Travel news: Cruise trends, Dalhalla and Swedes' travel rituals

By: Editorial Office | Source: press material

It's Monday again! Today, as usual on Mondays, we offer short and quick travel news. The news comes from the last week's press releases, on topics related to travel, tourism and camping. Stay tuned!

Flight disruptions may affect several popular holiday destinations

Due to the uncertain security situation in Middle East several airlines have chosen to adjust their flight routes, Ticket writes in a press release. In particular, Iranian and Iraqi airspace is being avoided, which has led to diverted flights and cancelled departures.

The changes concern flights to destinations in the region, such as Dubai, but also some long-haul flights. Travelling to Thailand, which are often reached via stopovers, may also be affected. Travellers are advised to keep updated on their departure and to expect changes at short notice.

Viking Line has upgraded Viking Grace for 7 million euros

Viking Line's Turku-based vessel Viking Grace returned to service on 29 January after extensive upgrades and maintenance work costing seven million euros. During the three-week docking, the company invested in updating the large duty-free shop, a new dance floor in the nightclub, upgrades to the spa and extensive technical maintenance measures that will help further reduce emissions.

New Cruise Barometer from MSC Cruises: How we travel in 2026

MSC Cruises' new Cruise Barometer presents six key cruise trends and provides an up-to-date picture of how Swedes' cruise habits are developing ahead of 2026. Based on data and insights from Nordic cruise travellers, the barometer shows how both new behaviours and established travel patterns are shaping the cruise trips of the future - with a clear shift towards more flexible, content-rich and balanced ways of travelling.

1. Fan travelling: A packed year of events in 2026! Sports, culture and events will be the starting point for longer journeys.
2. Me-kends: Short, spontaneous breaks in the middle of everyday life for quick recovery, without long planning.
3. Kid-fluencing: Children are no longer just on the journey - they are influencing it.
4. Quiet-cations: In an increasingly connected world, travellers are looking for calmer and more stripped-down holiday experiences.
5. Low-season travel: More and more people are travelling outside the high season, with milder climates, fewer visitors and a slower pace.
6. Tailored luxury: Personalised choices and flexibility, travel where service, pace and experiences are tailored to individual preferences and lifestyle.

New survey reveals Swedes” ”travel rituals'

A new survey by Hotels.com, involving 1,000 Swedes, shows how engaged we are in various ”travel rituals”, before and during the trip. The study also reveals remarkable generational differences in how we prepare for and experience our holidays:

Pre-departure preparations

• 75 % double-checks all bookings more than once. Among Generation Z (aged 18-29), 85 % double-check several times.
• 47 % packs at least three days before travelling, and 27 % try on all their outfits in advance.
• 37 % takes an extra day of holiday, either before or after travelling, to prepare or gather yourself.

Rituals before leaving home:

• 67 % presents travelling clothes, 55 % pack entertainment and 36 % bring drinks or snacks.
• 27 % of Gen Z brings a specific garment for ”luck”, compared with 8 % of Boomers (born 1945-1964).
• 23 % of Gen Z listens to a specific ”travel song list” to get in the mood compared to 3 % of Boomers.

Once in the hotel room:

• 71 % checking the view, as a top priority.
• 59 % performs a thorough ”room inspection”, which includes the minibar, bed comfort and cleanliness.
• 54 % connects to the hotel's WiFi, as a must.
• 41 % of Gen Z takes direct photo/video of the room, compared to 11 % of Boomers.
• 22 % starts by taking a shower. Even more common among Gen Z, where 27 % starts with a shower.

Routines while travelling:

• 42 % likes to use a swimming pool or spa at the hotel.
• 41 % looking for new local experiences daily.
• 30 % of Millenials (30-45 years) want to limit screen time, which is more than other generations.
• 28 % usually takes an afternoon nap or siesta.
• 23 % is reading a book by the pool or beach.
• 10 % tries every new dish offered.

These were the winners of the Grand Travel Award 2026

The Grand Travel Award, organised by the trade magazine TravelNews, is the travel industry's big ”Oscars”. This year, the gala was organised at Bern's salons and the following companies won the Grand Travel Award 2026:

• Fly Europe: Turkish Airlines
• Intercontinental flights: Qatar Airways
• Hotel chain Sweden: Clarion Hotels
• International hotel chain: Marriott International
• Car hire: Sixt
• Domestic transport: VR
• Ferry: Tallink Silja Line
• Cruise: Celebrity Cruises
• Tour operator: VING
• Specialist Tour Operator: Pacific Tour
• Tourist country: Thailand
• Ecotourism Award: Hours of Taiga

Dalhalla named one of the world's 10 most beautiful concert venues

The global tourism and news media Time Out selects Dalhalla, outside Rättvik, one of the ten most beautiful concert venues in the world.

”Sweden's Dalhalla is Europe's answer to Red Rocks. Located deep in a limestone quarry, the arena has towering rock faces on all sides and is surrounded by dense, emerald forest.”, writes Time Out about Dalhalla in the article The world's 10 most beautiful concert venues published on the global website late last week.

Did you miss the last travel news? Read the Motorhome packages, Ticket Collection and this disruption to travel