Sweden's finest beaches, Coolcation and Non Silent Retreat

To FREEDOMtravel

Advertisement

It's summer and sunshine (well, rain maybe!!?), but it's also Monday. That means travel news here at FREEDOMtravel. This week there were many press releases in circulation, and we have done our best to present an interesting selection.

Tweet

Share

Share

Pin

Share

Share

Strong booking situation at Sweden's campsites

The industry organisation SCR Svensk Camping's annual booking survey indicates that the industry is well placed for a record year in 2024. Almost eight out of ten member companies say that the booking situation is better or as good this year compared to last year. Last year's 16.6 million guest nights now look set to be surpassed.

Sweden's finest beaches recognised

You don't have to go abroad to swim on a paradise beach. Sweden has plenty of beautiful beaches, with fine-grained sand and clear water. Classic Tylösand has now been voted Sweden's finest beach in a poll conducted by motorhome and caravan retailer Forsbergs Fritidscenter in collaboration with Kantar Sifo. Finest beaches in Sweden according to the vote:

1. Tylösand (Halland)
2. Sandhammers (Skåne)
3. Sudersand (Gotland)
4. Skrea beach (Halland)
5. Skanör/Falsterbo (Skåne)
6. Tofta beach (Gotland)
7. Mellbystrand (Halland)
8. Åhus beach (Skåne)
9. Havsbadet in Lysekil (Bohuslän)
10. Bottom sand (Öland)

Halmstad first in the world with "Non Silent Retreat"

As mental health problems increase, silent retreats have become popular. That's why Destination Halmstad is now launching the world's first Non Silent Retreat. Instead of quiet reflection, Halmstad's version is based on fun experiences. During the summer, Halmstad is in the grip of Golden Age fever. The film about the band has its world premiere and the exhibition The Gyllene Tider Experience has opened. Non Silent Retreat includes various activities for visitors in Halmstad:

1. The sound of a different heart. Perhaps you'll find love or new friends among Lilla Torg's outdoor cafés.
2. June, July, August. From farm to fork, with visits to local farm shops.
3. Tylö sun. Laughter and shouts from thousands of bathers at the after beach on the beach in Tylösand.
4. The heart that burns. 100 per cent enjoyment at the new Fyr restaurant.
5. Summer times. Breathe in, breathe out at the newly opened Feldts on Skolberget.
6. Walk & fish! Flirt away at the Palladium nightclub.
7. (She wants) pulse. Find your inner primal force and take a run along the Prince Bertil Trail.

Coolcation trend: Swedes opt for active holidays in Sweden

"Coolcation" is the latest travel trend where travellers choose destinations to escape extreme heat during the summer. When Swedes are given the choice between an active or a quiet summer holiday, they prefer active, according to a survey by Skistar. When given the choice between a summer holiday in Sweden or abroad, they choose Sweden, confirming the trend coolcation is also found among us Swedes. As many as 34 per cent of Swedes prefer an active holiday in Sweden compared to a quiet holiday abroad (17 per cent).

This applies at Swedish rest areas

The Swedish Transport Administration has around 270 rest areas around Sweden. The standard may vary, but all rest areas are adapted for people with disabilities, equipped with toilets, information boards, seating with tables and rubbish bins. The Swedish Touring Caravan and Motorhome Association answers a number of questions in a press release:

How long can I leave my caravan or motorhome at the rest area?

At rest areas with signposted parking spaces, you can stay for a maximum of 24 hours.

Can I put up a tent?

Absolutely! As long as you don't disturb others or exceed the time limit.

Is it possible to empty the latrine cassette?

Yes, but not at all. You can see which ones have emptying on the Swedish Transport Administration's website.

Is it the same with grey water?

No, grey water must not be discharged at all as it must not end up in storm drains or latrine drains.

Is it OK to have a barbecue at a rest area?

If there is a prepared barbecue area, it is fine - but not when there is a strict fire ban. Make sure it is properly extinguished before you leave.

Are the rest areas equipped with charging points?

Not at present, but the Government Offices are analysing the legal possibilities of giving the Swedish Transport Administration the conditions to expand with charging points.

Where we're travelling this summer - 270,000 Norwegian passengers head to Spain

Summer is here and many people have started their holidays. With almost 500 departures a day to over 120 destinations, Norwegian offers a large and wide range. Demand to Spain is high and in July alone, Norwegian offers 270,000 seats to Spanish destinations. Big cities such as London, Rome, Copenhagen and Berlin are also attractive this summer. Norwegian has listed the ten most popular foreign destinations from Sweden this summer:

1. London
2. Malaga
3. Alicante
4. Barcelona
5. Nice
6. Palma
7. Helsinki
8. Rome
9. Copenhagen
10. Berlin

Viral holidays - searches for trendy TikTok hotels on the rise

In a Hotels.com survey, one in four (26 %) Swedes say TikTok has influenced their travel decisions. Unsurprisingly, the younger generations are the biggest users of the platform, with 58 % of Generation Z (aged 18-24) saying their choice of destination was influenced by content on TikTok, followed by 36 % of Millennials (aged 25-34). Hotels.com has seen an increase in the number of searches for hotels trending on TikTok this spring:

1. Finest Punta Cana by The Excellence Collection, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (90 % increase)
2. White Pebble Suites, Milos, Greece (34 % increase)
3. Hotel ROC Illetas & SPA, Mallorca, Spain (50 % increase)
4. Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only, Crete, Greece (12 % increase)
5. The Madrid EDITION, Madrid, Spain

Reflection of the week

So, we like the concept of "Non Silent Retreat". Gyllene Tider gives such wonderful vibes! By the way: We understand that you like fantastic Sweden while understanding that you get tired when it rains all the time ...

Did you miss last week's travel news? Read the Holiday worries - and the most hashtagged places in Sweden

You might also like:

Camping chain invests heavily and Swedish hotel tops the list Yoga holidays, digital nomads and a camping book for children City holidays, winning hotels and Halloween-themed news Sports holidays, Tunisia and destinations for solo travellers Shorter journeys, World Pasta Day and Light Walk