By: The editors | Source: press material
As usual, Monday means travel news here at FREEDOMtravel. Starting today, we are further clarifying the concept, in two ways: a small logo with the text “Weekly travel news” on the header image, as well as a byline with the text “By: Redaktionen | Source: press material”. The aim is to explain even more clearly that news compilation is done by us, based on press releases sent by different companies and destinations.
Seven in ten Swedes can imagine traveling alone
A new survey by travel agency Ticket shows that seven in ten Swedes (71 percent) can imagine traveling on their own. Interest is slightly greater among people between 30 and 49 years old; 77 percent can imagine some form of solo travel.
Among those who like to travel alone, big city trips are at the top, followed by sun and beach trips. Women mainly prioritize trips to the sun, while men opt for big cities. Men also show a greater interest in adventure travel.
Interest in Eastern Europe is exploding
In 2024, Hotels.com identified a clear trend among Swedish travelers: a shift towards less proven tourist destinations. Subsequently, more than one in two Swedes (54 percent) indicated that they would likely visit an alternative destination on their next trip. Above all, there is an increasing interest in Eastern Europe. Below are the Eastern European countries with the largest increase compared to the previous year. Despite Albania and Poland falling outside the top eight, Durrës is the city with the biggest increase in searches, followed by Krakow.
- Romania (40%)
- Slovenia (35%)
- Montenegro (25%)
- Slovakia (20%)
- Serbia (15%)
- North Macedonian (15%)
- Czech Republic (10%)
- Hungary (10%)
Interest in food-focused travel has almost doubled
More and more Swedes are now letting flavors and local specialties guide their holiday plans. A momondo survey shows that 39 percent are planning a food-centric vacation, which is a clear increase from 27 percent the year before. Italian food is still the clear favorite of Swedes (29 percent), followed by Greek (14 percent) and Thai (8 percent) cuisine.
Furthermore, almost nine in ten Swedes (87 percent) say they would rather spend their holiday money on food and drink than on other activities – another sign that gastronomic experiences have become a central part of travel. Top list: Sweden’s favorite cuisine:
- Italy
- Greece
- Thailand
- Spain
- France
Thailand in national mourning – you need to know this before traveling
After the death of Queen Mother Sirikit in October, there is official national mourning in Thailand. The country’s government has asked people to show respect during a 90-day mourning period that runs until January 22, 2026. During this time, Thais are expected to wear muted colors and avoid festive events.
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In practice, this is especially noticeable because certain festivals and events can be canceled, postponed or held in a more subdued form. “For tourists, it is mainly about showing respect in the public environment during the mourning period. Other than that, the country is functioning as usual,” says Tiyoneh Jah, PR and communications manager at travel agency Ticket.
Ready for new cruise ships in the World Class series for MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises continues its expansion and has ordered two new ships in the World Class series, worth a total of €3.5 billion. The new ships, to be built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France, are due for delivery in 2031 and 2032 and reinforce the company’s investment in sustainable and energy-efficient cruises.
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Birka Gotland invites you to a Christmas table with a sparkling Christmas show
Birka Gotland, Sweden’s new pleasure cruiser on the Baltic Sea, will set a classic Christmas table from November 17. One of the highlights is the Baltic Sea’s largest selection of home-made herring and sturgeon dishes, a huge selection of seafood and festive desserts, culminating in a festive ice cream cart.
After the Christmas party, the Vocalettes and the show team The Rhapsodettes offer the sparkling Christmas show Winter wonderland. The Christmas show is given on all sailings from Sunday to Wednesday, November 17 to December 22.
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New at Axmar Brygga’s Christmas table – cheesecake signed by Ida Linander
One of the big novelties this year at the classic Christmas table of Axmar Brygga on the archipelago is a dessert with both tradition and innovation in the same bite: Axmar cheesecake, put together especially for Axmar Brygga by baking profile Ida Linander, known from the television program Hela Sverige bakar 2023.
“This is a blueberry cheesecake with whipped caramel panna cotta and gingerbread chocolate that really tastes like Christmas,” says Ida. Axmar Cheesecake joins other classic treats on the dessert table and there is no doubt that it will become a favorite among guests.
Premiere for the Mariatorget Christmas market
For the first time, Christmas enters Mariatorget in Stockholm – with warmth, tradition and a large dose of Christmas magic. The entrepreneur Von Zweigbergk is therefore behind the venture, which it is hoped will be a recurring and beloved Christmas market for many years to come.
From November 29 to December 21, the square will be transformed into a sparkling Christmas party with Christmas decorations, trees, twinkling lights and stalls with local delicacies. In addition, guest appearances and surprises await.
This week’s reflection
It’s nice that interest in Eastern Europe (and Central Europe!) is increasing. There are really many exciting countries in this part of Europe that are worth exploring, while the price level can often be a bit lower.
Italian food at its best? So, not surprising, even if we voted for another country. Pizza in all its glory, but…. We have developed our very personal thoughts about Italian cuisine here!
Did you miss the previous travel news? Read RV tourism, new direct flights and the best airport
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