A woman embarked on a unique 12-hour adventure to Sweden, solely to savour Swedish meatballs, at an incredibly low cost of just £44. Adelina Popa, aged 28, describes herself as an “extreme day-tripper” and often visits European cities for just a single day, devoid of any plans or accommodation. Her latest escapade took her to Malmö, a city in the south of Sweden, on September 23, 2024.
Adelina’s journey started from Bristol Airport with a £44 return flight to Copenhagen at 8:40 am. Subsequently, she took a 25-minute train ride across the border to Malmö, which cost £20 for a return journey. During her 12-hour visit, Adelina immersed herself in Swedish delicacies, explored the castle gardens, local parks, and even enjoyed a few hours at a beach before returning to the UK at 11 pm, just in time for work the next day.
Expressing her delight, Adelina, a customer service representative from Bristol, shared, “I think Malmö was my favourite city so far. Someone on the extreme day trips Facebook group recommended another city in Sweden, so that might be my next destination.” Adelina relishes the spontaneity and hassle-free nature of her day trips, highlighting the freedom to embark on short visits without detailed plans or overnight stays.
In the summer of 2023, Adelina began her solo day trips across Europe, exploring cities like Copenhagen, Malaga, Monaco, Dublin, and Edinburgh for less than £100 each. She emphasised, “If I’m in a situation where I can take time off work, it’s a good thing to do to break the routine. And if you’re not sure you’re going to like a country, you can get a feel for it. It’s just such a good alternative financially.”
Adelina’s meticulously planned day in Malmö involved touring the castle gardens, local markets, squares, and libraries. She soaked up the sun on a beach and relished the famous Swedish meatballs at Spoonery before heading back to the airport. Her return journey included landing at Copenhagen Airport at 7:30 pm and catching a 9:50 pm flight back to Bristol, arriving at 11 pm.
In total, Adelina’s trip cost £80, inclusive of flights, food expenses, and train fares for the memorable day in Sweden. Adelina’s efficient and budget-friendly travel approach exemplifies the joy and excitement that can be experienced even in short trips to new destinations.