Stockholm, Sweden – A Great Destination
That Is Kind To Your Budget
by: Marc A. De Jong
Stockholm Sweden 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 US travelers love Europe, just like Europeans love to
see the US. 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 European Union 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 between 113
and 125 US dollar per night. In Rome you had to pay between USD 155
and 184 and in Paris between USD 167 and 222 USD.
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 costs
$851 U.S. Dollars, while the best tickets to Rome and Paris cost $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 centre
with medieval streets and alleys. The city has about 100 museums that
are all different and appealing to all ages – and 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!
About The Author - Marc A. De Jong is journalist and
editor of http://www.stockholm-sweden-travel-guide.com
which tells you all about the major attractions, events, how to get
there, where to stay, and gives lots of other practical tips. Including
blog and RSS feed.
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