"Why go to the USA when the overall price with accom and flights works out to the same as the UK...."
Because the weather is virtually guaranteed!
June 2 years ago I started my PPL training in the UK by taking a week of work to try and fly every day. Supprise supprise got only 3 hours flying in that week!
I went to California for 4 1/2 weeks, did all my exams out there, got the PPL with 55hrs flying, had a great holiday and a tremendous experience.
There were three Brits there trying to do the "21 days" PPL and none of them achieved it, due mainly to aircraft and instructor availability at the school.
What I'm trying to say is that it is achievable, especially if you do most of the exams before hand but be prepared for anything!
Books - "Learning to Fly in 21 days" by Phil Stone is
a \'must read\' if you are considering this. He gives a step by step
account of obtaining his PPL in Florida.
I think Amazon.co.uk have 2 copies left for about £5 - do I get commission for this?
(Florida = afternoon thunderstorms; California = morning misty marine layer to 9am -ish)