Welcome to this week's FREEDOMtravel News! This week we report that the Faroe Islands have initiated a cleaning weekend this spring and that Tunisia seems to be getting a boost as a destination. We are curious to hear your thoughts on this week's travel news!
Table of contents
Viking Line launches Visby cruises
This summer, Almedalen visitors can take Viking Cinderella from Stockholm to Visby and back. On Monday 4 March, Viking Line releases the tickets for a total of three cruise departures during the political week in Almedalen. The three cruises depart from Stockholm on 30 June, 2 July and 4 July and are also aimed at those who want to experience Visby and the surrounding area, including in the form of various experience packages.
Increased accessibility in new X2000 trains
Making it easier on board for people with disabilities is one of the priority areas in SJ's work on the new X2000 trains. These include new wheelchair spaces, a new more spacious accessible toilet and seat numbering in tactile writing and Braille. The new solutions have been tested by, among others, DHR (Delaktighet Handlingskraft Rörelsefrihet).
New real-time map of SJ trains
"Where is my train?" is a new function that shows the geographical position and current speed in real time for all SJ trains travelling. It is already possible to see the geographical position of certain trains in the SJ app and on sj.se, but now you can get more precise information. The function also covers procured traffic such as Tåg i Bergslagen and Västtågen and can be tested on the "SJ Labs" app, which is a beta version.
Faroe Islands closes for a weekend - only cleaners welcome
During the weekend of 26-27 April, all major visitor destinations on the Faroe Islands closing down to regular tourists, but keeping it open for those who want to help with maintenance. In return for helping out, they are offered accommodation and food for three days, including a feast. According to Visit Faroe Islands, the Faroe Islands are one of the most unspoilt places on earth and they want to keep it that way.
New direct route from Malmö to Mallorca
The airline BRA is launching a new direct route from Malmö to Mallorca this summer, between 15 June and 3 August. There will be departures in both directions on Saturdays with a flight time of 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Increased interest in Tunisia
Travel to Tunisia declined after the unrest of the Arab Spring in 2011. Now travel agency Detur reports an upswing in interest. The forecast for 2019 is 6375 travellers, compared to 1176 travellers in 2015. Popular resorts are Sousse, Monastir and Hammamet.
Did you miss the last travel news? Read the Test families, Kosovo and the Grand Travel Award
Johnny Friskilä says:
Nice initiative in the Faroe Islands. Reminiscent of what they usually have on Svalbard. It's also nice that Tunisia is on its way back. Then, of course, the tourist resorts are the same as before, but that is not so strange either. It is a relatively small country. 🙂
25 February 2019 - 7:42
Helena says:
Also like the Faroe Islands' initiative! 🙂
26 February 2019 - 20:11
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
I have missed the real-time map of SJ trains many times during my years as a commuter (although most trains (read Västtåg) were on time).
Great that Tunisia is coming back as a destination. Lars had booked a golf trip there just when all trips were cancelled in spring 2011 and we have often talked about it as an interesting destination.
25 February 2019 - 10:51
Helena says:
I understand that you thought about Tunisia when you were once travelling there! We've talked about Tunisia from time to time, but it hasn't materialised.
26 February 2019 - 20:12
BP says:
Cleaning Day in the Faroe Islands is the best thing I've heard in a very, very long time! Simply a brilliant idea.
Good for Tunisia which has once again become attractive to tourists, although I would never want to travel there. I know several people who have been there and have not heard anything positive about the country yet.
25 February 2019 - 20:37
Helena says:
Well, I also like the cleaning initiative in the Faroe Islands 🙂 Tunisia? Hm, I'm actually a bit curious... We'll see if we get there! 🙂
26 February 2019 - 20:13
Travelsis says:
Lots of interesting travel news. I have been to Tunisia a couple of times, the first time as a teenager, 1989, and 2 times in Hammamet as an adult. What a wonderful sea and many opportunities for excursions to explore the country. However, I do not feel so keen to go there now after what has happened /Pernilla
25 February 2019 - 21:41
Helena says:
Glad you've been to Tunisia so many times! We've talked about it, but it hasn't happened yet. Personally, I don't feel so worried now, do you think you need to be?
26 February 2019 - 20:14
Anette says:
Cleaning day would be needed here in Asia or days, many.
On the other hand, the collected rubbish would just be dumped in the sea again. There is almost no environmental thinking here ???
27 February 2019 - 3:10