Taking in the Light: Sweden’s Lucia Celebrations

Ask people to name the places they’ve visited in the Caribbean and Bequia isn’t the first name you’ll hear. That’s an advantage — especially when you want all the beaches, beauty and local charm of an island vacation without feeling like you’re surrounded by more tourists than sand. And for the ultimate escape look no further than the newly opened Grenadine Villas overlooking Friendship Bay Beach, from the island’s top resort Bequia Beach Hotel.

In the snowy heart of the Swiss Alps, one hotel is changing the game for what après-ski means. Traditionally, après-ski is all about kicking back after a day of skiing, maybe with a hot drink or a beer in hand. It's a time to relax and share stories of the day's escapades on the slopes. But at the Tschuggen Grand Hotel, they're offering something different, something more.

Sweden is considered to be one of the most sustainable countries in the world… but it also happens to produce an impressive volume of internationally renowned designers and fashion houses given the size of the country.

Long-haul flights are generally considered to be those eight hours and over, while any that stretch past a grueling 16 hours are nicknamed “ultra long-haul.” The longest nonstop commercial flights currently available include New York to Singapore (18 hours and 50 minutes; 9,530 miles) and Perth, Australia, to London (17 hours and 45 minutes; 9,010 miles). Qantas Airways, Australia’s national airline, plans to operate two even longer direct flights in 2025: Sydney to London and Sydney to New York — routes that will take up to 20 hours.

Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, one of the busiest aviation hubs in Europe, announced Thursday that it is expanding flight capacity for the summer travel season.

Discover the incredible world of Sweden’s ICEHOTEL 34 this winter. Picture this: 500 tonnes of ice, equivalent to 10 Olympic swimming pools of the finest "snis" – a blend of ice and snow – meticulously crafted over six intense weeks. The journey began in spring, as ice blocks were harvested from the Torne River and stored in an ice warehouse in Jukkasjärvi, awaiting their transformation into a magical experience. The unique creation has emerged from the creative minds of 32 artists, spanning 14 countries from around the globe.

Safety is top of mind for many travelers as they plan out their trips for 2024 and beyond. But for those in the LGBTQ community, and their allies, knowing which countries are welcoming towards gay travelers is an important consideration. Part of measuring that sentiment is knowing where residents stand on rights, including same-sex marriage. The Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about issues and attitudes shaping the world, released a new study showing which country’s residents support same-sex marriage the most, and which countries have the lowest level of support.

From its leading position in the worlds of Scandinavian lifestyle and design to the natural beauty of the coastlines and peaceful archipelagos, Sweden is a magnet for the curious traveler in Europe.

Spain now has the world’s most powerful passport, according to a new index.

WHY IT RATES: As the world collectively strives for a more environmentally conscious future, The Nordics presents a compelling tapestry of new and enhanced experiences across the region to propel this effort. —Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Managing Editor

Traditionally nomadic, Sámi people have been herding reindeer across Sápmi (Lapland) for 7,000 years, long before the region was divided into Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Reindeer are integral to the Sámi way of life, yet the Indigenous people’s lifestyle is under threat from climate change, mines and cultural appropriation. Sweden is home to 20,000 Sámi, a fifth of whom roam with their herd around Laponia — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches across Sweden’s Artic North. The others keep their customs alive by continuing age-old traditions and sharing stories about their heritage. Here are some exciting ways to explore their culture.

There’s no place quite like Sweden, whether you travel there for Stockholm or all of the gorgeous places outside of Stockholm). It can, however, be pricey. For those in the market for a new car, you can get that plus a free trip to Sweden when you purchase a Volvo. The car brand has a new buying option called the Overseas Delivery Tourist Program, where you can visit Sweden as a perk of buying one of the vehicles. All you have to do is buy a car and pick it up in Gothenburg.