On very immediate past experiences doing advance business (accomdation-reservations-train-ferries)with the UK has been VERY frustrating.

With the EU - friends vouch and advance and write checks. With the UK - professional with EU BANKING connections cannot make connections.

Once I "tricked one of stock brokerage houses into a wire-transfer" They NEVER let me "trick" them again.

Most small B&B's do not take credit cards.

I am not sure who is holding back the tide of tourist trade, parliment? economists? brick masons? However, it appears to benefit somebody that , "Britania est insula."

Sincerely,
Gargoyle