Flyswift, I was out in America lat week and flew aroud arizona in an arrow. to even contemplate a 5hr flight at UK prices makes me shudder!!
It is good doing a long flight or two. I must admit last year I did a few too many 'pleasure' flights and though I got good at landing and low alt handling, I forgot how to use the radio and navigate!
I guess the only way to do long flights in a decent plane in the UK is to buy a share but even that requires 3 or 4 grand.