The credit crunch and weakening pound are taking their toll on British travellers to the US.



Flight search engine Skyscanner has reported a 15% drop off in UK-US flight search traffic over the last month, suggesting a downturn in transatlantic Christmas shopping and ski trips.



This comes despite an overall high level of flight search traffic on the site.



Barry Smith, Skyscanner co-founder and director of business development, said: “We know the Obama victory was a popular one, not just in the USA, but also around the world.



“It’s likely that this will lead to increased interest for the USA in future, but right now, the stronger dollar means the US is about 25% more expensive than it was this time last year.



“Despite the current economic gloom, traffic is still very strong, and there’s every indication that people are continuing to make travel a top priority – perhaps because we need holidays to look forward to more than ever.



“But it’s not surprising that we’re seeing a fall in UK-USA flight searches, and Brits seem to be shopping and skiing closer to home this year.”



by Phil Davies