So it's Monday again, and the holidays are mostly over. In other words, our inbox is filled with lots of press releases. We've sifted through the crop and present the travel news of the week.
Table of contents
Where Swedes travelled this summer
In the summer of 2024, Swedes prioritised sun and swimming. Travel agency Tickets' list of the most popular destinations is topped by Spanish destinations. Meanwhile, Paris has made its way to the top of the list, thanks to the increased interest in the Olympics. However, high prices for last-minute travel meant that many Swedes did not go on holiday abroad this year. Swedes travelled here in summer 2024:
- Malaga, Spain
- Mallorca, Spain
- Alicante, Spain
- Split, Croatia
- Barcelona, Spain
- Nice, France
- London, United Kingdom
- Crete, Greece
- Paris, France
- Rhodes, Greece
Fewer holidaymakers on board Stena Line than expected this summer
Stena Line reports a negative development for this year's summer traffic between Sweden and Denmark, especially among Swedish, but also Danish passengers. In July, 14% fewer passengers travelled between Gothenburg-Fredrikshamn and Halmstad-Grenå compared with the previous year. However, the trend looks set to reverse and Stena Line expects to achieve its budget targets in the coming months.
After the success of the spring - a new round of the Motorhome Pass is released!
Following the successful launch last spring, First Camp is now releasing even more Motorhome Passes, which are now fully digital. When the Motorhome Pass was launched in April 2024, all 1,000 passes sold out in less than 24 hours and demand has been high ever since. For only SEK 299, the owner of the pass can stay at any First Camp destination during weeks 1-24 and 32-52, 2024 in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, at a fixed price of only SEK 250 per night. The pass is purchased online via firstcamp.se.
Sharp rise in travel bookings for winter
Summer is not yet over, but many Swedes are already longing for a "Thai holiday". At travel operator TUI, bookings for winter holidays have increased by a total of 14 per cent compared to last year, of which bookings to Thailand increased by over 30 per cent. Bookings for the autumn holidays have also increased compared to last year - an increase of 20%. Most booked with TUI winter 2024/2025:
- Canary Islands
- Thailand
- Cape Verde
- Mexico
- Egypt
Norwegian Cruise Line launches season with 250 new routes
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) presents the 2026 spring and summer season. The season offers nearly 250 new routes to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska, Canada and New England. For the first time in many years, NCL is also back in Philadelphia. In addition to the new programme, NCL sails to more than 450 destinations worldwide. Some highlights from NCL's 2026 spring and summer season:
- New home ports and routes in Bermuda, Canada and New England.
- Extended season in the Bahamas.
- Cruises to the Caribbean with Norwegian Prima
- Alaska in focus
- Norwegian Jade offers seven-day cruises between Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska.
Singapore Airlines expands with more flights
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will increase the number of flights during the summer season 2025. The number of weekly flights to Singapore will be increased from London, Rome, Milan and Barcelona. In addition, the airline has increased to daily flights on the Copenhagen - Singapore route, compared to the previous five flights per week, improving connectivity from the Nordics to Asia and Australia. On the Copenhagen - Singapore route, business class travellers can enjoy an exclusive two-course menu from the Danish Michelin-starred restaurant AOC, until the end of September.
Pet-friendly hotels are trending
26 August is International Dog Day. According to data from Hotels.com, reviews containing the word "pet" or "pet-friendly" have increased by 5 per cent compared to the same period last year, indicating a growing demand for accommodations that welcome pets. To help dog owners plan the ultimate holiday, Hotels.com has compiled a list of top-rated hotels that accept pets.
- Hotel Chinzanso, Tokyo, Japan
- nHow Amsterdam RAI, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Swexan Hotel, Dallas, USA
- Rome Caveleri, Rome, Italy
- Castlemartyr Resort, Cork, Ireland
reflection of the week
In a way, it's surprising that fewer people have taken the ferry to Denmark, although it can be understood from a socio-economic perspective, such as a weak Swedish krona. We ourselves have travelled relatively little in Denmark, but we would like to see more of our neighbouring country! As for the motorhome pass, we have not tested it ourselves, but it sounds like it can be flexible and affordable, so we understand that it is popular. Anyone who has tried it, who wants to tell us maybe?
Did you miss the last travel news? Read the Price crash on travel, typical Swedish and super seniors wanted
Lena - good for the soul says:
That pass certainly seems favourable for those who want to stay at a campsite. We do it extremely rarely so we probably skip it.
Have a great start to the week!
Hug Lena
26 August 2024 - 7:28
Helena says:
We really like the idea of the motorhome pass! We are among those who like camping from time to time (there are many beautiful campsites close to nature ;)). Wish the same!
27 August 2024 - 18:08
Yossu says:
I have not travelled much in Denmark either. It feels like a country that would surprise me positively when I start reading about everything there is to see.
The memory of the last long and harsh winter probably makes many people want to get away to the warmth. In case there is a similar winter again. Personally, I hope to survive the winter with the help of Egypt and Panama.
26 August 2024 - 10:53
Helena says:
We have the same feeling, that Denmark probably has a lot to offer! Some year it will surely be Denmark for us 😉 And oh, Egypt and Panama! We have visited Egypt several times and we would like to see more, partly because of the historical sites. Panama sounds exciting!
27 August 2024 - 18:10
Helena says:
Enjoying your reports from Tunisia! I have tried to comment, but can't. It requires a password, which I do not have. I tried to reset and create new password, but it did not work ...
27 August 2024 - 18:21