Travel news: Autumn destinations and ”holiday after the holiday”

By: Editorial Office | Source: press material

Now we are back home in Sweden, after our wonderful trip to Greece. We have lots to tell you about the two islands we visited – Naxos and Sifnos – but in between we will drop in with some travel news. It is Monday today!

London is pulling away for the fall holidays – bookings more than double

London is solidifying its position as the most booked destination for Swedes for the autumn holidays. Bookings to the British capital have more than doubled compared to the same period last year. Overall, autumn holiday bookings have increased by 7 percent.

Barcelona is also developing strongly. Bookings have increased by 28 percent and the destination has climbed from eighth to sixth place. At the same time, two Greek holiday favorites have made it to the top list. This is where Swedes travel for their autumn holidays:

1. London
2. Rome
3. Paris
4. Malaga
5. Gran Canaria
6. Barcelona
7. Alicante
8. Lisbon
9. Rhodes
10. Crete

This is how Swedes travel in autumn and winter – long trips take up more space

Swedes' travel continues to increase ahead of the autumn and winter. Bookings are up 5 percent so far compared to the same time last year, according to the latest edition of Ticket Collection from travel agency Ticket. Bangkok is the most booked destination, while Thailand continues to grow strongly and London strengthens its position. But travel choices continue to be influenced by price, security and a more uncertain world.

58 percent say their vacation plans are not affected by the economic situation. At the same time, cost plays a major role in how the trip is planned – 57 percent cite the price of the trip as an important factor.

The situation in the Middle East and geopolitical unrest are also reflected in Swedes' travel habits. 21 percent say they are avoiding certain destinations due to the global situation. The most booked destinations in autumn and winter 2026/27:

1. Bangkok
2. Gran Canaria
3. Phuket
4. London
5. Malaga
6. Alicante
7. Krabi
8. Tenerife
9. Barcelona
10. Rome

Stena Line orders two new hybrid ferries for Sweden – Danmarkslinjen

Stena Line is renewing its fleet and has signed an order for two hybrid ferries of the E-flexer model that will be ready to enter service in 2030.

The two RoPax ferries are being built for 1,500 passengers and have a cargo capacity of 2,750 film meters. They are so-called day ferries and are intended to operate on the Gothenburg – Fredrikshamn route.

The ships are equipped with the latest hybrid technology for propulsion with both conventional fuel and electricity. When the conditions are in place in the charging infrastructure, they are prepared to be able to switch to 100 percent electric operation.

Norwegian and UNICEF collect children's drawings across Europe

Over the next few weeks, Norwegian’s international flights across Europe will be filled with coloring books and crayons. This fall, the youngest passengers can use their imagination during the flight and create their own works of art through Norwegian’s ”Art in the air” initiative.

Once the plane has landed, children can submit their drawings to the cabin crew. For every drawing that Norwegian receives, the airline donates 25 kronor to UNICEF, up to approximately 350,000 kronor.

Some of the entries will be selected so that one of them can adorn the rear of one of Norwegian's aircraft. Which one will be launched next year in connection with the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the collaboration between Norwegian and UNICEF.

Swedes long for a break after the summer holidays

Almost 6 out of 10 Swedes feel they need a ”vacation after the vacation.” This is according to a new survey from Hotels.com, which has named ”Mid-autumn Reset” on the trend of taking a short recovery break during the fall. After the summer, the average Swede only has five vacation days left, which makes shorter stays more relevant.

Among the reasons for vacation fatigue are fully booked calendars and high expectations for the summer. 32 percent say they feel social pressure to maximize the summer, while 31 percent have experienced stress over balancing time with family and friends and an equal number have experienced financial pressure. Among Generation Z, the pressure is especially pronounced: 56 percent feel social pressure to make the most of the summer.

What Swedes would most like to use their autumn break for is to do absolutely nothing without a guilty conscience. Of those who would use an earned free hotel night now, 56 percent would choose a short stay focused on wellness or a staycation, and spa hotels are the most popular option.

Did you miss the last travel news? Read the Film festival, party leader and world record in museums