Hotel costs

And what if the pound goes down? No one can tell what will happen a year from now.

Any thoughts from people who have planned their own trips without travel company assistance are appreciated.

Ask you banker, broker, financial advisor etc., where they see the Pound going a year from now.

Here is a chart for your perusal
https://www.macrotrends.net/2549/pound-dollar-exchange-rate-historical-chart

Use it as you see fit

You are foolish to try to play the currency game. The benefit is so small -- a few dollars at best. I never worry about currency changes since the changes are only a few pennies each day and it can go either way. Now, if we get into a big shooting war with China. Who knows?

The financial industry forecasts for the value of the pound versus the dollar are all over the map, with some saying the pound will sink below $1.20 next year and others forecasting it will rise above $1.40. Much will depend on the continuing impact of Brexit and where interest rates are in Britain and the U.S. next year. Since today it's at $1.32, it's a better bet to just wait and pay for your trip expenses when they occur next year. There's more to be gained if the pound falls more than 10% from its current value than if it rises 6%. Moreover, paying now for your accommodation means you definitely will lose any earnings you might otherwise have made on that money for an entire year.

The U.K. has a long way to go before it has worked through its serious economic challenges, and that makes it more likely the pound will weaken by next summer.

I too don’t worry about the few dollars a night difference if the rate goes up or down. When considering the overall cost of the trip, the difference is minimal.

I’ve seen the rate at low as $1.04 and as high as $2.50 to 1£. Go and enjoy your trip. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Thanks so much for all the feedback. I feel comfortable with my reservations now and am moving forward with planning excursions.