Så maxar du ledigheten - och därför vill svenskar resa med husbil

As you read this, we are travelling in Uzbekistan. Fortunately, we still have time to go through this week's travel news. Today it's all about camping, and spring and summer trips and excursions.

Table of contents

Third best year ever for Sweden's campsites

New statistics from Statistics Sweden / Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth show that the number of guest nights at Sweden's campsites amounted to 16.6 million in 2023, which is a decrease of 3.1 per cent compared to the previous year. 2023 was thus the third best year ever. 2023 started strongly, but the summer weather dashed hopes of a new record year. Despite this, camping accommodation became Sweden's largest tourist accommodation in July. The industry's accommodation revenue amounted to SEK 2.7 billion, an increase of 3.8 per cent.

Photo: Karin Wimark, Copyright: SCR Svensk Camping

Record number of people book holidays after tax refund

Last week, over three million Swedes received their tax refund. According to recent booking figures from TUI, the record-breaking payments have led to a rush for holiday trips. It is mainly trips during the popular holiday weeks in June and July that are being booked right now. Among the destinations most booked are several popular destinations such as Rhodes, Crete, Cyprus and Mallorca. At the same time, TUI sees that Turkey had a very positive booking rate in connection with the tax refund.

TUI Blue Village Pasha Bay in Alanya, Turkey

Why Swedes want to holiday in a motorhome or caravan

Almost six out of ten Swedes would consider taking a holiday in a motorhome or caravan. Freedom is the biggest attraction, but more and more people are also emphasising economy as an important aspect. This is according to a Sifo survey conducted by motorhome and caravan retailer Forsbergs Fritidscenter. Here are the answers to the question "Why do you want to go on holiday with a motorhome/caravan?":

Freedom to go where I want (84 %)
Community (17 %)
Affordable holidays (36 %)
Opportunity to do various activities (45 %)
Meet new people (9 %)
Safe (7 %)

The fast train goes to Copenhagen

Snälltåget is expanding its network to Copenhagen H, running direct services between the two largest cities in the Nordic region, Stockholm and Copenhagen. There will be two daily departures in each direction throughout the summer until 29 September. The service will open on 16 May and ticket sales have started.

Spring holidays - how to maximise your time off

With spring comes the season of red-letter days, and with it the perfect time to go away for a long weekend. May Day, Ascension Day and National Day are just around the corner, all of which are favourable for workers this year. Here's how to maximise your spring holidays in 2024 according to Ticket:

1 May: Take 2 days' holiday (2-3 May) and get 5 days off, or take 4 days' holiday (29-30 April + 2-3 May) and get 9 days off
Ascension of Christ: Take 1 day of holiday (10 May) and get 4 days off, or take 4 days of holiday (6-8 May + 10 May) and get 9 days off
National Day: Take 1 day of holiday (7 June) and get 4 days off, or take 4 days of holiday (3-5 June + 7 June) and get 9 days off

How summer will be at the Nordic Museum's castles and farms

The Nordic Museum's palaces and courtyards will soon open for the summer with guided tours and inviting green parks. Here's what's happening this summer:

Julita Farm & Gardens is in season from 25 May to 29 September. More information is available on the new website: julitagård.se
Tyresö castle and park offers guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays 25 May-8 September at 11am, 11.30am (English), 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
Svindersvik summer fun offers guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays 25 May-8 September at 12, 13, 14 and 15.
Härkeberga chaplaincy centre offers guided tours or self-guided visits on weekends during the summer months with free admission. Midsummer celebrations and more are also organised.

View from the balcony room in the Great House at Julia Gård. Photo: Peter Segemark/ Nordic Museum.

reflection of the week

Yes, holidays with a motorhome or caravan can definitely be affordable. As well as being able to free camp or stay on affordable pitches, you can cook your own food (instead of eating out) which makes a big difference to your budget. On the other hand, it is not super cheap to buy a motorhome, especially not a new one (huh how expensive they have become!).

Did you miss the last travel news? Read the Motorhome passes, tulip feasts and European city favourites