Have your original summer plans fallen through? Don’t despair – this organization offers vacation alternatives that are actually compatible with a pandemic.
The expression staycation, or hemester, has been around for a while. However, in light of the circumstances this phenomenon has quickly attracted more attention.
At this point you may be tired of people encouraging you to settle with vacationing within your own country this summer. But guess what, I’m here to encourage you some more. More specifically, I want to talk about a certain organization.
Svenska Turistföreningen, STF, was formed in 1885 with the sole goal to facilitate tourism within Sweden. Mainly aiming to encourage sustainable outdoor exploration and nature experiences. They saw the perks of sustainable vacation way back in 1885, and while society has become more and more focused around globalization and travelling all over the world to achieve self-fulfilment, STF have stayed true to their core values and continued to offer a kinder and more accessible alternative.
“While society has become more and more focused on travelling all over the world to achieve self-fulfilment, STF have stayed true to their core values and continued to offer a more accessible alternative.”
However, the pandemic has brought many businesses and organizations to their knees, and STF is no exception. This spring they have lost almost 40 million kronor in revenue compared to last year. Their generous cancellation policy means large amounts of money are being paid out to customers every day.
“Know your country” is STF’s motto. Seems pretty fitting in these times, when travelling to other countries for amusement purposes is out of the picture. Don’t mind the fact that some countries have opened up their borders and invited people into beaches with plastic screens shielding sun chairs from each other. This summer is going to – and should – be a chance for us to explore our own countries.
With housing alternatives all over the country, you will most likely find one within two hours travelling time from where you live. Looking from a Jönköping point of view, one destination could be Stocklycke Omberg, a STF connected housing which I actually happened to visit last summer. Located in the middle of a nature reserve with barely any reception it offers a perfect break from the city life. This is just one example of the 78 accommodations Svenska Turistföreningen provides.
Moreover, STF don’t only offer housing. Their website is filled with guides, tips and suggestions for activities such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, bicycling, and a lot more; summer amusements that are actually compatible with a pandemic.
Don’t think of this summer as something you just need to push through. Despite the fact that your original plans most likely need to be rearranged, you still have the chance to enjoy a great vacation.
