Kerry1

.....I was shocked at how expensive the wider world out there is...expected cheap country, cheap prices. Hurrah for Blighty, we are cheaper than we think!

Really?  Are you sure?! 
 
I have a totally different view after being in England for the last 5 or 6 weeks, there's been a noticeable rise in prices and it all seems too expensive to me.  At least I'm home for a week now so I can finally afford to go out!

Kerry1

.....Having just returned from abroad (unbelievably managed a festival & a holiday in the same year) I was shocked at how expensive the wider world out there is.....

Where did you go btw Kerry?

Sorry to hear about that, Roger; I had always believed the UK to be on the dear side, but was really surprised at the prices in Spain & Morocco. They used to be cheap, but everywhere was so much more expensive - except the wine, thankfully. But it was too hot for enough alcohol to make a difference!