| Marc A. De Jong | | | | Stockholm have gone down in recent years as well, |
| Sweden is one of the most affordable travel | | | | at least for foreigners. |
| destinations in Western Europe. This statement would | | | | I also went to a popular airline ticket seller and |
| have raised some eyebrows a few years back, but it | | | | searched for the lowest airfare. The cheapest ticket |
| has become reality. So why not go to Stockholm this | | | | from New York to Stockholm cost USD 851, while |
| year? | | | | the best tickets to Rome and Paris cost USD 897 |
| Leaders from both continents may have different | | | | each. |
| opinions about world politics, but US travelers love | | | | But hey, you're not picking a travel destination |
| Europe, just like Europeans love to see the US. Some | | | | because of money alone! You want to see |
| American tour operators and travel agencies even | | | | something too! |
| expect to sell more trips to Europe this year than | | | | Well, don't worry about that. Stockholm is often |
| ever before. | | | | called the most beautiful capital in the world, and |
| That is remarkable. The dollar-euro exchange rates | | | | rightly so. |
| make a European vacation far from cheap nowadays. | | | | The city is built on 14 islands and has another 24,000 |
| If you want to see Europe without losing too much | | | | just around the corner. Wherever you go you will |
| money, you should pick destinations that have not | | | | always get a glimpse of water. It's a very green city |
| switched to the euro. | | | | too. Stockholm is the only capital in the world with a |
| Sweden is a great choice. Sweden is an EU country | | | | legally protected national park within the city borders. |
| (no visa required for Americans), but the Swedes still | | | | And that's not all. There's a well-preserved old town |
| pay with crowns, not with euros. | | | | centre with medieval streets and alleys. The city has |
| To check if prices in the Nordic country are really | | | | about 100 museums that are all different and |
| that much lower, I compared prices of three | | | | appealing to all ages - and many even have free |
| well-located three-star hotels in the Swedish capital | | | | admission. |
| Stockholm with similar hotels in the popular capitals of | | | | The vibrant nightlife and modern shopping district |
| two euro-countries, Paris and Rome. | | | | keep you busy after sightseeing, while the relaxed |
| The difference was incredible. Rates in Stockholm | | | | atmosphere and stunningly clean streets only add to |
| started between 113 and 125 US dollar per night. In | | | | your holiday mood. |
| Rome you had to pay between USD 155 and 184 | | | | See you in Stockholm this year? You should be there |
| and in Paris between USD 167 and 222 USD. | | | | already! |
| And those are just hotel rates. Restaurant prices in | | | | |