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Where are Swedes travelling this summer? And where should you travel to get the cheapest week of holiday? We have the answers to these questions today. It's Monday, which means it's time for travel news here at FREEDOMtravel.

Table of contents

Most popular summer holidays - where Swedes travel

Summer holidays are dominated by destinations around the Mediterranean, with Spain leading the way with Malaga, Palma and Alicante. The residual pressure remains strong, and summer bookings have increased by 10 per cent compared to the same period last year. The top list is entirely dominated by European destinations, which indicates that the trend towards neighbouring destinations is continuing. This is shown by recent statistics from the travel agency Ticket. This is where we are travelling this summer:

Malaga
Majorca
Alicante
Split
Barcelona
Crete
Nice
Rhodes
Cyprus
Rome

Swedes visit these sporting events in Europe

According to a survey, nearly 30% of Swedish travellers are planning a trip to a sporting event this year, according to hotel and travel search site momondo. Despite Sweden failing to qualify for this summer's football championship in Germany interest in travelling there seems to be high. Flight applications to Munich have almost tripled compared to 2023. However, for this summer's big games, which will be staged in Paris, Swedish travel interest seems to be cooler.

Children travel free to Denmark this summer with Stena Line

Stena Line is now launching the "Children travel free" campaign for car passengers, where children under the age of 15 travel free of charge on all departures between Gothenburg-Fredrikshamn and Halmstad-Grenå, throughout the summer. The campaign applies to car passengers on Econmy and Flexi tickets (3 children per booking), 1 June - 31 August, using the code KIDS24. Tips on affordable destinations near Hamina:

Palm beaches in the centre of Hamina, with palm trees and sun loungers.
Picnic in Skagen, with beautiful nature and charming atmosphere.
Farm Fun, a zoo in North Jutland, with ponies and a playground.
Skiveren Camping, with beach and various activities.

Stena Danica sails between Gothenburg and Hamina, photo: Stena Line

Tallink Silja Line expands with additional ships to Tallinn

In the summer of 2024, Tallink Silja Line will deploy another ship, Victoria I, on the route between Stockholm and Tallinn. From 31 May, Victoria I will operate the route together with Baltic Queen throughout the summer, reintroducing daily sailings between the two capitals. On board the Victoria I you can enjoy the Grande Buffet, Chef's Kitchen, Grill House, Showstoppers, Piano Bar, Sea Pub and club music.

Victoria in the ox pond, photo: Marko Stampehl

Trend towards more first-time cruisers

Interest in going on their first cruise is greater than ever. This is shown by statistics from the cruise organisation CLIA, where 73% of first-time cruisers say they can imagine a holiday at sea. According to CLIA, 85 per cent of those who have ever cruised will choose to cruise again. But what can be good to think about as a first-time cruiser? These are Karen Tucker's top tips, after 16 years at Royal Caribbean International:

Find your ship - Cruising as a cruise? No, shipping companies usually have lots of different ships to choose from.
Download the shipping company app - Check in online and register your details even before you leave home!
Small bag for the first day - Keep a small bag with you on board for the first few hours as your large suitcase will be delivered later.
Plan your stay - or go with the flow - There is often a wide range of entertainment and activities.
From swimwear to cocktail dresses - pack for every occasion - Some ships even have ice-skating rinks.

Allure of the Seas, photo: Royal Caribbean

The cheapest holiday week in Europe

The comparison service Zmarta has analysed how prices for hotels, restaurant food, beer and shopping differ across Europe. The list shows that the holiday week is cheapest in Poland, followed by Turkey, Albania, the Czech Republic and Latvia. The most expensive holiday week is in Switzerland.

Cheapest hotel rates: Poland (also: Latvia and Lithuania)
Cheapest food: Turkey (also: Albania)
Cheapest beer: Hungary (also: Albania and Czech Republic)
Cheapest shopping: Turkey
Cheapest taxi: Turkey and Poland

Reflection of the week

Whether travelling by plane or car/caravan, the experience is often affected by the price situation on the ground. Poland is not only an affordable destination, but also a fantastic destination that has a lot to offer! Read more here: 10 beautiful places in Poland you don't want to miss

Did you miss the last travel news? Read the Where Swedes travel - and popular road trips