Monday means travel news here at FREEDOMtravel, and as usual we mix news from near and far. Where are Swedes travelling this winter? Here's where you can experience Tyrol in Sweden! And, what about the meatball revolution ...?
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Where Swedes are travelling this winter
A recent Sifo survey from TUI shows that every second Swede plans to travel abroad in the coming year, an increase of nine percentage points compared to the same period last year. At TUI, bookings for summer 2025 have already surpassed last year's booking levels. Top 10: Where Swedes are travelling this winter, according to TUI's booking figures:
- Gran Canaria, Spain
- Phuket, Thailand
- Tenerife, Spain
- Lanzarote, Spain
- Krabi, Thailand
- Sal, Cape Verde
- Hurghada, Egypt
- Cancun, Mexico
- Boavista, Cape Verde
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
More people booking exotic long haul holidays this winter
According to travel company TUI, bookings of winter holidays to long-haul destinations, such as Asia and the Caribbean, have increased by almost 20% compared to last year. Interest rate cuts and a favourable Christmas from a holiday point of view are driving the trend, according to the travel company. December is the winter month with the best bookings at TUI - especially the week before Christmas, week 51. Destinations that are trending among TUI bookings this winter
Decrease in travel to the United States
Recent figures from travel agent Ticket show that the US election has led to a drop in travel to USAand Trump's victory is likely to delay the country's recovery in the holiday charts. When Donald Trump was first elected president in 2016, travel to the US fell by 13%. The same pattern has been seen this year, with bookings to the US down 22% year-on-year during the dramatic election campaign.
Lederhosen, Dirndl and boot dancing at Liseberg
As early as 16 November, the snowiest season of the year begins at Liseberg. Around 400,000 visitors are expected and this year Liseberg has chosen to invest even more in the Christmas markets. This year's novelty is inspired by Tyrol and you can expect spicy sausages and Glühwein. At the restaurant Tyrolens Biertgarten, there will be After Ski and boot dancing for all dance enthusiasts. Visitors are welcomed into a magical winter world with five million Christmas lights, 1200 Christmas trees, winter-awakened carousels and four different Christmas markets.
Record number of Christmas activities in the Umeå region
The Umeå region's tourism industry is inviting you to a record-breaking celebration with everything from Christmas markets and Christmas dinners to atmospheric concerts. Here are some of this year's highlights:
- More markets than ever - Starting on 24 November at Slöjdarnas Hus in Vännäsby and then about 20 markets.
- Christmas table - From classics to modern favourites, such as Sävargården, Presteles Trädgårdscafé and Granö Beckasin.
- Christmas experiences in Umeå city centre - From a Santa disco and Santa Run to an outdoor cinema and Christmas gift hunt.
- Christmas concerts - From gospel and jazz to Irish musicals.
Chemnitz: European Capital of Culture 2025
The German city Chemnitz has been given the honourable title of European Capital of Culture 2025. With an extensive programme, Chemnitz will offer a diverse cultural experience. Events will focus on the city's transformation from a former industrial centre to a cultural region. The European Capital of Culture year starts on 18 January 2025. The full programme is available at chemnitz2025.de/en/
Meatball revolution on Stena Line ships
By replacing half of the minced meat in meatballs with yellow pea mince, Stena Line will reduce meat consumption by 35,000 kilos next year. Stena Line's Food & Beverage team has made several sustainability initiatives in recent years, and is now taking the next step in the journey towards a sustainable future. The new meatballs will be available on all ships from 13 February 2025. "All the flavours are there and it would be difficult, if not impossible, to notice any difference in a blind test," says Jakob Lells, Group Executive Chef at Stena Line.
TUI launches Portuguese archipelago Azores
From next summer, it will be possible to holiday in the Azores with TUI. The archipelago is particularly known for its whale watching and dolphin watching tours, as well as beautiful hiking trails that offer a mix of spectacular views and adventure. TUI's trips to the Azores go to the main island of São Miguel, where travellers can choose from destinations such as Capelas, Lagoa and the island's capital Ponta Delgada.
reflection of the week
Exotic destinations are apparently trending this winter! Several of the destinations on the lists are untested by us, but sound interesting. We can also recommend Philippines if you want to travel far and get warm! When it comes to the United States, we can understand that interest is waning in these times, even though the country seems to offer many amazing natural experiences.
Did you miss the last travel news? Read the Trend report, super swing and the world's 25 best travel destinations
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Car holidays, popular capitals and LGBTQ+ friendly destinations
Cheap countries, summer events and jubilee carriage
Where Swedes are travelling this autumn - and why we have the most caravans.
Luxury hotels, bargains and how many people plan to travel this winter
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Anna Nilsson Spets says:
Yes the US definitely doesn't appeal after the election, not so much before either.
Exotic destinations... Bali I thought was over-touristy 20 years ago, Thailand maybe you can find some spot still that is not overcrowded. Two trips there, that was enough.
11 November 2024 - 6:17
Helena says:
We also experienced Thailand as very touristy, but have understood that there should be parts that are less touristy. Bali looks fantastic in pictures, but often in a touristy way. Have not been there.
11 November 2024 - 12:47
Ditte says:
The Philippines is a nice option, has a lot of beauty to offer. However, Manila is not a favourite, but you don't have to stay there.
Yes, there are many great destinations, but many have also been extremely well exploited.
Fun with the Azores, a cool destination I think, but one must be prepared for some rain. And rain is said to be good for the skin.
No, I now refrain from visiting the USA. But if you want to go that way, Canada is a good alternative.
11 November 2024 - 12:18
Helena says:
I can agree that Manila is not the most fun part of the Philippines, but as you say, you don't have to stay there. We have seen a small corner of Canada (Halifax) and would love to see more!
11 November 2024 - 12:50