View Full Version : USA/Florida now becoming unviable?
As much as I love holidaying in Orlando, there comes a point when we need to take a step back and think. With rising air fares and a plummeting exchange rate, the USA is fast becoming unviable as a holiday destination.
The same flights this year are £303 pp more expensive than last year, and the exchange rate is now 22c less per £ than last year, USA is fast approaching my cut-off point for holidays. My guess is that the exchange rate will drop to £1.38 before month's end, airfares have not yet peaked as you will need to factor in lost revenue from ash clouds (this revenue will need to be recovered somehow).
Yes $1.38 is my cut off....what's yours?
Katys Grandad
20-05-2010, 12:44
I'm sure we all review things each time we're considering splashing out and I agree that there's been a lot of bad news cost-wise recently. Without any doubt, the price of a US holiday has rocketed over the past couple of years so I've cut down but still manage to do it - although much less frequently.
At the moment my big concern is that the June Budget will put even more tax on airfares. That might be the final straw for me.
SunLover
20-05-2010, 14:29
I think it's interesting to note that about 10 or 12 years ago, going to Florida / Disney was classified as a dream holiday - pretty much a "once in a lifetime" affair.
I know when I went for the first time, I had dreamed about it since I was a kid, and had saved really hard over an extended period to get there.
Shortly after my return from that epic trip, there was a sudden rise in affordable flights and pretty soon "everyone" was visiting the Mouse !
Now what political, business or currency related factors caused this to happen is long since lost in the grey matter inside my noggin, but it does demonstrate that as with all cyclical events - as we know history has a habit of repeating itself - whilst getting to Florida is currently proving more expensive than it has been, I do not believe for one second that will ALWAYS be the case.
For those who have been lucky enough in the past decade to take multiple annual trips to Disney, there may be a slight reduction of visits in the current climate, but equally, there will always be enough new visitors who want to travel there and like me on my first trip, are determined to do so, no matter how long it takes to save up.
So, unviable ? No - of course not ! That is a perceived generalisation based on one's own circumstances.
Everyone's pocket and "wish list" for a Disney vacation is different - which is why discussing an individual's "cut off" point is pretty redundant.
As with all things in life, it is simply a case of, if necessary, cutting your cloth accordingly. [8D]
mfairhurst
20-05-2010, 14:49
We have had more inquiries for 2011 earlier than ever this year so it is not all bad news ,may be it need a good budget on 22 JUNE so we will wait and see if he is fair with eveyone ,He has always said if you do not work you will only get help for a while so we will see .
As said before we will have to cut our cloth
MAUREEN
www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/1683.aspx
Robert5988
20-05-2010, 15:48
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:At the moment my big concern is that the June Budget will put even more tax on airfares. That might be the final straw for me.[/quote]
Interestingly the Cameron/Klegg road show has just announced their 'Wish List' for this Parliament.
Whilst 'dream on' would seem an appropriate comment for many of their measures, their intent on airfare tax will be easy to enforce.
They say 'Air passenger duty replaced with per-flight duty.' So a half empty plane will pay the same as a full plane.
Given they are unlikely to reduce this tax, it seems that it will inevitably will be an additional expense to the airlines. It might also lead to reduced service for those routes that do not attract a full loading.
On the other hand it might make 'last minute - standby' deals a little cheaper. If they have to pay the tax on every seat even if unfilled, they might as well get passengers even at reduced fares.
Albert the Frog
20-05-2010, 16:24
I always price out a 2 week holiday for 4 in a hotel in Spain in August and then work out 2 weeks in a villa in Orlando-the comparison factoring in the service,facilities in a villa and general feelgood factor always makes me feel better about going to Orlando-I use to budget at £1000 per person but have put this up to £1200 per person on average over the last 2 years.So it has gone up but every where has I suppose you look at your budget and make your choice.
Airfares do not seem to have changed much since last year, I certainly haven't seen a £303 increase in fact my son and his girlfriend paid £332 each for their VA flights for mid June.
As far as the exchange rate is concerned its been up and down in the 17 years we have been going. As high as $2 to the £ and as low as $1.30 to the £.
Compared to Europe for the same level on accomodation its still cost effective, it certainly isn't unviable.
Katys Grandad
20-05-2010, 17:35
Whether it's viable or not (and in this instance that's the same as 'affordable') is entirely subjective and there isn't a definitive answer to the question.
There are a lot of people for whom a Florida holiday has never been viable and a few lucky ones for whom the price is always going to be irrelevant. The rest of us are in-between those extremes and have to decide where our cut-off point is, based on our own circumstances at the time.
SteveandJan
20-05-2010, 17:41
Florida is a great place to go and still cost efficient even though the flights are more expensive than Europe. We are going to our villa this year and flights with BA direct (although may regret booking BA) were £2200 for 4 in peak time August. Still with the pound weak against the dollar, it's still great value in terms of accommodation, quality and eating out costs. We did have a look at Turkey this year and for one week in a small apartment was £2400 and that is without food. We also stayed in a small french resort in the Alps between christmas and new year and we paid €14 for 2 cans of coke and 2 cold hot chocolates. Plus car hire is fantastic value in Florida. We hired a car at Turin for our short break to France and we had to pay a €600 deposit even though we purchased additional damage waiver insurance. With car hire in Florida, you don't have to leave a great big deposit like that and the irony of it was, we paid over £150 for 5 days car hire which turned out to be a wreck and because we drove it across the border to France we had to sign a disclaimer that is anything happened to the car in France we would be totally liable.
Food and drink is such good value in the US compared to Europe. The weather is great, the people are friendly and no "jippy tummy".
We all have to make different sacrafices to some parts of our holiday and there is so much to do in Florida other than the theme parks. We have managed on $600 for 2 weeks for 4, so everything is viable (and only a couple of years ago).
It will always a place that people want to visit.[msnsmile]
Robert5988
20-05-2010, 18:06
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Yes $1.38 is my cut off....what's yours?[/quote]
Looks like you won't be going then[msnwink] as the tourist rate is below $1.38 at most outlets.
We go every year, often twice. There is no doubt it is becoming more difficult to afford, but in reality, I think the same holds true for many places and you can still get value in a Florida trip.
For example, this year we again checked out a European holiday instead of our usual Florida one. I searched many holiday villa websites and priced them up. I could see virtually no difference in the overall cost of a private villa with pool in Italy or Portugal, for example, compared to the same in Florida (even factoring in the flights). In fact, I was shocked at the villa prices in Europe (that takes some doing, I assure you). So we went ahead with our booking to Captiva.
I suppose the difference comes in what you spend once you're there.
But, it looks like we will all be poorer next year and economies will have to be made. My holiday trip will, however, be one of the last things I cut back on. Probably like many or most here, I work long hours and spend a lot of my life in hotels away from my family. The family holiday is the focus of our year and I will be very, very reluctant to cut out my Captiva or Orlando trip. I'll sell the dog first, auction the golf clubs on ebay, swap the range rover for a mini and cancel my spectator subscription. That might not be enough, but we'll see.
Andrew went to Malta for a week just before Christmas and found it to be more expensive than he is finding his current stay in Florida at the moment.
chrizzy100
20-05-2010, 19:33
The rate never worried me..if I need extra money I took on another job..our first holiday to Orlando that we paid for we went with my parents before that and they paid..cost more 18 years ago then it would now..
For the exchange rate, I pre-order my currency, and is currently showing S1.44 on CCE.
As for flights, I booked return EDI/LGW/MCO @ £406 pp last year with BA. This year, to book at exactly the same time for the same travel dates with BA would have cost me £654 pp. If I book today for the same flights/dates, this would cost £732 pp. I expect the emergency budget to hammer tax on air fares/flights and push prices up even higher (my guess is at least an extra £50 on todays prices for the same flights). I suppose shopping around may get me cheaper flights, but I like the flight times with BA, getting in to MCO at 1530, and departing at 1930. Had a very bad experience with VA a couple of years ago so they are most definately out of favour.
chrizzy100
20-05-2010, 20:36
I wonder how much Cape and Trade and VAT will stop people coming to the US..a lot of people seem to come to the US to shop...if things like this go ahead..it will no longer be cheaper here..hotel and villa costs will go up with Cap and Trade..it seems we are going back to my Grandmothers times when you were lucky to just have money enough to pay bills..
mfairhurst
20-05-2010, 22:09
Jim does it not put you of flying with BA with situation of strikes and hiting there customers every time on peak holidays or bank holidays .?
MAUREEN
www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/1683.aspx
Actually for villa owners the volcanic ash is causing more Americans to holiday at home rather than risk going to Europe, which means that if there is any drop off in UK guests, this is more than made up for in Americans who are usually prepared to pay more for a rental home than those from the UK. So it is not all doom and gloom for us owners.
Andrena
alastair
21-05-2010, 01:34
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by mfairhurst
Jim does it not put you of flying with BA with situation of strikes and hiting there customers every time on peak holidays or bank holidays .?
MAUREEN
www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/1683.aspx
[/quote]
The strikes have not affected flights from Gatwick.
I am sorry but can you tell me what Cape & Trade is I have never heard it before?
mary and colin
21-05-2010, 18:19
I am finding people are still booking to go to Florida but are just planning early so have time to save. Or going last minute when a good flight price pops up.
Two of my past guests have come back to me to book for 2011 to make sure they have our home and one has booked with two days less so they can still go.
I think everyone will find the best way to suit their needs and still go, as others have said it is still good value for what you actually get once you balance out all the extras added on in some other destinations.
Hope everyone who wants to go still manages to at some time. [msnsmile]
Mary
Just on the issue of cost of a holiday to Florida, my brother is taking his family, four people including himself, wife and two girls to Salou, Spain this year as they like Port Aventura theme park. It's costing nearly 3,000 pounds for two weeks half board. I know its more expensive than that to come to Florida, but how much more and do you get more bang for your buck? I would say yes you do, no comparison as he's now worried about the euro v pound rate as its going to cost him much more than the booking price to keep eveyone happy, fed and to ensure they have an enjoyable holiday. Last year in Salou they were spending a lot of their evenings looking for reasonably priced places to eat....cod and chips 12 pounds each, I wouldn't pay it. No comparison with Florida for value for money.
Florida, in comparison to the eurozone for families is still competitive in my opinion.[msnsmile]
Last year cost around £3300 total for the wife & I for our Orlando holiday. That covered everything except spending/food/fuel/parking monies. This got me flights, villa, 7 seater 4x4, Universal, Disney, Busch, Discovery Cove, Kennedy Space Centre, Halloween Horror Nights tickets and also an airboat ride. Yes it is a lot for the money, wonder how much the same will cost this year, or next.
Certainly we will need to cut back on our shopping...if that is possible.
Katys Grandad
21-05-2010, 22:00
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by karenk
Last year in Salou they were spending a lot of their evenings looking for reasonably priced places to eat....cod and chips 12 pounds each, I wouldn't pay it. No comparison with Florida for value for money.
Florida, in comparison to the eurozone for families is still competitive in my opinion.[msnsmile][/quote]We're beginning to cover old ground here but I'd expect to pay more than that in Florida.
If you take today's exchange rate of $1.38, consider the additional tax and a 20% tip, you have to find a base menu rate of around $12 to better it. I was in Florida last week and would have been delighted to see a piece of fish with fries on a menu for that price. I was consistently paying around $17 plus tax and tip for something similar in pretty ordinary restaurants.
While you can always find exceptions that prove or disprove the rule and it isn't a perfect science, with the present exchange rate, eating out and paying tax and 20% tip is getting very close to £1/$1 when looking at menu prices. Food is at least as expensive in the US as at home these days and, in a lot of instances, a fair bit more.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by mary and colin
I am finding people are still booking to go to Florida but are just planning early so have time to save. Or going last minute when a good flight price pops up.
Two of my past guests have come back to me to book for 2011 to make sure they have our home and one has booked with two days less so they can still go.
I think everyone will find the best way to suit their needs and still go, as others have said it is still good value for what you actually get once you balance out all the extras added on in some other destinations.
Hope everyone who wants to go still manages to at some time. [msnsmile]
Mary[/quote]We have booked our next holiday at King Louie's Pad for October 2012, we know we have a lot of saving to do but it gives us hopefully plenty of time to do just that, we won't have any holidays between now and then and that is the way we have always managed to go to FL and that won't change. Hopefully the dollar will have improved by the time we come to book flights and park tickets etc !!
sunseeker
22-05-2010, 01:21
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by kitch50
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by mary and colin
I am finding people are still booking to go to Florida but are just planning early so have time to save. Or going last minute when a good flight price pops up.
Two of my past guests have come back to me to book for 2011 to make sure they have our home and one has booked with two days less so they can still go.
I think everyone will find the best way to suit their needs and still go, as others have said it is still good value for what you actually get once you balance out all the extras added on in some other destinations.
Hope everyone who wants to go still manages to at some time. [msnsmile]
Mary[/quote]We have booked our next holiday at King Louie's Pad for October 2012, we know we have a lot of saving to do but it gives us hopefully plenty of time to do just that, we won't have any holidays between now and then and that is the way we have always managed to go to FL and that won't change. Hopefully the dollar will have improved by the time we come to book flights and park tickets etc !![/quote]Do you really mean no holidays at all? I dont think i could forfeit a holiday for 2 years so as i could go to Florida, Life's too short.
Dave
Yes I really mean NO holidays at all, we go out for day trips etc and try to do lots of things that are inexpensive or don't cost anything at all, BUT what it does mean is that we really do appreciate the BIG holiday when it comes around. We have discussed this very issue with our children in the past and they are all in agreement that this is what they prefer to do to have the holiday that they really want. If we had the money to do the holidays in between then we would but we don't so we really really look forward to Fl when it comes around.
sunseeker
22-05-2010, 18:37
I admire your indomitable spirit Wendy, have a great time when you get there.
Dave
Thank you Dave only 2 years 4 months and 28 days to go !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Margaret
23-05-2010, 21:01
I have to say I agree with Wendy. I would rather go without a holiday and save up than go somewhere else. This may be our last trip in December this year as hubby is being made redundant and is not confident of finding anything paying a decent wage.[msncry]
Margaret
Katys Grandad
23-05-2010, 21:39
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Margaret
I have to say I agree with Wendy. I would rather go without a holiday and save up than go somewhere else. This may be our last trip in December this year as hubby is being made redundant and is not confident of finding anything paying a decent wage.[msncry]
Margaret[/quote]Sorry to hear that. Never say "never" eh?[msnsmile]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by karenk
Last year in Salou they were spending a lot of their evenings looking for reasonably priced places to eat....cod and chips 12 pounds each, I wouldn't pay it. No comparison with Florida for value for money.
Florida, in comparison to the eurozone for families is still competitive in my opinion.[msnsmile][/quote]We're beginning to cover old ground here but I'd expect to pay more than that in Florida.
If you take today's exchange rate of $1.38, consider the additional tax and a 20% tip, you have to find a base menu rate of around $12 to better it. I was in Florida last week and would have been delighted to see a piece of fish with fries on a menu for that price. I was consistently paying around $17 plus tax and tip for something similar in pretty ordinary restaurants.
While you can always find exceptions that prove or disprove the rule and it isn't a perfect science, with the present exchange rate, eating out and paying tax and 20% tip is getting very close to £1/$1 when looking at menu prices. Food is at least as expensive in the US as at home these days and, in a lot of instances, a fair bit more.
[/quote]
Obviously too much spare money on your hands[msnsmile2] 20% tip[msnoo] did they eat for you as well?
Compared to France Florida is going to be as cheap as chips (pun).
Katys Grandad
24-05-2010, 00:32
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by wrpac00
Obviously too much spare money on your hands[msnsmile2] 20% tip[msnoo] did they eat for you as well?
[/quote]
Please don't open up the tipping thing all over again.[msnsad]
Margaret
24-05-2010, 01:20
Thanks for that Katys Grandad, we've known since christmas that he was finishing. Our daughter is getting married in Orlando at Christmas so that's why we're still going (no way would I miss that) I have to say that normally hubby is the positive one but he's getting very pessimistic.
Margaret
I know how you feel Margaret. I was made redundant in September and I am finding it really hard to find a job but I am only looking for part time, I have applied for loads and I have had one interview, the right job is out there for your husband the same as there is for me, it is just a case of being in the right place at the right time. I am keeping myself busy doing some voluntary work which all goes on the CV but it doesn't pay for the holiday ! I will keep my fingers crossed for your husband x
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by wrpac00
Obviously too much spare money on your hands[msnsmile2] 20% tip[msnoo] did they eat for you as well?
Compared to France Florida is going to be as cheap as chips (pun).
[/quote]
In New York you would barely get a thanks for a 20% tip. In fact, our transfer was $70 and when I gave the guy $90 (almost 30% tip), he grimaced and walked away shaking his head.
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
24-05-2010, 19:15
I'd have asked for it back. I've done it before with a NY cabbie when I thought I'd given a decent tip and he was really rude and I'd happily do it again. There is no excuse for that kind of rudeness or greed [msnmad].
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Father
when I gave the guy $90 (almost 30% tip), he grimaced and walked away shaking his head.
[/quote]
All part of the NY charm, eh?! Can't beat the Floridian sunshine smile!!
Looking at the positive -if people are going to span out their holidays as things have gone up, the queues will be less, and you won't have to pay for fast passes at Universal! [now that REALLY annoys me- pay to get in, but we are going to greedily take too much at the gate, let too many in, and then charge those who can afford it the luxury of getting on the rides- 1st & 2nd class treatment! ]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by karenk
Last year in Salou they were spending a lot of their evenings looking for reasonably priced places to eat....cod and chips 12 pounds each, I wouldn't pay it. No comparison with Florida for value for money.
Florida, in comparison to the eurozone for families is still competitive in my opinion.[msnsmile][/quote]We're beginning to cover old ground here but I'd expect to pay more than that in Florida.
If you take today's exchange rate of $1.38, consider the additional tax and a 20% tip, you have to find a base menu rate of around $12 to better it. I was in Florida last week and would have been delighted to see a piece of fish with fries on a menu for that price. I was consistently paying around $17 plus tax and tip for something similar in pretty ordinary restaurants.
While you can always find exceptions that prove or disprove the rule and it isn't a perfect science, with the present exchange rate, eating out and paying tax and 20% tip is getting very close to £1/$1 when looking at menu prices. Food is at least as expensive in the US as at home these days and, in a lot of instances, a fair bit more.
[/quote]
Perhaps I didn't make myself quite clear on the Florida v Salou thing, ten chips and a small piece of fish in batter does not make for a good ROI in any country for 12 pounds. If that's the standard you get for 17 dollars when in Florida, then fine but I very much doubt it and I wouldn't pay it.
In relation to covering 'old ground', topics change I believe and so does the information that relates to them. Very little on this subject remains fresh hence the need to update info from time to time.
As far as food being more expensive or on a par with Florida, my shopping bill in the UK can easily come to 250 pounds for four adults just for a week. My bill in the USA for the same amount/type of food when we are all over on holiday is considerably less. Problem with the UK prices is that they creep up on you, subtle increases here and there. Florida still gets my vote in comparison to the UK for quality of food, prices including petrol and of course sunshine.[msnsmile]
By the way, my brother's holiday in Salou will probably cost him in the region of 5000 plus including extra food and drink for the two weeks they are there and that's without theme park entry. It's a lot for a family to pay for a holiday regardless of where they are going.
Katys Grandad
25-05-2010, 13:04
It's possibly me who didn't make themselves clear. My reference to 'old ground' was merely an attempt not to open up the same old debate on comparative costs.
My 2 mains points are, firstly, that it isn't a true comparison when looking at US menu prices against those in the UK and Europe due to the much higher tip expectation and tax. A $1 menu item is really closer to $1.30 for that purpose.
My second point was that my experiences from around 80 visits to the US over the past 10 years or so is that it's now more expensive (both in real terms and in comparison to home)than at any other time I can recall. I have to say that my most recent experience of grocery prices in the US (last week) is that supermarket prices are on the whole higher that at home although we don't spend £250 a week here so perhaps we have different needs.
Of course there are some things that are cheaper but many which are more expensive and that's consistently confirmed by independent surveys. If your experience is different to mine then I'm pleased for you.
I'll agree with karen, my food bill for my family can easily top over £200 a week, yet when we go florida twice a year we spend considerably less and for the two weeks we more or less buy similar food to what we do in the uk and don't forget with staying in a villa you can cook your own food, or go eating out. My family went out to eat at the weekend and the bill alone was over £100, we have never spend that amount on eating in florida over the past 10 years of visiting.
Katys Grandad
25-05-2010, 14:35
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ukman
I'll agree with karen, my food bill for my family can easily top over £200 a week, yet when we go florida twice a year we spend considerably less and for the two weeks we more or less buy similar food to what we do in the uk and don't forget with staying in a villa you can cook your own food, or go eating out. My family went out to eat at the weekend and the bill alone was over £100, we have never spend that amount on eating in florida over the past 10 years of visiting.
[/quote]
I think you can see why I didn't want to open up this debate again. All I'm saying is that my experience is not the same as yours.
Robert5988
25-05-2010, 17:48
I simply cannot believe that people think that food from a Supermarket in Florida is cheaper than UK. Everyone I know who comes to visit is astounded at the price of many items of food in Publix - bread, fresh fruit/vegetables, cereals, cheese(non-plastic variety)- even essentials like wine and beer are similar in price to UK these days.
chrizzy100
25-05-2010, 20:40
FL was a lot cheaper than Cape Cod a few years ago Robert..our prices have not gone up but they have in Orlando..big time..things were about a dollar cheaper in a lot of cases..now its could be a few cents if that...cakes cost more in FL...good for the diet..[msnsmile2]
chrizzy100
25-05-2010, 21:02
I can only go by my top up food bill in FL..we buy the same things each trip because I do a shop before leaving the villa for our next trip...for years that would come to $40 give or take..now its $80...in my mind a large jump..when we moved over to the US from the UK I had to put up my food bill to 3 times what I used in the UK..that was a shock..but then one gal of milk was $10 in the summer..that was stopped a year after we came here..the joy of living in a seaside town..my Dad does nothing but moan about the cost of food when he is staying with us in FL..maybe we all buy such different things .. steak in the US costs next to nothing.. food classed as more expensive in the UK could be cheaper here..I know when I get a UK paper sent over and it has a Supermarket page in it I can't get over how cheap everything is..
I agree some things like fresh veg. are expensive, however a cauliflower in Tesco last week was 90p. The overall bill I find on a par with the UK. However if the prices were more expensive they would have to be a lot higher than they are to stop me going[msnwink].
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
It's possibly me who didn't make themselves clear. My reference to 'old ground' was merely an attempt not to open up the same old debate on comparative costs.
My 2 mains points are, firstly, that it isn't a true comparison when looking at US menu prices against those in the UK and Europe due to the much higher tip expectation and tax. A $1 menu item is really closer to $1.30 for that purpose.
My second point was that my experiences from around 80 visits to the US over the past 10 years or so is that it's now more expensive (both in real terms and in comparison to home)than at any other time I can recall. I have to say that my most recent experience of grocery prices in the US (last week) is that supermarket prices are on the whole higher that at home although we don't spend £250 a week here so perhaps we have different needs.
Of course there are some things that are cheaper but many which are more expensive and that's consistently confirmed by independent surveys. If your experience is different to mine then I'm pleased for you.
[/quote]
Our experiences do seem to be vastly different and on that point, we can agree to differ. My sons eat the same in Florida as they do in the UK so regardless of surveys, I can only report on what it really costs me to buy food in Florida not what a survey suggests it should.
Granted things have increased in price over the years in Florida and that's not just restricted to food but my experience from travel all over the world is that prices have risen as far a field as Australia to dare I say it Salou. My point about comparison is that portion sizes should be compared. One extremely small meal costing 12 pounds is not the same as a large meal costing the same in Florida and bearing this in mind, the basis for comparison becomes somewhat distorted.
chrizzy100
26-05-2010, 00:45
Holidays are the last thing on my list to cut back on Lyn..we only turned on our heating for 8 hours all winter so we could wack up our carbon footprint on 3 trips to FL this year maybe 4..I've got used to a log fire now..not sure I'd like to go back to gas..
I'll tell you next week when we arrive but last year the vast majority of items in supermarkets was far cheaper than the UK.
food wise- remember you are shopping in a tourist area- petrol and food prices are less if you travel out of that tourist area- for instance, petrol can be 10c a gallon cheaper on Orange Blossom Trail than on I27, or parts of 192. SAme will no doubt apply in Salou or even Blackpool, but if you have time, or interest, you can shop around for cheaper prices.
We spend longer periods than the average holidaymaker so are better able to judge the costs of food in the supermarkets. We spent 3 months over the Christmas/New Year recently and while like everywhere else cost have gone up they are nothing like as expensive as they are in the UK. When we are in Florida we save quite a bit on our monthly costs. When we get home again we have quite a bit of savings. We buy the same as we would in the UK and use the same amount of petrol and they costs per month are roughly half the cost. We had the family over for Christmas and I can assure you our Christmas food bill was absolutely nothing compared to what we would have spent at home. Even the turkey was less than half the price, sorry our family wanted exactly the same in Florida as they would have had at home. That made it easy to compare the costs. I love our extended stays, we come home to extra money in our bank account.
When we eat out, which is not really very often, I am not a huge eater so we often ask for an extra plate and share a larger sized steak and I have a baked potato and extra salad. Try asking for that in the British restaurant, you would probably be run out of the door. Also when we have our little two year old grandson they usually suggest that we just give him some of our own meal and often bring him extra fries without charging. Also remember the free coffee and soft drink top ups, in the UK you pay for every single glass of coke or cup of coffee in most places. Yes, Florida is very much cheaper even now.
Andrena
We go for 3 months as well and get a lot of stuff at BJ's. Last year our outgoings were far less than what they are in the UK.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by wrpac00
We go for 3 months as well and get a lot of stuff at BJ's. Last year our outgoings were far less than what they are in the UK.
[/quote]
Where's BJs if you don't mind me asking Paul and just what do they sell there?
Robert5988
28-05-2010, 01:33
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:We spend longer periods than the average holidaymaker so are better able to judge the costs of food in the supermarkets. We spent 3 months over the Christmas/New Year recently [/quote]
Really?
No other qualifications needed?
Katys Grandad
28-05-2010, 08:10
My final contribution on this subject!
Yesterday I received my Amex bill covering my most recent trip to the US. On 16 May my wife and I had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory in Naples. We shared a hummus & flatbread starter and then I had a mineral water and a smaller (lunch sized) pasta meal while my wife had a rice and seafood dish with a soft drink. No dessert, no coffee, no alcohol. I don't recall the precise amount I tipped on this occasion but I always give between 18-20%. My statement shows that meal cost me £36.
We enjoyed the meal and I would have no hesitation in going back and paying the same amount in the future. However, I could very easily have had a comparable lunch in a comparable restaurant here at home for less than that and indeed have done so in the last few days. I have no desire to drink multiple coffees or cokes during my meal even if they are free (and at the Cheesecake Factory they aren't).
A couple of years ago, that meal would probably have cost between £20 & £25 and earlier this year, about £31. I have visited and bought meals in the US, Europe and Asia already this year and there is no doubt that prices across the world are rising but the impact of the £/$ exchange rate collapse over the past couple of years has a had a dramatic effect on the differences between prices in the US & UK. Claims that goods across the board are 'much cheaper' or even 'half the price' in US supermarkets and stores these days are, frankly, fantasy.
I'll keep going to the US because it has a lot to offer as a holiday destination (and those who wish to promote its benefits instead of just seeking to trash the competition have plenty to work with) but I won't be attempting to persuade myself and others that it's the land of cheap prices and bargain eating out anymore. I'd love to go back to the $2/£1 days but, for now, I'll have to live in the real world.
you went to the cheescake factory and didn't have any ?!?! Shame on you :D
Katys Grandad
28-05-2010, 17:39
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Susan J
you went to the cheescake factory and didn't have any ?!?! Shame on you :D
[/quote]
:D:D Usually do!!!
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
My final contribution on this subject!
Yesterday I received my Amex bill covering my most recent ......[/quote]Are you sure about that Katys Grandad.......!!!!!!
We do most of our purchases for basic food items in Aldi (I don't go to that one but there is one on US27 in Haines City) - gallon of milk is $2.69, pound of butter is $1.89, loaf of basic bread is $0.89, Vidalia onions were 90c pound - vegetables have doubled here because of hard winter, they are slowly going down now.
24 pack of 12oz (330ml, standard size) Pepsi is $5.35 inc tax at Walmart at the moment and a 2litre Pepsi was 95 cents.
We have an electric bread maker as we don't like the bread much here, a loaf costs us about 30cents to make in ingredients, flour is cheap, as are most other basic foodstuffs, anything fancy in a box with a big brand name on will be expensive though.
We get great Tbone or ribeye steak from WinnDixie, about $6 - $7 a pound, gone up a lot but it is so much better than any steak I ever bought in UK. That's the only thing we ever buy in WinnDixie though, a very expensive store, much like Publix. The special offers can be OK but otherwise we avoid those stores.
mfairhurst
30-05-2010, 05:55
We find the fresh bread and salads also the fresh vegetables stay fresh a lot lomger in the USA than in UK ,I go to asda here and have to use them much quicker ,
We buy Italian slice bread from Publics and it is lovely and not expensive compared to special bread here and i finish up toasting here as i do not like throwing food away .
MAUREEN
www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/1683.aspx
Robert5988
30-05-2010, 14:05
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:We buy Italian slice bread from Publics and it is lovely and not expensive compared to special bread here[/quote]
Actually Publix have a 'special' this week(thru 2nd June - see online, mustn't post link)
A 16oz loaf of Italian 5 grain bread made in their bakery can be obtained for $2.79(it is normally $3.59) - so at £1 = $1.40 that is £2 or £2.56.
Now Sainsburys - not a cheap store - have a large choice of breads.
http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/groceries/index.jsp?bmUID=1275208651873
Their farmhouse wholemeal loaf is on a special and for 16oz the price works out at 41pence - normally 55pence.
Their malted grain loaf('so organic') not on a special also costs £1 for 800g - so for 16oz would cost 55p
Their multiseeded loaf(taste the difference)not on a special, costs £1.19 for 800g so 16oz would cost 65p.
So Publix bread costs £2 on special £2.56 regular price. The same size loaf in Sainsburys costs between 41p on a special to 65p.
Now that seems to me that Publix bread is about 400% to 500% more expensive than Sainsburys.
The extra cost must be all the sugar they put in American bread[msnwink]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by karenk
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by wrpac00
We go for 3 months as well and get a lot of stuff at BJ's. Last year our outgoings were far less than what they are in the UK.
[/quote]
Where's BJs if you don't mind me asking Paul and just what do they sell there?
[/quote]
The only two I have visited are:-
On the US27 just before the Jcn with West Colonial (50) almost opposite the Driving License office. There is also one up by the Mall of Millenia.
They are like Costco's and Sams Club. They currently have a link on their website for a 60 day FREE memebership.
I love it when people state the obvious and conveniently miss other quotes. I think we all admit that bread is dearer in the US compared to the UK but I couldn't find the prices quoted from the Sainsbury site and I can only imagine bread at 41p tastes like sawdust.
We shop in Morrions and on average for a normal uncut loaf we pay £1 but you can't compare it to the US as they don't sell it. Based on a FULL shop of foodstuffs (last summer) it was cheaper than the UK. For example we bought a 10lb bag of Tilapia from Walmart last year for $7 (£4.50).
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by wrpac00
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by karenk
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by wrpac00
We go for 3 months as well and get a lot of stuff at BJ's. Last year our outgoings were far less than what they are in the UK.
[/quote]
Where's BJs if you don't mind me asking Paul and just what do they sell there?
[/quote]
The only two I have visited are:-
On the US27 just before the Jcn with West Colonial (50) almost opposite the Driving License office. There is also one up by the Mall of Millenia.
They are like Costco's and Sams Club. They currently have a link on their website for a 60 day FREE memebership.
[/quote]
Thanks Paul, I'll keep an eye out when I'm over in a couple of days, seems worth a visit.
Robert5988
31-05-2010, 02:25
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:I love it when people state the obvious and conveniently miss other quotes. I think we all admit that bread is dearer in the US compared to the UK but I couldn't find the prices quoted from the Sainsbury site and I can only imagine bread at 41p tastes like sawdust.[/quote]
Your difficulty Paul is you apparently lack the ability to read, or perhaps understand, posts before having another dig.
I was specifically relying to this quote about bread from Maureen:
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:We buy Italian slice bread from Publics and it is lovely and not expensive compared to special bread here[/quote]
So it would appear that not everyone admits that bread is dearer in the USA. Are you with me so far?
I took a specific example of the Italian bread from Publix(which is the store to which Maureen is referring ) and gave the price for a 16oz loaf on a special and regular(£2 and £2.56)
I then gave the link for Sainsburys and the equivalent prices for a 16 oz loaf for their similar breads. The prices I gave – around 55p – are for regular prices on their own brand fresh baked bread as well as Hovis, Kingsmill, Warburtons etc. Indeed the cheapest brands of bread are around 30p for a 16oz equivalent.
Can you really cannot find the prices of bread on the Sainsburys site ? go to groceries – bread.(To help you I have cut and pasted one of 6 pages below)
Now have you understood the above - really understood I mean?? To summarise I was replying to Maureen, talking about bread from Publix(not cheap fish)
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Burgen Soya & Linseed 800g. Save 33p was £1.33 now £1.00 £1.00/unit
£0.12/100g
Cranks Organic Honey & Sunflower 800g £1.39/unit £0.17/100g
Hovis Granary Loaf, Medium 800g £1.05/unit £0.13/100g
Hovis Hearty Oats 800g Buy 2 for £1.80 £1.34/unit £0.17/100g
Hovis Original Granary Thick 800g £1.05/unit £0.13/100g
Hovis Seed Sensation Light & Nutty 800g Buy 2 for £1.80 £1.33/unit
£0.17/100g
Hovis Seeded Sensation Rich Roasted 800g Buy 2 for £1.80 £1.33/unit
£0.17/100g
Hovis Wholemeal Seeded Granary Loaf 800g £1.05/unit £0.13/100g
Kingsmill Gold Seeds & Oats Soft & Crunchy 800g £1.06/unit
£0.13/100g
Kingsmill Gold Seeds & Oats Wholesome & Nutty 800g £1.06/unit
£0.13/100g
Sainsbury's Malted Grain Loaf, So Organic 800g £1.00/unit
£0.12/100g
Sainsbury's Multiseeded Loaf, Taste The Difference 800g £1.19/unit
£0.15/100g
Sainsbury's White Multiseeded Batch, Taste the Difference 800g
Buy 2 for £2.00 £1.22/unit £0.15/100g
Sainsbury's Wholemeal Multi-Seeded Loaf, Taste the Difference 800g
Buy 2 for £2.00 £1.22/unit £0.15/100g
Vogel Soya and Linseed Bread 800g £1.35/unit £0.17/100g
Vogel Sunflower & Barley Bread 800g £1.35/unit £0.17/100g
Warburtons Batch Loaf, Seeded, Large 800g £1.44/unit £0.18/100g [/quote]
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
31-05-2010, 02:59
Can I ask that all posters sit back and take stock of what they are writing before they press the submit button as I'm going to have to lock the thread if it carries on the way it's going. We're quite happy with a robust discussion but when things start to get patronizing and less than respectful of other members, the line has been crossed.
Robert,
By 'better able to judge supermarket costs' I was referring to my own personal supermarket costs between UK and US. I was not presuming to know better than others. Although people who stay longer and therefore buy 'normal' monthly shopping for instance do have a better idea of the costs. When I go on holiday I would probably not buy the basics that I would at home, but when I spend a longer time in Florida I just buy the same as I would at home so it is easier to compare like for like.
We have owned a home in Florida for 16 years and know how the costs have escalated, but not nearly as much as here in Scotland where prices have really rocketed in the past year.
Andrena
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robert5988
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:I love it when people state the obvious and conveniently miss other quotes. I think we all admit that bread is dearer in the US compared to the UK but I couldn't find the prices quoted from the Sainsbury site and I can only imagine bread at 41p tastes like sawdust.[/quote]Your difficulty Paul is you apparently lack the ability to read, or perhaps understand, posts before having another dig.
I was specifically relying to this quote about bread from Maureen: <blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:We buy Italian slice bread from Publics and it is lovely and not expensive compared to special bread here[/quote]So it would appear that not everyone admits that bread is dearer in the USA. Are you with me so far?
I took a specific example of the Italian bread from Publix(which is the store to which Maureen is referring ) and gave the price for a 16oz loaf on a special and regular(£2 and £2.56)
I then gave the link for Sainsburys and the equivalent prices for a 16 oz loaf for their similar breads. The prices I gave – around 55p – are for regular prices on their own brand fresh baked bread as well as Hovis, Kingsmill, Warburtons etc. Indeed the cheapest brands of bread are around 30p for a 16oz equivalent.
Can you really cannot find the prices of bread on the Sainsburys site ? go to groceries – bread.(To help you I have cut and pasted one of 6 pages below)
Now have you understood the above - really understood I mean?? To summarise I was replying to Maureen, talking about bread from Publix(not cheap fish)
Burgen Soya & Linseed 800g. Save 33p was £1.33 now £1.00 £1.00/unit
£0.12/100g
Cranks Organic Honey & Sunflower 800g £1.39/unit £0.17/100g
Hovis Granary Loaf, Medium 800g £1.05/unit £0.13/100g
Hovis Hearty Oats 800g Buy 2 for £1.80 £1.34/unit £0.17/100g
Hovis Original Granary Thick 800g £1.05/unit £0.13/100g
Hovis Seed Sensation Light & Nutty 800g Buy 2 for £1.80 £1.33/unit
£0.17/100g
Hovis Seeded Sensation Rich Roasted 800g Buy 2 for £1.80 £1.33/unit
£0.17/100g
Hovis Wholemeal Seeded Granary Loaf 800g £1.05/unit £0.13/100g
Kingsmill Gold Seeds & Oats Soft & Crunchy 800g £1.06/unit
£0.13/100g
Kingsmill Gold Seeds & Oats Wholesome & Nutty 800g £1.06/unit
£0.13/100g
Sainsbury's Malted Grain Loaf, So Organic 800g £1.00/unit
£0.12/100g
Sainsbury's Multiseeded Loaf, Taste The Difference 800g £1.19/unit
£0.15/100g
Sainsbury's White Multiseeded Batch, Taste the Difference 800g
Buy 2 for £2.00 £1.22/unit £0.15/100g
Sainsbury's Wholemeal Multi-Seeded Loaf, Taste the Difference 800g
Buy 2 for £2.00 £1.22/unit £0.15/100g
Vogel Soya and Linseed Bread 800g £1.35/unit £0.17/100g
Vogel Sunflower & Barley Bread 800g £1.35/unit £0.17/100g
Warburtons Batch Loaf, Seeded, Large 800g £1.44/unit £0.18/100g Your difficulty Robert is understanding anything anyone else says apart from you post.
Because of your arrogant attitude I haven't entered into any posts where you commented on for a couple of years but you were going on about so much rubbish in this topic I reluctantly replied, lesson learnt I will steer well clear in future.
FraserLynn
01-06-2010, 03:37
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:[i]
Because of your arrogant attitude I haven't entered into any posts where you commented on for a couple of years but you were going on about so much rubbish in this topic I reluctantly replied, lesson learnt I will steer well clear in future.[/quote]How is any of this rubbish, it just looks like simple factual maths to me. Compare 2 prices, one is higher and the other is lower. It is a thorough and full and accurate response
What seems arrogant to me is everyone who dismisses things as not true, just because they say so, with no supporting evidence other than they know, have been to florida a lot or stayed for a long time... presenting facts is never arrogant, presenting opinions as facts is.
Of course, I realise that sometimes people don't like facts to get in the way of their opinions and so have to attack in response because that is all they have.
chrizzy100
01-06-2010, 05:55
I'm sure people also buy less food for the villa then they would at home because they are eating out more..I'm sure no one buys the same food on holiday as they do at home because if they did they would end up throwing most of it away..
My food bill for top ups was a little lower and my fav Dove sweeties were back to being cheaper so I'm happy..
I have just checked what we spent on food in January. We are happy to eat in most of the time as you can chill with a glass of wine and not worry who is going to drive, however we did eat out or got take out several times. We were there for 4 weeks and in total we spent $550 and got an exchange rate of 1.63 so it cost us £337 if the rate is now as low as 1.35 that would cost £407. We spend at least £100 per week at home and eat & drink better in the states so think the prices are OK for us.
12 Large Eggs in Walmart - $1.25 (89p)
12 Large Eggs in Sainsburys - 3.07p
florida4sun
05-06-2010, 14:46
This is getting a bit silly now, $200 on groceries is not going to make a difference to anyones holiday.
The original point is 'is the getting USA unviable'. Of course not, that is something based on personal finances and trust me there are plenty of people with more than enough money to visit anywhere in the world for a holiday.
We all know holidays are not cheap, it is something we all work and look forward too. Personally when we go, we go all guns blazing and have a dam good time.
With exchange rate shift people are definitely shopping around, we can see that in ticket sales, so far we have record year. This is solely because people are taking more care at what they are spending.
This is also increases villa inquires as they are far better value than hotels.
It actually does us a favor.
If unviable means you cannot afford to go then, that is down to personal finances and does not talk for anyone else. There are people out there with budgets of varying degrees, typically a 2 week vacation to Florida is around £3000 - £5000 pounds but there plenty of people spending way more than that.
I am just trying to book a month long tour of Europe and the prices compared to the USA are horrendous for like for like accommodation.
Lets stop bickering over the price of bread and eggs, there really is more to life. Jeeze a shot of my favorite liquor in Florida costs around $20, but thats my choice, my money and my vacation.
Florida is the perfect vacation destination and great value, sometimes this value wavers, but hey doesn't everything in life.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by wrpac00
12 Large Eggs in Walmart - $1.25 (89p)
12 Large Eggs in Sainsburys - 3.07p
[/quote]
luckylady
05-06-2010, 15:05
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
This is getting a bit silly now, $200 on groceries is not going to make a difference to anyones holiday.
The original point is 'is the getting USA unviable'. Of course not, that is something based on personal finances and trust me there are plenty of people with more than enough money to visit anywhere in the world for a holiday.
We all know holidays are not cheap, it is something we all work and look forward too. Personally when we go, we go all guns blazing and have a dam good time.
With exchange rate shift people are definitely shopping around, we can see that in ticket sales, so far we have record year. This is solely because people are taking more care at what they are spending.
This is also increases villa inquires as they are far better value than hotels.
It actually does us a favor.
If unviable means you cannot afford to go then, that is down to personal finances and does not talk for anyone else. There are people out there with budgets of varying degrees, typically a 2 week vacation to Florida is around £3000 - £5000 pounds but there plenty of people spending way more than that.
I am just trying to book a month long tour of Europe and the prices compared to the USA are horrendous for like for like accommodation.
Lets stop bickering over the price of bread and eggs, there really is more to life. Jeeze a shot of my favorite liquor in Florida costs around $20, but thats my choice, my money and my vacation.
Florida is the perfect vacation destination and great value, sometimes this value wavers, but hey doesn't everything in life.
[/quote]
<span style="color:red"><span style="font-family:Arial">AMEN!!!!</span id="Arial"></span id="red">
mfairhurst
05-06-2010, 21:59
Thats good Martin well said now can we start to enjoy life .
The sun has been shining here in the north but we will go away to FLORIDA.
MAUREEN
www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/1683.aspx
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
This is getting a bit silly now, $200 on groceries is not going to make a difference to anyones holiday.
The original point is 'is the getting USA unviable'. Of course not, that is something based on personal finances and trust me there are plenty of people with more than enough money to visit anywhere in the world for a holiday.
We all know holidays are not cheap, it is something we all work and look forward too. Personally when we go, we go all guns blazing and have a dam good time.
With exchange rate shift people are definitely shopping around, we can see that in ticket sales, so far we have record year. This is solely because people are taking more care at what they are spending.
This is also increases villa inquires as they are far better value than hotels.
It actually does us a favor.
If unviable means you cannot afford to go then, that is down to personal finances and does not talk for anyone else. There are people out there with budgets of varying degrees, typically a 2 week vacation to Florida is around £3000 - £5000 pounds but there plenty of people spending way more than that.
I am just trying to book a month long tour of Europe and the prices compared to the USA are horrendous for like for like accommodation.
Lets stop bickering over the price of bread and eggs, there really is more to life. Jeeze a shot of my favorite liquor in Florida costs around $20, but thats my choice, my money and my vacation.
Florida is the perfect vacation destination and great value, sometimes this value wavers, but hey doesn't everything in life.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by wrpac00
12 Large Eggs in Walmart - $1.25 (89p)
12 Large Eggs in Sainsburys - 3.07p
[/quote]
[/quote]
Nobodys bickering about the price of eggs Martin apart from you. You really need to read all the posts here before making off the wall comments which should be directed at someone else.
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
07-06-2010, 11:28
This is getting ridiculous now and has strayed quite a way from the original question. We've had a great discussion about it but when it descends into an argument about the price of eggs, I think we can all agree it's time to lock the thread and move on.
The thread is now locked. If anyone feels the need to discuss the price of eggs, please feel free to start a new topic [msnwink].