By: The editors | Source: press material
Then it was Monday again! Today, as usual on Monday, we offer short and quick travel news. The news comes from the past week’s press releases, on topics related to travel, tourism and camping. Have fun!
Flight disruptions could impact several popular holiday destinations
Due to the uncertain security situation in the Middle East, several airlines have chosen to adjust their flight routes, Ticket writes in a press release. Iranian and Iraqi airspace in particular is being avoided, which has led to diverted flights and canceled departures.
The changes affect flights to destinations in the region, such as Dubai, but also some long-haul flights. Travel to Thailand, which is often reached via stopovers, may also be affected. Travelers are advised to stay informed of their departure and expect changes to occur at short notice.
Viking Line has upgraded Viking Grace for 7 million euros
Viking Line’s Turku ship Viking Grace returned to service on January 29 after extensive upgrades and maintenance work worth €7 million. During the three-week berth, the shipping company invested in renewing the large duty-free shop, a new dance floor in the nightclub, upgrades in the spa and extensive technical maintenance measures that contribute to further emission reductions.
New Cruise Barometer from MSC Cruises: this is how we will travel in 2026
The new Cruise Barometer from MSC Cruises presents six central cruise trends and provides an up-to-date picture of how Sweden’s cruising habits are evolving in the run-up to 2026. Based on data and insights from Scandinavian cruise travelers, the barometer shows how both new behaviors and established travel patterns are shaping the cruise travels of the future – with a clear shift towards more flexible, content-rich and balanced ways of travelling.
- Fan trips: A busy year of events in 2026! Sports, culture and events become the starting point for longer trips.
- Me-knows: Short, spontaneous breaks in the middle of everyday life for quick recovery, without long planning.
- Influencing children: Children are no longer just along for the ride – they are along for the ride and influencing it.
- Quiet cations: In an increasingly connected everyday life, travelers are looking for quieter and more stripped-down vacation experiences.
- Traveling in the low season: More and more people are traveling outside the high season, with a milder climate, fewer visitors and a slower pace.
- Customized luxury: Personal choices and flexibility, trips where service, pace and experience are adapted to individual wishes and lifestyle.
New research reveals Sweden’s ‘travel rituals’
A new survey by Hotels.com, in which 1,000 Swedes participated, shows how involved we are in various ‘travel rituals’, before and during the trip. The research also reveals notable generational differences in the way we prepare and experience our holidays:
Preparations for departure
- 75% double checks all bookings more than once. Among Generation Z (18-29 years), 85% check multiple times.
- 47% pack at least three days before the tripand 27% try on all their outfits beforehand.
- 37% take an extra day of vacationboth before and after the trip, to prepare or gather.
Rituals before leaving home:
- 67% present travel clothing55% pack entertainment and 36% bring drinks or snacks.
- 27% of Generation Z bring a specific piece of clothing for ‘happiness’compared to 8% of boomers (born 1945–1964).
- 23% of Gen Z listens to a specific ‘travel playlist’ to get in the mood, compared to 3% of Boomers.
Once in the hotel room:
- 71% check the viewas the highest priority.
- 59% do a thorough ‘room inspection’including the minibar, bed comfort and cleanliness.
- 54% connect to the hotel Wi-Fias a must.
- 41% of Generation Z immediately take a photo/video of the roomcompared to 11% of boomers.
- 22% start by showering. Even more common among Generation Z: 27% start showering.
Routines during the trip:
- 42% like to use the swimming pool or spa at the hotel.
- 41% look for new local experiences every day.
- 30% of millennials (30-45 years) want to limit screen timewhich is more than other generations.
- 28% usually take an afternoon nap or siesta.
- 23% read a book at the pool or beach.
- 10% try every new dish that is offered.
These were winners of the 2026 Grand Travel Award
The Grand Travel Award, organized by the industry magazine TravelNews, is the big ‘Oscars’ of the travel industry. This year the gala was organized in the salons of Bern and the following companies won the Grand Travel Award 2026:
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- Flights Europe: Turkish airlines
- Intercontinental flights: Qatar Airways
- Hotel chain Sweden: Clarion Hotels
- Hotel chain International: Marriott International
- Rental car: Six
- Domestic transport: VR
- Ferry: Tallink Silja line
- Cruise: Celebrity cruises
- Tour operator: VING
- Specialist tour operator: Tour of the Pacific
- Tourist country: Thailand
- Ecotourism Price: Hours from Taiga
Dalhalla is voted one of the 10 most beautiful concert arenas in the world
The global hospitality industry and news media Time-out selects Dalhalla, outside Rättvik, as one of the ten most beautiful concert arenas in the world.
“Swedish Dalhalla is Europe’s answer to the Red Rocks. The arena is located deep in a limestone quarry, has towering rock walls on all sides and is surrounded by dense, emerald green forest.”, skriver Time Out to Dalhalla i articles The 10 most beautiful concert halls in the world which was published on the global website late last week.
This week’s reflection
Nice that Dalhalla – which is a fantastically beautiful list – has been included on this international list! As for “travel rituals”… We are among those checking out the view, taking pictures of the room and logging into WiFi. Minibars…do they even exist anymore?
Did you miss the previous travel news? Read RV Package, Ticket Collection and this interferes with travel
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