With Most Islands In The World, Sweden Offers Five To Travelers For Chance To Win One For A Year

New initiative invites travelers to win one of Sweden's 267,000 islands for a year.

With over 267,000 islands, Sweden has more islands than any other country on Earth. Islands defined by calm, rest, clean air and restorative nature—large or small, set in the sea or emerging from a lake. With a rethinking of what luxury means, Sweden is now offering five of them for free - not for sale, but to use and care for during a year.

The initiative, Your Swedish Island, redefines what many associate with luxury. In place of exclusivity or excess, it offers simplicity, solitude, and space - quality of life experiences that are increasingly resonating with travelers around the world.

“Sweden has more islands than any other country in the world and we would like to invite people to enjoy what may be the most genuine form of luxury: the peace and tranquility of nature on your own island,” says Susanne Andersson, CEO at Visit Sweden.

Launched by Visit Sweden in collaboration with the National Property Board, the initiative invites travelers to apply for the chance to become custodians of one of five carefully selected islands. Each location is wonderfully secluded, yet close enough to a local community for essentials - whether it's picking up groceries, posting a letter, or joining a traditional Midsummer celebration.

For many, the idea of escaping to a private island has long symbolized the ultimate dream - not just as a luxury, but as a way to disconnect and breathe. A recent global YouGov survey* aligns with a shift in values: 44% of respondents say they would be happy to escape the crowds by going to their own island. (In France and Germany, nearly one in five admit they'd appreciate time away from their life partner.)

The same survey found that people are increasingly drawn to silence, fresh air, and free access to nature. Global travelers actively avoid overcrowded destinations - not only for their own comfort, but to reduce their contribution to overtourism. Instead, they're seeking quiet, low-impact places: coastal or lakeside sanctuaries where they can truly unplug. For those that enjoy traveling with your partner and desire comfortable accommodations, Sweden's island landscape is both diverse and abundant — offering something for every version of what "getting away" might mean.

“If you don't get one of these islands, don't worry. Sweden has many more that everyone can enjoy,” says Susanne Andersson. “From quiet lakes to open coastlines, there's space for everyone to slow down, breathe deeply and find their own version of happiness in our islands.”

Applications open February 17, 2026, for international travelers. Submissions can be made via:

visitsweden.com/your-swedish-island

A jury will select five successful applicants based on creativity and personal motivation. Successful candidates will be announced in June 2026.

What's included:

A one-year right to use one of the five selected islands

A diploma certifying the winner as official island custodian

A travel voucher for a trip to Sweden

A contract outlining basic stewardship responsibilities

For More Information on Your Swedish Island: visitsweden.com/your-swedish-island

Traditional Ashtanga Yoga Private Lessons In Philadelphia And Healing Therapy Clinics Worldwide

One of the greatest misconceptions of yoga is that it is meant purely for fitness. The actual purpose of yoga is for healing both mind and body and, yes, in the process one can become very fit. I, Allen Barkus,  the publisher of the Travelore Report, was introduced to yoga in 1998 and became a teacher in 2004. My exclusive teacher since 2004 years is Manju Jois, whom along with his father introduced traditional
Ashtanga yoga healing therapy to the U.S. in 1975. While Ashtanga has become known for being the most
difficult physical practice to master, more senior teachers focus on the healing aspects of the practice. In one
case I helped a 31 year old man lose 70 pounds in 8 months, along with also healing a serious breathing problem and a back problem; all with just yoga and no other life changes. I also rehabbed my own mother at 82 years old, needing to relearn to walk after recovering from cancer and serious spinal infection that caused painful nerve damage that had her bedridden for 5 months.

 From a healing perspective I've also worked with others including those recovering from cancer and others types of surgeries, with people including a child with arthritis and with a woman whom had emphysema. On the fitness side I've worked with athletes at the University of Pennsylvania, a baseball player, and people training for events including marathons. I also teach teachers.

On my world travels I've many times been asked about doing yoga healing clinics for hotels, resorts, and cruise lines and  am now scheduling clinics and wellness programs. I am also consulting with properties on creating wellness programs as profit centers and how to market those programs, utilizing my many successful years of experience in the advertising and marketing business.

 My philosophy is to focus on the individual needs of my students rather than on size fits all, teaching Mysore style, guiding them on developing a personal practice suited to their healing and physical needs. I think it is also important to note that healing includes emotional.

For more details you are welcome to contact me at AshtangabyAllen@att.net or at www.ashtangabyallen.com



Appreciating positive feedback from my recent Ashtanga Yoga Healing Therapy Clinic in Philadelphia's Main Line attended by people ranging in ages from 20's through 70's, with all body types and different physical issues. Most of the people attending had no yoga experience and a few were very experienced including a woman whom has been practicing and teaching for 30 years. 

"Dear Allen,

Just wanted to thank you for the fantastic yoga session you taught and led yesterday. You were wonderful the way you explained everything fully and were patient and receptive to novices (like ME!!).

Everyone felt so terrific after the class. I was totally energized--even after I stood on my feet cooking for 3 1/2 hours!!

Thank you for sharing your expertise with us!!
Best Always,
Andy"