Price rain over caravans and star rain over Austria

Well, it's Monday again! It feels like the weeks are whirling by at a furious pace. Since it's Monday, we are of course running travel news here at FREEDOMtravel, that is, short excerpts from the week's press releases on travel, camping and tourism.

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KABE has won 9 awards in international competitions

KABE has won nine awards in the internationally recognised competitions Caravans and Motorhomes of the Year 2025 and European Innovation Award in Germany. KABE won the first prize for imported models in every category in which its caravans were nominated.

KABE Estate series took first place in the category Caravan of the Year 2025 in the upper-middle class and the KABE Ädelsten series took first place in the upper/luxury class. The third first prize, from European Innovation Award, awarded the stove "Gas-under-glass", an innovation that hides two gas burners under the hob.

More and more people are choosing to invest in a mobile home

More and more people are choosing to invest in a mobile home tent, according to the National Association of the Caravan and Motorhome Industry. They are spacious, stable, winter-proof and remain on the campsite season after season. Interest in building a site-built mobile home tent next to the caravan is increasing every year. "I see a clear trend and it's catching on with caravan owners. More and more all-year-round campers are investing in a villa tent," says carpenter and fitter Mathias Tidqvist from Huskvarna.

Europe's last primeval forests in Sweden and Finland under threat despite EU decisions

Although Finland and Sweden have the largest share of Europe's remaining ancient and natural forests, they are under threat. A new report by WWF shows that countries are not living up to their commitments to protect these forests under the EU Green Deal and Biodiversity Strategy. On 27-28 January, the European Commission is holding a workshop on forests in Helsinki. WWF then calls on the Commission to ensure that countries fulfil their expectations to protect their primary and natural forests.

Rock bands stay at First Camp this summer

During their upcoming tour of Sweden, the Smash Into Pieceswho have taken Melodifestivalen and audiences by storm, to partner with First Camp for accommodation that feels like a home away from home - a place to recharge and relax between shows. "For us, touring is not just about playing music, but also about finding those moments of recovery. Staying at First Camp gives us just the peace we need between shows," say the band members of Smash Into Pieces.

Austria has been awarded many Michelin stars

In the latest edition of the Michelin Guide 2025, Austria's culinary scene has been honoured with new stars and prestigious awards. On 21 January 2025, the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony was held at Salzburg's Hangar-7 and Austria gained many new stars. The total is now in Austria:

• 3 Michelin stars: 2 restaurants
• 2 Michelin stars: 18 restaurants
• 1 Michelin star: 62 restaurants
• Green Michelin star: 33 restaurants
• Bib Gourmands: 43 restaurants

Trump attracts young Swedes to the US

Donald Trump evokes mixed feelings among Swedes. A new survey by travel agency Ticket shows that almost one in three Swedes (32%) feel less inclined to travel to USA after his election victory. However, young adults aged between 18 and 29 stand out - 17% of them say they are now more inclined to visit the country. This attitude may be further reinforced by Trump's decision to postpone the TikTok ban in the US.

Swedes can now get vaccinated against chikungunya

From now on, Swedes have the opportunity to get vaccinated against chikungunya - a mosquito-borne viral disease that can cause both acute and long-term health problems. This is announced by VaccinDirect. The vaccine, which is the first and only one authorised in the world, meets a growing need as the disease has spread to Europe. Chikungunya has long been prevalent in tropical areas, but in recent years has been reported in countries such as Spain and Italy. Sweden is the first Nordic country to offer a vaccine against the disease.

Göta Canal is looking for 100 lock keepers

Do you want an extraordinary summer job in the middle of a Swedish summer idyll? We are now looking for Göta Canal 100 lock keepers for the 2025 season - working in one of Sweden's most iconic settings. Duties include operating locks, regulating water levels, planning boat traffic and providing guests with a positive overall experience through good hospitality. You need to be at least 18 years old, but there is no upper age limit. The application is open.

Most popular countries, cities and hotels in 2024 - according to Hotels.com

With 2024 in the rear-view mirror, Hotels.com has taken a closer look at the past year to compile insights into Swedes' travel habits. Swedes preferred to travel in Europe and the following countries and cities were most sought after.

When it comes to the most popular local hotels among Swedes, the top three are in the capital:

1. Haymarket by Scandic, Stockholm
2. Downtown Camper by Scandic, Stockholm
3. Hotel Birger Jarl, Stockholm

Reflection of the week

We are impressed by the number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Austria! The country now has a total of 82 restaurants with at least one star, compared to 22 in Sweden.

Did you miss the last travel news? Read the Supercamping, Stockholm at the top and how travelling will be in 2030

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