Travel news: Here you get the most for your money – and this is how Swedes want to vacation

By: Editorial Office | Source: press material

It's Monday again, which as usual means travel news here at FREEDOMtravel. This week, it's about what Swedes like to do most in the summer – and it has nothing to do with luxury.

Camping interest continues to increase and attracts more and more people

Interest in camping is steadily increasing, both among Swedish and international visitors. This is according to the Swedish Motorhome and Caravan Industry Association (HRF). Sweden has become one of Europe's most attractive camping destinations. Camping now accounts for almost half of all European tourist nights in Sweden during the summer.

• Nature is still the biggest driving force: Tourists choose Sweden for nature and tranquility and perceive Sweden as a safe destination.
• New holiday trend: "Soft adventure": More people are choosing an active but relaxed holiday over the traditional sun and beach lifestyle. Hiking, cycling and outdoor activities are popular.
• Climate plays an increasingly important role: Extreme heat in southern Europe is causing more people to seek out cooler destinations like Sweden.
• Motorhome travelers are flexible: Travelers are booking later and more spontaneously. They are staying in each place for shorter periods of time and visiting more destinations. Mini-vacations are becoming more common.
• Rooftop tents are the new trend: Interest in roof tents is growing rapidly in Sweden. The form is seen as an easy and accessible way to start camping.
• Campsites become destinations: Many campsites are being developed into resorts with restaurants, activities and a high level of service.

Why Europe is attracting Swedish travelers this summer

Direct flights, price, safety and sunny weather are the factors that weigh most heavily when Swedes choose a travel destination this year, according to travel agency Ticket's latest Sifo survey. A combination that also contributes to many choosing European travel destinations this summer. The most important factors when choosing a travel destination according to Ticket's survey:

1. That there are direct flights and/or easy connections (44 %)
2. The price of the trip (35 %)
3. That it is safe and secure (33 %)
4. Stable weather at the destination (21 %)

The sun destinations where Swedes get the most for their money

Many travel destinations are more sun-safe than Sweden. But how much does it really cost once you've made it to the sun? The FOREX Sun Holiday Index 2026, which compares over 20 top destinations for sun and swimming, shows that the travel budget lasts longer on the Atlantic coast than the Mediterranean. Here you will find a number of affordable travel destinations according to the Forex Sun Holiday Index 2026 (Stockholm, Sweden = index 100):

• Agadir, Morocco (55)
• Antalya, Turkey (70)
• Sunny Beach, Bulgaria (75)
• Saranda-Ksamil, Albania (77)
• Parga, Greece (80)
• Algarve, Portugal (83)
• Bodrum, Turkey (85)
• Rhodes, Greece (86)
• Corfu, Greece (87)
• Alicante, Spain (88)
• Malaga, Spain (90)
• Zakynthos, Greece (90)
• Crete, Greece (90)

New mascot will make the trip across the Baltic Sea more fun for families with children

This summer, Finnlines passengers on the route between Sweden and Finland will be joined by the new mascot Stella. The playful ship's dog is part of the shipping company's effort to make the journey even more fun for families with children.

During the summer, Stella will be on board Finnline's ships between Sweden and Finland. On Finncanopus she will be on board daily. In addition, she will appear on board at Finnsirius this summer.

Car holidays are on the rise: Swedes flock to Denmark

More and more Swedes are planning a car holiday in Denmark. 47 percent are considering a holiday in the country, according to figures from VisitDenmark, and 53 percent indicate that the car is their preferred mode of transport. Here are five experiences you shouldn't miss on a car holiday in Denmark, according to Enterprise Rent-A-Car:

• Copenhagen – city life and culture
• The North Sea – magnificent nature and sandy beaches
• Skagen – where the oceans meet
• Thy National Park – wild nature
• North Zealand – castle and coast

This summer Badholmen will open again with a beach club

This summer, Badholmen outside Vaxholm will reopen – a beach club on its own island, just a boat ride from Stockholm city centre. Behind the venture are restaurateurs Hjalmar Litzén and Daniel Tingström, who previously ran the restaurant aboard Strömma's classic S/S Stockholm.

Badholmen is located just outside Vaxholm and Kastellet and is open daily from midsummer to mid-August. It offers seasonal food and drink, rock swimming and a relaxed beach club feel. Guests can get out by boat via Vaxholm and Kastellet, and those who come with their own boat can also dock at Badholmen's jetty.

This is how Swedes want to vacation this summer – Sweden, family and nature

Valio, together with Ipsos, has focused on the season when we feel best. What is it that really makes us feel so good during the summer? Perhaps the most important insight is that what makes us feel best in the summer is rarely the most expensive, most spectacular or most planned – but often the simplest things. Here are some of the results from the survey:

Did you miss the last travel news? Read the The rocket of the year and the sunniest square meter