Travel

Every summer, thousands of Swedish teenagers flock to Magaluf, Mallorca, to celebrate the end of their school years with sun, parties, and tattoos. The Swedish presence is so strong that the main party street has been nicknamed the 'Scandinavian Bar Street.' Despite the fun, concerns about safety and excessive drinking are prevalent.

Scandic Hotels is phasing out free breakfasts, a move seen as strategic by travel expert Viggo Cavling. Despite initial backlash, Cavling believes this change aligns with international trends and will eventually be accepted by customers. The shift aims to reduce food waste and follows a model similar to airline booking sites. While competitors like Elite and Strawberry maintain free breakfasts, Cavling predicts no significant customer loss for Scandic.

A sudden storm in Croatia capsized a catamaran carrying seven Swedish tourists, leading to four being hospitalized. The incident highlights the dangers of the Adriatic's unpredictable winds, urging sailors to heed weather warnings.

A sudden storm capsized a catamaran near the Croatian island of Kaprije, throwing seven Swedish tourists into the sea. Four Swedes were hospitalized, and the incident has prompted severe weather warnings in the region.

Charlie Klang, a 19-year-old from Växjö, Sweden, embarked on an adventurous journey hitchhiking from Sweden to Italy without spending any money. His trip, documented on TikTok, took him through several countries, meeting new people and experiencing the kindness of strangers. Now in Pisa, Charlie reflects on the risks and rewards of his unique travel experience.

The cost of obtaining an Esta visa for travel to the USA has nearly doubled, following a new bill passed by Congress. The fee increase, part of Donald Trump's legislative changes, raises the cost from $21 to $40. The travel industry, represented by Geoff Freeman of the US Travel Association, criticizes the move as a 'self-imposed tariff'. Additionally, funding for the country's official tourism organization, Brand USA, has been significantly reduced.

Elis Hållams, 18, and his friend faced unexpected delays on their train journey to Berlin, getting stranded at the Danish-German border for over six hours. After a series of challenges, including a missed replacement bus, they managed to secure last-minute bus tickets to Hamburg, hoping to continue their journey to Berlin.

Travelers to the UK are being warned about legal scams involving entry permits. While the official permit costs £16, fraudulent sites charge exorbitant fees. Consumers are advised to use the UK government's website and report any scams to their credit card companies.

An 82-year-old woman from Stockholm faces a costly ordeal after her SAS flight to a family reunion in Washington was mysteriously canceled. Despite booking in advance, Ulla Vaena and her family had to pay an additional 30,000 SEK for new tickets with Lufthansa after receiving no help from SAS. The incident raises concerns about potential system breaches and customer service issues.

Rebecca Wicklén's bachelorette party plans were derailed when the villa she booked on Booking.com turned out to be a filthy, rundown property. Despite the misleading photos, Booking.com and the property owner refused a refund, leaving Rebecca and her friends to find alternative accommodations. The incident highlights the importance of checking reviews before booking.

Karin Lokrantz from Gothenburg finds herself amidst the raging wildfires in Crete, experiencing a 'Titanic-like' atmosphere. While some tourists order drinks, others panic as helicopters battle the flames. Despite the chaos, Karin remains calm, though her vacation has taken an unexpected turn.

Karin Lindén Leyon and her travel companions were excited for their vacation in Sopot, Poland, but were left stranded at the airport due to an overbooked Ryanair flight. Despite having tickets, they were unable to board and were offered an inconvenient alternative flight. The incident highlights the risks of booking through third-party services like Travellink.

Linn Rydell, a Swedish resident in Antibes, faced unexpected travel disruptions due to a French air traffic controller strike. Her flight to Sweden was canceled, forcing her to rebook amidst a scramble for available seats. The strike has led to significant flight reductions from major French airports, affecting many travelers.

Lost luggage can ruin any traveler's mood. SAS expert Martin Wallander shares tips on how to prevent this common issue, emphasizing the importance of securing luggage tags and avoiding checking in valuable items like powerbanks and medications.

Courtney El Refai, a nurse living in Knivsta, Sweden, commutes 5,300 miles to her job in California. Despite the long journey, she finds it financially rewarding and enjoys the flexibility her job offers. Her unique lifestyle allows her to work intensively for short periods and spend extended time with her family in Sweden.

Johanna Nilsson, a Swedish expatriate living in Seville, Spain, shares her experiences with the intense summer heat, which often exceeds 40 degrees Celsius. She highlights the risks for tourists unfamiliar with such temperatures, as the Swedish Foreign Ministry issues warnings. Johanna offers advice on coping with the heat, emphasizing the importance of staying indoors during peak hours and avoiding alcohol in the sun.

As Midsummer approaches, one of Sweden's busiest travel weekends, traffic is expected to surge. Despite some incidents, most issues have been manageable, according to Bengt Olsson from Trafikverket. With millions traveling, major roads are handling the load well. Dalarna remains a popular destination, with up to 60,000 visitors expected. Authorities advise drivers to stay calm and avoid stress.

Moa Kollberg, a Swedish tourist, finds herself stranded in Israel amidst escalating conflict. Originally in Tel Aviv for a pride parade, she now faces frequent missile attacks and closed airports, making her return uncertain.

The Swedish Tourist Association (STF) has suspended guided tours on Kebnekaise's Eastern route due to increased risks of rockfalls, glacier crevasses, and unpredictable snow and ice conditions. Tours will now be redirected via the longer Western route, prioritizing safety for visitors and staff.

Johan Karlsson, known for his quiet presence on the field, took an adventurous trip to Northern Norway, surprising his teammates. Despite the breathtaking scenery reminiscent of 'The Lord of the Rings', a risky hike left him thinking, 'I just thought, shit!' His choice of destination sparked mixed reactions among his peers, with some admiring his boldness while others were less enthusiastic.

The danger of methanol poisoning in tourist destinations like Bali has resurfaced, with recent deaths highlighting the risks. Swedish tourists are advised to be cautious, as methanol is tasteless and can be lethal in small amounts. Despite high taxes on imported alcohol, some bars substitute real spirits with methanol, posing a significant threat. Experts recommend vigilance and awareness of symptoms, as timely medical intervention can be life-saving.