Winter destinations, Tyrol in Sweden and the meatball revolution

To FREEDOMtravel

Advertisement

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 ...?

Tweet

Share

Share

Pin

Share

Share

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:

1. Gran Canaria, Spain
2. Phuket, Thailand
3. Tenerife, Spain
4. Lanzarote, Spain
5. Krabi, Thailand
6. Sal, Cape Verde
7. Hurghada, Egypt
8. Cancun, Mexico
9. Boavista, Cape Verde
10. 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

• Dominican Republic (+425 %)
• Sri Lanka (+90 %)
• Indonesia (Bali) (+34 %)
• Thailand (+22 %)

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

You might also like:

Camping records, flights to Phuket and the abolition of face masks! Julhygge, sustainable airline and the destination with the most satisfied visitors 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