New driving licence class, bubble list and bathroom fever

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It's Monday again, and the last day of March - how time flies! But maybe we should be glad it's 31 March and not 1 April, because otherwise no one would have dared to believe today's travel news ...

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Misinformation about LPG test requirements in Germany

Consumer organisations M Sweden recently sent out a press release stating that Germany requires an approved LPG test to enter the country. This news was published in several industry magazines, including FREEDOMtravel. Now we are announcing The National Association of the Caravan and Motorhome Industry (HRF) that the information is incorrect.

HRF has checked the facts with its sister organisation CIVD in Germany. It is true that Germany imposes requirements for an approved leak test, but these requirements only apply to vehicles with a German licence plate. However, some campsites may have their own requirements for an approved leak test.

New driving licence class for motorhomes introduced

On Monday 24 March, the trialogue negotiations between the European Commission, the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament on a new EU driving licence directive were concluded. It is now clear that a new driving licence class for motorhomes will be introduced - B99, which means that the permitted total weight will be increased to 4,250 kg. It is up to the Member States to decide which requirements will apply for driving licence class B99. This is announced by the National Association of the Caravan and Motorhome Industry (HRF).

Trains are faster than flights between Gothenburg and Stockholm

Planes may be faster than trains - but train travel can be faster than air travel. If you count the total journey time for passengers, taking SJ's high-speed train is faster than flying between Gothenburg and StockholmIn 2024, a train journey between Gothenburg and Stockholm could be made in an average of 3 hours and 5 minutes with SJ's X 2000, while the corresponding journey by air took 3 hours and 14 minutes.

Almost double the number of searches for holidays abroad before Easter

One of the major travel periods of the year is approaching, and this year Swedes seem to be particularly keen to spend Easter abroad. According to search data from the hotel and travel search site momondo, interest in foreign travel has increased by 86% compared to Easter 2024. At the same time, the previous favourite Bangkok, which have long topped Swedes' list of most searched destinations, have given way to new destinations. The entire top 10 list is now dominated by destinations in Europe:

1. London, United Kingdom
2. Paris, France
3. Malaga, Spain
4. Alicante, Spain
5. Barcelona, Spain
6. Rome, Italy
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands
8. Palma de Mallorca, Spain
9. Prague, Czech Republic
10. Istanbul, Turkey

The bubble list: spring's hottest weekend cities

More and more Swedes are choosing a city break this spring. According to new statistics from Ticket, bookings have increased by almost 27 per cent. The most booked city with Ticket is Barcelona, followed by Paris, Amsterdam, Rome and London. But which cities are increasing the most in percentage terms? Here is the 'Big city bubble list':

1. Amsterdam (+277 %)
2. Gdansk (+257 %)
3. Bilbao (+169 %)
4. Manchester (+103 %)
5. Paris (+102 %)
6. Vienna (+96 %)

Interest in visiting Sweden increases among Americans

After Swedes and Germans, Americans are the nationality most likely to search for information about Sweden as a tourist destination. Interest in Sweden as a tourist destination has increased by 33 per cent in the United States in 2024 compared to 2023, making the United States the country where the increase in interest in Sweden is greatest, according to figures from Visit Sweden.

Bathroom fever - the new luxury that's changing the way we choose hotels

The number of reviews mentioning 'bathroom' on Hotels.com has increased by a whopping 33 per cent this year compared to the same period last year, suggesting that the bathroom has gone from being a mere necessity to a crucial prerequisite when choosing a hotel. For travellers seeking the ultimate bathroom bliss, Hotels.com has listed exclusive hotel bathrooms with stunning views across the globe:

• Vik Chile, Chile
• Conservatory Hotel, Netherlands
• Six Senses Zil Pasyon Seychelles, Seychelles
• Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris, France
• Rosewood London, United Kingdom

FREEDOM Xplore travel agency has opened - you could win €4,000

ADVERTISEMENT | Now the travel agency FREEDOM Xplore opened - a collaboration between FREEDOMtravel and Your Brand Travel! The focus is on unique hand-picked travel experiences, both for those travelling by motorhome and for those who prefer to stay in a hotel/cottage. Sign up at freedomxplore.com for a chance to win SEK 4,000 to use towards the purchase of a trip/experience.

reflection of the week

Amsterdam has been trending in several reports lately! Glad that Bilbao also seems to be trending - we plan to visit this city during this year's motorhome trip!

Did you miss the last travel news? Read the Camping price, LPG control - and this worries on the move

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Motorhome passes, pet-friendly hotels and where Swedes are travelling Plus figures at Elmia, most hours of sunshine and odd things people forgot Reduced motorhome tax, popular cities and a new train name Acquisition in the motorhome industry and roommate finding feature Camping price, LPG control - and this worries on the move Doubling of journeys, Advent cruise and more train services