Strong pound gets US tills ringing

After the Bank of England's decision to raise interest rates the pound shot up against the dollar, edging it ever closer to the two dollar mark.

Currently the rate of exchange stands at $1.88 to the pound and continues to go up and down around the 1.9 mark.

Shopping for cheaper jeans and designer clothing has always been a factor for people travelling to the US.

Big name brands have huge factory outlets offering discounted items and many tourists go looking for the latest bargains. The strength of the pound makes these bargains even cheaper.

The majority of tourist centres are good for shopping. Orlando, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles are all famed for their shopping malls.

Family resorts such as Orlando tend to be best for bargain shopping, with various offers and promotions on already good value items.

For the more experienced shopper, New York has the most famous and exclusive stores on the planet. Prices are high, but you'll still find a discount on the UK price and many items in New York are only available at specific stores.

The strong pound does of course have its drawbacks. Exporting will suffer every time the pound gets stronger as importers have to part with more of their currency for British products.

The current price is regarded by many as bearable for the British economy and also still good for the tourist, so make the most of US shopping while the going's good.