Main results in brief:
· Every second Swede packs at least three days before the trip
· Four out of ten take “buffer days” before or after the actual vacation
· 27 % of Generation Z wear a certain garment or item for “luck” or out of habit
· Once in the hotel room: 22 % take a shower the first thing they do
Stockholm, January 28, 2026 – A new survey from Hotels.com, which included 1,000 Swedes, shows how deeply engaged we are in a range of different ”travel rituals”, not least before departure. This is to ensure smooth, stress-free trips and comfortable stays. While careful planning is a common denominator across all age groups, the study reveals that there are notable generational differences in how we prepare for and experience our holiday trips.
Preparations before departure: Organization is key
Swedish travelers are very proactive when it comes to preparing for their trip. A full 75% of %s double-check all their bookings (flights, hotels and transportation) more than once. This habit is especially strong among Generation Z (18-29 years old), where 84% of %s do so. This digital age group is also more likely to download travel apps for important documents (45% of %s). Swedes also come prepared; almost half (47% of %s) pack at least 3 or more days before the trip, and 27% of %s try on all their outfits in advance. Finally, 37% of %s take an extra vacation day, either before or after the trip, to prepare or regroup.
Beyond the planning itself, many people engage in personal rituals before leaving home. Some common habits include laying out travel clothes (67 %), packing entertainment (55 %), and making sure to pack a specific snack or drink for the trip (36 %). But younger Swedes in particular are adding more personal touches to their preparations. For example, 27 % of Gen Z, compared to just 8 % of Boomers (ages 61-80), carry a specific piece of clothing or item for ”luck” or comfort, and 23 % of Gen Z (compared to 3 % of Boomers) listen to a specific ”travel playlist” to get in the mood for travel.
“Whether it’s downloading travel apps, listening to a specific playlist, or packing your favorite snack in your carry-on, Swedes know that the vacation begins as soon as you start preparing for it. These rituals not only ensure that travel planning goes smoothly, they also help us get into the holiday spirit long before we’ve even checked into our hotel room,“ says Christie Hudson, travel expert at Hotels.com.
Arrival routines characterized by connectivity and a culture of sharing
Upon arrival at the hotel, Swedes quickly start to make themselves at home. The top priority for 71 % is checking out the view from the window or balcony. For the majority (59 %), this is soon followed by a thorough ”room inspection”, which includes checking the minibar, testing the comfort of the bed and doing a cleanliness check. Connecting to the hotel’s Wi-Fi is also a must for 54 % of travelers. Almost one in four (22 %) Swedes also start by taking a shower, something that Gen Z does to the greatest extent (27 %).
A clear generational difference is evident when it comes to ”capturing” the hotel experience: 41% of Gen Z millennials take photos or videos of their room, compared to only 11% of Boomers millennials. This shows how the connected sharing culture is affecting younger travelers. Finally, the survey also found that 22% of Swedish millennials make sure to quickly choose their preferred side of the bed.
Travel Routines: Balancing Exploration and Digital Boundaries
Even during their vacation, Swedes maintain specific habits to enhance their experience. Using the hotel pool or spa (42 %), searching for new local experiences daily (41 %) and taking an afternoon nap or siesta (28 %) are the top activities. One in four also read a book by the pool or beach and take a daily swim (23 %). 10 % of Swedes also make sure to try every dish offered on the menu during their stay.
When it comes to limiting screen time, interesting generational patterns emerge. While 30% of Millennials (ages 30-45) are most likely to consciously limit screen time, the generation above them (ages 45-60) are the best at turning off notifications from work emails/messages (24% of Gen Z), compared to only 15% of Gen Z.
The survey was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Hotels.com in January 2026, with a total of 1,000 Swedish adults in different age groups participating.
