London's not too big a stretch

The euro isn't the only currency distressing U.S. tourists abroad.

Since it now takes nearly $2 to buy a British pound, no wonder Americans are gulping. But it's still possible to do London on the cheap if you follow dollar-wise advice:

* Flights. Check package deals. Virgin Atlantic Vacations ' three-night London Fling (airfare, hotel, breakfast, some taxes) is $529, double; book by May 23. For $100 more, it's a six-night fling. Information: 888-937-8474 or virgin-vaca tions . com . British Airways ' Mother's Day Package (air, three nights in a three-star hotel, breakfast, tea at Fortnum & Mason, $19 Harrods voucher) starts at $499 a person double (book by June 3 for travel by July 31). Information:800-247-9297 or britishairways.com.

* Lodging. Go to visitlondon.com to look for budget hotels. Travelodge is offering 30,000 rooms in Britain for $20 a ...