Travel news: Group trips, car holidays and these are not wanted as travel companions

By: Editorial Office | Source: press material

It was Monday again, which means we are publishing travel news here at FREEDOMtravel. Right now it is summer and warm, which of course is reflected in the news. Hope you are enjoying the summer – no matter where you are!

Group travel is becoming increasingly popular

In a recent survey by Verian on behalf of Airbnb, 7 out of 10 Swedes say they would like to travel more with their friends than they do today. This is confirmed by Airbnb's own data, where searches for larger Swedish group bookings have increased by 17 percent compared to last year.

Over half of Swedes say that traveling with friends helps them get closer and connect better than meeting at home. The most popular destinations for group travel on Airbnb are Split, Nice and Marbella. Destinations on the rise are:

• Albufeira, Portugal
• Budva, Montenegro
• Menton, France
• Antibes, France
• Cannes, France

This is where Swedes book their last-minute trips this summer

Malaga, Alicante and London top the list of the most booked destinations among late summer bookings, according to booking statistics from the travel agency Ticket. Among the charter trips are Crete and Rhodes the most booked destinations, and a full 6 out of 10 of the most booked last minute charter destinations are in Greece.

Ticket booking statistics show that scheduled flights account for the majority of late summer bookings, despite charter airlines offering generous last-minute prices to fill unsold airline seats and hotel rooms. Here are the most booked destinations with scheduled flights: 

1. Malaga, Spain
2. Alicante, Spain
3. London, United Kingdom
4. Gdansk, Poland
5. Barcelona, Spain
6. Mallorca, Spain
7. Paris, France
8. Rome, Italy
9. Split, Croatia
10. Berlin, Germany

Half of Swedes' favorite travel destinations are cheaper than last year

When momondo looks at Swedes' most searched travel destinations for summer 2026, the list is topped by classic holiday favorites such as Málaga, Alicante and Bangkok. Despite the recent focus on flight prices, several of Swedes' favorites have actually become cheaper than last year.

Among the ten most popular destinations, five are cheaper than last year, four are more expensive and one is unchanged. Here are the 10 most searched destinations for Swedes in summer 2026 (price change in brackets):

1. Malaga, Spain (0 %)
2. Alicante, Spain (-2 %)
3. Bangkok, Thailand (+ 1 %)
4. London, United Kingdom (-1 %)
5. Palma de Mallorca, Spain (+ 10 %)
6. Paris, France (-6 %)
7. Barcelona, Spain (+9 %)
8. Nice, France (-1 %)
9. Antalya, Turkey (-1 %)
10. Istanbul, Turkey (+3 %)

Most Swedes want to avoid sitting next to Jimmie Åkesson on a long-haul flight

When the party leaders gather in Visby during Almedalen Week, they are at the center of politics. But if the meeting were to take place on a long-haul flight instead, not everyone would want to be in the seat next to them. Ticket's latest survey shows who Swedes want, and don't want, to sit next to them.

The party leaders/spokespeople Swedes don't want to sit next to:

• Jimmie Akesson (37.9 %)
• Nooshi Dadgostar (12.3 %)
• Daniel Hellden (10.1 %)
• Ebba Busch (7.2 %)
• Amanda Lind (5.5 %) 

The party leaders/spokesmen the Swedes want to sit next to

• Magdalena Andersson (23.2 %)
• Jimmie Akesson (11.6 %)
• Ulf Kristersson (10.6 %)
• Ebba Busch (8.5 %)
• Nooshi Dadgostar (8.4 %) 

Norway is attractive: Swedes choose the car for their vacation

More and more Swedes are planning a holiday abroad in 2026, and car holidays remain popular. According to Visit Sweden's temperature survey from April 2026, 58 percent of Swedes are planning a trip abroad within the next six months. At the same time, the survey shows that many continue to seek flexible forms of holiday - including car holidays - with a focus on nature experiences and freedom along the way.

This development is also noticeable at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, where demand for cars for holiday use in Norway is increasing – especially during periods when many people are planning their holidays. Five stops in Norway which are worth a drive:

• Geirangerfjord – dramatic world heritage
• Troll's Path – the road you won't forget
• The Pulpit Rock – a view that will take your breath away
• Hardangerfjord – peace, nature and variety
• Atlantic Road – spectacular coastal driving

Göteborgskalaset releases the full program

Göteborgskalaset is now releasing the full program for this year's folk festival.
The already solid lineup is complemented by Jireel, Ricky Rich, Göteborg Gospel with Sarah Dawn Finer, GöteborgsOperan and RIX FM Festival acts Icona Pop, Felicia, Omar Rudberg, Newkid and Petra Marklund and more.

Gothenburg's own city festival takes place this year on August 27–30. The festival is free and open to everyone. The full program is now available at goteborgskalaset.se. Confirmed artists:

• Jireel
• Ricky Rich
• RIX FM Festival
• Gothenburg Gospel with Sarah Dawn Finer
• Gothenburg Opera
• Ifeye
• Arthi
• ADIR
• Deniece Ignacio
• Blender

Did you miss the last travel news? Read the Ving purchases, global situation and light art festival