We went last summmer had a good time but cancelled next summer's trip because it was just too costly. We have already been twice. Car rentals especially for automatics are very costly as is the meals. Grocery store prices weren't too bad and Marks and Spencers has good prepared foods. If you haven't been before it would be worth it if you can afford it. IP: Logged
scotlass TUG Member Posts: 318 From: MA Registered: Apr 2001	posted 02-11-2005 16:47 Since it is a year away, you have time to watch the exchange rates. Personally, as one who goes to Scotland almost every year, and we just purchased another timeshare in Cornwall, I would recommend going ahead with the plans if you can afford it. It will be a wonderful experience as the people are friendly and there is just so much to see. One thousand year old buildings are hard to come by here in the states, but they are plentiful there. I'd say 'go for it'. Where are you staying? IP: Logged
krisj TUG Member Posts: 2112 From: Seattle WA, USA Owner: 6 weeks in Whistler, BC Registered: Dec 2000	posted 02-11-2005 16:47 We're making our month-long trip to Scotland this summer, in spite of the poor exchange rate. We think of 1) the mountains of money we're saving by doing TS exchanges versus staying in hotels, 2) the money we'll save by having a kitchen (we're not going to Scotland for the fine cuisine), 3) the fact that our time to travel with our children is limited, and 4) money isn't everything :-) Is there really anyplace where the dollar isn't weak these days (including in the US)? Kris IP: Logged
myhottoddy TUG Member Posts: 106 From: Los Alamos, NM ,usa Registered: Dec 2000	posted 02-13-2005 11:03 We were in both England and Scotland March 20 thru April 10, 2004 and enjoyed this third visit despite the rainy weather. The US to GB Pound was roughly 1:2 with commissions, etc. The rental car cost about $900 after taxes for 22 days plus fuel. We carry a cooler for lunches and drinks, cold cereal and juice for breakfast and usually ate in the pubs for evening meal, $14 for fish & chips is a bit pricey but filling. We avoided beer and asked for water with the meals. If you are going in April, you can save a bundle on entry fees to British Trust and Scottish Trust properties by joining the Royal Oak Foundation in the US. Annual membership is $75 for up to 4 family members. My biggest complaint is "utility fees". My MFs would be much less if FF charged RCI exchangers for utilities. Yes we will return , probably in 2007 when we get the inheritance! Tom [This message has been edited by myhottoddy (edited 02-13-2005).] IP: Logged
luckster TUG Member Posts: 267 From: UK Registered: Sep 2004	posted 02-13-2005 16:03 We have just returned from florida and contemplated buying a spare suitcase to carry everything home that we wanted and was half the price we pay in the UK. I can truley see your dilema, but we have a lovely, beautiful land to explore. To us the expense is the norm and when we come to you it is an added benefit.. Tina IP: Logged
225chs TUG Member Posts: 266 From: Philadelphia pa usa Registered: Apr 2002	posted 02-13-2005 17:42 We will be heading for Scotland this august. The we,are my 3 adult children ,my wife and I. The cost is outrageous(if anyone can help me with how my kids should get around Cornwall for 7 days in August incl. accomodations it would be appreciated)but how can I refuse? Kilconqhar (a three bedroom) in August will be saving the $, the kids will spend by staying the extra week(wife and I have to return to work)The cost because of the exchange is already a problem.(tatoo and a night in Edinburgh)It is takin me over budget. But cancel, No way!! None of this compares to having three adult kids who still wish to travel with you. I'll have to take it out of their inheritance if I ever get one to give to them.In other words, it's a lot more money, but why wait and maybe never do it.Scotland,and England are beautiful and if you can make it work without breaking the bank,and I'm afraid it will be close with 5,I say "go for it" and take the money from some other source (like the mortgage ) IP: Logged
wanderlust TUG Member Posts: 21 From: Registered: Dec 2004	posted 02-13-2005 17:47 I live in the the U.S., and have a dual U.S./British citizenship. Even though I was brought here as an infant, I can't stay away from that lovely green land across the pond. There are things you can do to minimize expenses when travelling in England, as noted in previous postings. I have never, in 35 years of going back and forth, rented a car in the U.K. Take advantage of the fantastic public transport, and save some money! IP: Logged
Keitht TUG Member Posts: 1182 From: Gloucester, England, Own at Plas Talgarth Wales Registered: Feb 2003	posted 02-14-2005 00:20 quote: Originally posted by 225chs: (if anyone can help me with how my kids should get around Cornwall for 7 days in August incl. accomodations it would be appreciated) August is slap bang in the middle of the main school holiday season in the UK and Cornwall is one of the most popular holiday destinations for those who stay in the UK. I would say it is essential that accommodation is booked before you travel. The likelihood of finding anything decent on-spec is next to nil. A site worth checking for accommodation is www.smoothhound.co.uk. I can't agree with Wanderlust on the quality of public transport, particularly in rural areas such as Cornwall. My own experience of public transport in this country is good in and around major cities but not good elsewhere. As an example, a colleague lives 20 miles out of my home town, population around 100,000 and the last bus is at 7 pm. The town he lives in has a population of several thousand, it isn't a tiny village in the middle of nowhere. ------------------ Regards Keith IP: Logged
wanderlust TUG Member Posts: 21 From: Registered: Dec 2004	posted 02-14-2005 05:52 I stand corrected regarding public transport in rural areas, but relative to public transport here, I maintain it's still fantastic in England. For example, while bus service may end at 7 PM, at least reliable bus service exists! We Americans do love our cars, but sometimes it helps to think "outside the box". A car makes absolutely no sense in urban and suburban areas. Driving is a nightmare there (again, relative to driving here). Our teen learned to navigate via busses, trains, taxis and planes very early. It has been a real blessing - much safer than driving in unfamiliar territory. Having said that, if you are staying in a truly isolated place, and there's no other convenient way, by all means, rent a car! If you take this route, and you don't drive a car with a manual transmission, you will have to request, and pay for, an automatic transmission - the standard rental is manual. Certainly, ask about transport options in all of your lodging choices before you get there. IP: Logged
DG TUG Member Posts: 59 From: Houston,TX, USA Registered: Dec 2000	posted 02-14-2005 06:42 Thanks for all of the replies. Our exchanges are to Moness Country Club and Clowance Estate and Country Club. Unless something prevents our going, we have decided to keep the exchanges. I was just having a general anxiety attack on Friday. What helped me decide to keep the exchanges was remembering that the one in Cornwall is only 3 miles from Cambourne where my husbands grandfather was born and lived till he was about 20 when he came to the U.S. We can't pass up investigating all that family history. We have been to Walton Hall and loved England. Even though it is expensive to travel in Europe, I would rather spend my money that way than on other things. Again, thanks for the replies and happy traveling to all. IP: Logged
krisj TUG Member Posts: 2112 From: Seattle WA, USA Owner: 6 weeks in Whistler, BC Registered: Dec 2000	posted 02-14-2005 07:12 quote: Originally posted by 225chs: if anyone can help me with how my kids should get around Cornwall for 7 days in August incl. accomodations it would be appreciated We had a (condo) rental at Tregenna Country Club in St. Ives several years ago and absolutely loved it. As I recall, it is also a Best Western Hotel. It might be worth checking the rates to rent a self-catering unit (like a timeshare) or hotel rooms there. Kris IP: Logged
glenn1000 TUG Member Posts: 1229 From: Orinda, CA Registered: Feb 2002	posted 02-14-2005 08:53 We're still in RCI/II search mode for the second week of our 2-week trip to Scotland this summer so I am hoping that other people cancel their trips and we will pick up our second week. Would we cancel due to a change in the exchange rates? No chance! IP: Logged
ellend TUG Member Posts: 373 From: Essex, UK. Own at St Mellion UK; Vistana Resort, Orlando Registered: Feb 2002	posted 02-14-2005 11:46 quote: Originally posted by DG: What helped me decide to keep the exchanges was remembering that the one in Cornwall is only 3 miles from Cambourne where my husbands grandfather was born and lived till he was about 20 when he came to the U.S. We can't pass up investigating all that family history. You might find these links useful. It would be worth contacting them well in advance and they may be able to dig out original birth, marriage, burial certificates etc. On the second link scroll down and you will find other useful links in your search. http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/cro/default.htm http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/Cornwall/Camborne/#ChurchRecords ------------------ EllenD IP: Logged
krisj TUG Member Posts: 2112 From: Seattle WA, USA Owner: 6 weeks in Whistler, BC Registered: Dec 2000	posted 02-14-2005 13:01 quote: Originally posted by glenn1000: We're still in RCI/II search mode for the second week of our 2-week trip to Scotland this summer so I am hoping that other people cancel their trips... Glenn -- I think our daughter would gladly let you have one of our weeks if you'd send us to France for that week :-) She's met a boy whose dad works for Rick Steves in France, so now she's starting to think a month in Scotland might be too much... Btw... have you found any deals on airfare or car rentals yet? Kris IP: Logged
mjs TUG Member Posts: 175 From: Olmsted Falls,Oh USA Registered: Dec 2003	posted 02-14-2005 13:47 Took the wife and 2 teenagers to London last summer. Yes it was expensive, but I have long forgot about the expense, and will always have great memories of a fantastic vacation. Took all public transportation, buses, underground, train to Bath, train to Paris--driving in London and Paris would make it an extremely exciting vacation. My vote is do it now, or you will probably never do it. IP: Logged
225chs TUG Member Posts: 266 From: Philadelphia pa usa Registered: Apr 2002	posted 02-14-2005 16:59 Kris thanks for the ideas.Will check it out. I'm trying to keep it reasonable for the kids.(By the way,they're 26,23 and20)They are traveling alone in Cornwall because I took FF for the five of us but had to travel at different times. I have already booked the car in Edinburgh(need an automatic) but got a good price from Enterprise Arnold IP: Logged
krisj TUG Member Posts: 2112 From: Seattle WA, USA Owner: 6 weeks in Whistler, BC Registered: Dec 2000	posted 02-14-2005 19:24 quote: Originally posted by 225chs: I'm trying to keep it reasonable for the kids.(By the way,they're 26,23 and20) If Tregenna Country Club is too expensive, another place we had lunch that looked like a fun place for folks that age to stay was the Zennor Backpacker's Inn with "the best chocolate cake in Cornwall". Zennor was a lovely little village and as I recall it was centrally located to lots of great sights. http://www.backpackers.co.uk/zennor/page2.htm If possible, try to see a play at the outdoor Minack Theatre, tour the Geevor Tin Mine, visit Penzance and St. Michaels Mount and stroll the streets of St. Ives and see the Tate Museum of Modern Art. Oohhh... thinking of this is making me long to return to Cornwall. Kris [This message has been edited by krisj (edited 02-15-2005).] IP: Logged
Keitht TUG Member Posts: 1182 From: Gloucester, England, Own at Plas Talgarth Wales Registered: Feb 2003	posted 02-15-2005 00:15 quote: Originally posted by wanderlust: I stand corrected regarding public transport in rural areas, but relative to public transport here, I maintain it's still fantastic in England. For example, while bus service may end at 7 PM, at least reliable bus service exists! We Americans do love our cars, but sometimes it helps to think "outside the box". A car makes absolutely no sense in urban and suburban areas. Driving is a nightmare there (again, relative to driving here). Our teen learned to navigate via busses, trains, taxis and planes very early. It has been a real blessing - much safer than driving in unfamiliar territory. Having said that, if you are staying in a truly isolated place, and there's no other convenient way, by all means, rent a car! If you take this route, and you don't drive a car with a manual transmission, you will have to request, and pay for, an automatic transmission - the standard rental is manual. Certainly, ask about transport options in all of your lodging choices before you get there. Yup. I agree with all that ------------------ Regards Keith IP: Logged
luckster TUG Member Posts: 267 From: UK Registered: Sep 2004	posted 02-15-2005 04:04 As an owner at Clowance. I wouldnt want to chance the public transport. Clowance is a country estate and so even if there is a bus that runs by the estate youd have to walk to the edge which is a fair way. The estate is in a wonderful position to explore cornwall, slap bang in the middle between north and south. A car would be such an assett to explore the coastline and all those non touristy bits. The main restaurant on the estate does a great carvery, very reasonably priced and probably cheaper than venturing to a restaurant outside the estate. Tina IP: Logged
Daverock TUG Member Posts: 411 From: New York Registered: Dec 2000	posted 02-15-2005 21:11 in 1979-80, I participated in the Fullbright program and had the great opportunity to live and work in England. I was paid my American salary and had to convert it to pounds. The exchange rate then was $2.40 to a pound. I had my wife and 2 children with me and we squeezed every pence out of each pound. We did not let that terrible exchange rate put us off, we traveled each weekend touring different areas of that wonderful country...each mile traveled was a turned page in some history book. We did go into debt but it was well worth it. When we look back we realize that we did the right thing for us. What I am trying to say is forget the exchange rate, go and enjoy and you'll have wonderful memories. You can always have a good laugh at the 14 pound fish & chip meals you enjoyed. Dave IP: Logged
krisj TUG Member Posts: 2112 From: Seattle WA, USA Owner: 6 weeks in Whistler, BC Registered: Dec 2000	posted 02-15-2005 21:21 quote: Originally posted by Daverock: You can always have a good laugh at the 14 pound fish & chip meals you enjoyed. Dave - You make a great point. I remember a hunk of cheese and a glass of wine on an English Narrowboat more than I remember many $100 meals in the US... Kris IP: Logged
glenn1000 TUG Member Posts: 1229 From: Orinda, CA Registered: Feb 2002	posted 02-15-2005 21:44 quote: Originally posted by krisj: Glenn -- I think our daughter would gladly let you have one of our weeks if you'd send us to France for that week :-) She's met a boy whose dad works for Rick Steves in France, so now she's starting to think a month in Scotland might be too much... Btw... have you found any deals on airfare or car rentals yet? Kris Hi Kris, I wish I could send you to France! If we had a month I think that we'd head in that direction. My best trader only sees a studio in France this summer. Looks like the airfares have only gone up since I started tracking them. I don't want to think about the car until I have the flights booked. I keep hoping that I'll see a summer sale and we'd really like to take a 1-stop route, currently priced at over $1100 each. I have faith that it will all work out though. We should compare notes before we go. IP: Logged
glenn1000 TUG Member Posts: 1229 From: Orinda, CA Registered: Feb 2002	posted 02-25-2005 18:23 Don't know if it's the exchange rate making people cancel or just good fortune but we matched our search for a second week this summer in Scotland! I figure that savings on accomodations from our exchanges will offset the higher overall costs. IP: Logged

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