Planning a getaway to Sweden can be affordable when you find the right deals and packages. Checking in with the local tourism offices or visitors bureau is a great place to start. The professional here have the inside track on discounts and specials available as well as great tips on what to see and do on your trip.

Let's start with a golf outing at Skåne is one of the most inexpensive and efficient golf paradises in Europe. From the centre of Skåne you can reach around 60 golf courses in up to 50 minutes. You’ll find 20 courses in the vicinity of Malmö alone. Equally well-placed is Helsingborg. And we’re talking about clubs and courses at the top of the list for any enthusiast.

Courses that play host to the European Tour, the Challenge tournament and Swedish competitions. The courses located along the west and south coasts are normally open all year round, and many clubs cooperate with hotels and can offer golf packages with reduced fees. The quality of these golf courses is high and it is as difficult to grade them as it is to pick just one or two dishes on a Swedish smorgasbord. It’s all down to personal preferences.

When it comes to dining in Sweden it can be worth eating a hot meal at lunch time. Swedes themselves often have a hot meal at midday, so most of Stockholm’s restaurants offer good value lunches. Look out for “Dagens lunch” or the “Lunch of the day”, also known as the “Dagens rätt” or “Dish of the day” when you visit Stockholm. Another popular choice is to eat at a “saluhall” – an indoor food market.

If you’re looking for an upmarket experience, head to Östermalms Saluhall. This charming venue dates back to the late 19th century, and is home to small, intimate restaurants, wine bars and cafés. Hötorgshallen offers speciality foods from every corner of the world and a unique atmosphere. Browsing the products on offer at the busy stalls is absolutely fascinating. There are a few restaurants in this underground market, but it’s just as nice to buy something!

If you plan to visit Stockholm, there are affordable option for touring the local sites, and the Stockholm Card is our first pick. The Stockholm Card gives you free entry to 75 museums and attractions, free travel by public transport, free sightseeing by boat as well as several other bonus offers.

This Card makes it easier for you devote your entire trip to events and activities without the hassle of booking and buying. Just decide whether you want a card that is valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours. The card will not be valid until it is stamped with the time and date the first time you use it. Three child cards can be purchased per adult card. The card is valid once per attraction and entitles you to unlimited travel by metro, bus and commuter train.