Travel news: World-unique 4×4 camper, solar eclipses and AI travel

By: Editorial Office | Source: press material

Today is Monday, which as usual means travel news here at FREEDOMtravel. We're going through this week's press releases in travel, tourism and camping - and sharing short excerpts.

One in three Swedes has canceled summer plans in the last two years

A survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Plus1 shows that 31 percent have been forced to change or cancel summer plans due to financial concerns in the past two years. Ahead of the summer of 2026, more people saw their finances as worse than last summer compared to those who saw them as better – and shopping is now the item most people are prepared to sacrifice.

• 31% has canceled summer plans for the past 2 years due to the economy
• 23% saw its finances as worse before the summer of 2026
• 19% were worried that the money wouldn't be enough for the summer vacation
• 46% planned to finance the summer with ongoing income

KABE launches fully integrated motorhome with four-wheel drive

KABE is once again pushing the boundaries of premium motorhomes. Together with Mercedes-Benz, they are presenting their first fully integrated motorhome with optional four-wheel drive. For the 2027 model year, KABE is the only motorhome manufacturer to offer a fully integrated model with four-wheel drive, built on Mercedes-Benz's newly developed Sprinter chassis.

Four-wheel drive will be offered as an option for the KABE Crown and Imperial TRAQ 830, with the LGB and LQB layouts. With four-wheel drive, KABE wants to combine increased accessibility with high comfort and safety, not least for those driving on snow, gravel or wet roads. The TRAQ models have a total weight of 7 tons and can tow trailers of up to 1,980 kilograms, which may suit those who want to bring, for example, horse transport or a trailer.

In conjunction with the 2027 model year, the fully integrated TRAQ models will also receive a new Offroad package, including a more powerful exterior design, roof arch with additional lights and matte black aluminum wheels.

Gen Z is Sweden's new "Airport Dads" – young Swedes double-check everything

Swedes are reluctant to leave things to chance when it comes to air travel. Being at the airport several hours in advance and preparing every detail has in recent years been associated with the so-called “Airport Dad” type. Now, a new survey from hotel and travel search site momondo shows that this behavior is increasingly being driven by younger travelers.

For many young travelers, the need to keep track of every detail has become a natural part of the airport experience. According to momondo’s survey, almost half of Swedish Gen Z travelers (born 1997-2012) double-check that their gate is actually there. 26 percent check their phones multiple times for updates about their trip – compared to only 15 percent of Gen X (born 1965-1980).

Gen Z are also more likely to screenshot boarding passes or flight information ”just in case” – 24 percent compared to 17 percent among Gen X. In addition, Gen Z arrive at the airport the earliest, on average 3.5 hours before departure.

Rolfs Flyg & Buss launches its first summer collection

Rolfs Flyg & Buss launches its very first collection of clothing and accessories. The summer collection consists of twelve items and is a playful tribute to life on the go, just as natural on vacation as at home.

The collection consists of T-shirts with different motifs and everything from sun hats and caps to beach bags, beach towels, bathrobes and socks. The products have been given playful names such as Håll i hatten, Morgonrutin and På resande fot. The summer collection is available in Rolfs Flyg & Buss webshop.

Three out of four American travelers use AI for trip planning

AI is now part of the travel experience, and 85 percent of U.S. travelers agree that AI tools save time and provide more personalized recommendations, according to a new report. Tailored Horizons from Amadeus.

Nearly three-quarters of U.S. travelers, 74%, have used AI during the planning phase of a trip to find hotels, itineraries and on-site transportation options. However, trust drops dramatically when AI moves from making suggestions to taking action.

While 65% of travelers are interested in completing booking and payment directly through an AI assistant, only 20% would allow an AI tool to spend money on their behalf within a set budget without further approval.

Here you can experience the next total solar eclipse

Recently, a total solar eclipse could be experienced over parts of, among other things, Iceland and Spain. For those who missed the phenomenon, new chances are coming – as early as next year, a total solar eclipse can be experienced in Spain and Egypt, among other places.

After that, it will be until 2053 before another total solar eclipse reaches Europe, but you can experience the phenomenon in, among other places, Australia and New Zealand in 2028 and South Africa in 2030. This is reported by Ticket. Upcoming total solar eclipses to keep an eye on:

• August 2, 2027: Malaga and Luxor
• July 22, 2028: Sydney and Queenstown
• November 25, 2030: Durban

Did you miss last week's travel news? Read the Parking lot hangovers, packing lists and dream vacations