Had a romantic notion of going back to the Isle of Lewis for summer hols as it was so fabulous last time. However reality kicked in when realised that it would cost us IRO ?2k for just over a week. ie 2 adults one toddler-

?740 plane fares
?200 car hire
allow ?80 per night for accommodation ?560( and we are only talking B+Bs)
ok, well ?1500, but there is still food on top; can't believe it as managed to get there so much more cheaply about 5 years ago. Even if we get a daytime train to Glasgow then fly onwards, and return for fairly cheap fares, the one way train fare for a departure in late July is ?216.

I'm still of the view that this country is extortionate and it is still more cost effective to go abroad, regards of the current exchange rate. Can't you get a week in South Africa for less than this? We are two reasonably paid professionals but having a decent time seems increasingly to be the preserve of the very rich. What does everyone else do?

Devastated that it looks that once again we won't be able to afford a decent family holiday doing something nice. And our child won't see much of the UK growing up. Whats going wrong.?

Any suggestions, pop them on a postcard please( as it looks like I won't be writing any this year)

Wonderously yours.