weden
is one of the most affordable travel destinations in Western Europe.
This statement would have raised some eyebrows a few years back, but it
has become reality. So why not go to Stockholm this year?
Leaders from both continents may have different opinions about world
politics, but American travelers love Europe, just like Europeans love
to see the United States. Some American tour operators and travel
agencies even expect to sell more trips to Europe this year than ever
before.
That is remarkable. The dollar-euro exchange rates make a European vacation far from cheap nowadays.
If you want to see Europe without losing too much money, you should pick destinations that have not switched to the euro.
Sweden is a great choice. Sweden is an EU country (no visa required for
Americans), but the Swedes still pay with crowns, not with euros. To check if prices in the Nordic country are really that
much lower, I compared prices of three well-located three-star hotels
in the Swedish capital Stockholm with similar hotels in the popular
capitals of two euro-countries, Paris and Rome.
The difference was incredible. Rates in Stockholm started at around 49
US dollars per night. In Rome you had to pay USD 54 and in Paris USD
99. If you want to check the latest rates of lodging options in
Stockholm, we recommend Hotels Combined because the site searches 30
accommodation sites at the same time.
And those are just hotel rates. Restaurant prices in Stockholm have gone down in recent years as well, at least for foreigners.
I also went to a popular airline ticket seller and searched for the
lowest airfare. The cheapest ticket from New York to Stockholm cost USD
851, while the best tickets to Rome and Paris cost USD 897 each.
But hey, you're not picking a travel destination because of money alone! You want to see something too!
Well, don't worry about that. Stockholm is often called the most beautiful capital in the world, and rightly so.
The city is built on 14 islands and has another 24,000 just around the
corner. Wherever you go you will always get a glimpse of water. It's a
very green city, too. Stockholm is the only capital in the world with a
legally protected national park within the city borders.
And that's not all. There's a well-preserved old town center with
medieval streets and alleys. The city has about 100 museums that are
very different and appealing to all ages. Many even have free
admission.
The vibrant nightlife and modern shopping district keep you busy after
sightseeing, while the relaxed atmosphere and stunningly clean streets
only add to your holiday mood.
See you in Stockholm this year? You should be there already!
Marc A. De Jong is journalist and editor of the Stockholm Sweden Travel Guide.
This site tells you all about the major attractions, events, how to get
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