My brother and I are traveling to Sweden next fall. We plan mid September ‘26 for our visit. Time in Stockholm(history, architecture etc) but we have cousins who are seniors like us in the Linkopping area. I would not presume to stay with them, but do not mean to offend. Would getting a hotel room nearby be seen as kind or insulting somehow? We’re all getting older. It’s with an open heart we want to meet and engage with them. I’ve never met them, but other family has, and I’ve been emailing and getting acquainted. They will help us find all the “old places”. I’m only 2nd generation American. Super excited to explore my roots. Thanks in advance! Nancy
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
6883 posts
Always a delicate matter, when meeting up with relatives you haven't met in person before. Perhaps you could ask if they have any recommendations for accommodations near them. That then allows them to either invite you to stay with them, or to suggest a hotel, etc.
Posted by
Minnesota🌲
10952 posts
I wouldn't assume that they would be insulted. In fact, I would just tell them when you email that you are going to be there and would love to get together and meet for dinner or something like that. Then tell them where you will be staying so that they know that you already have something booked.
It would be different if you knew them. And quite frankly I think that if they wanted you to stay with them, they probably would have suggested it already. That's my opinion of course and I could be wrong.
My daughter and I are going to Norway next year and we are going to stop by and visit some cousins of her husband. He has met them but she has not, so we are staying at a nearby hotel and then plan to go out to dinner with them.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
916 posts
With the exception of my aunt and uncle with whom I was very close, I was preemptive in my approach and booked a hotel each time I visited places where cousins lived both in Norway and Sweden. I then let them know where we were staying and that I hoped to plan some visits with them.
Posted by
Freedonia
18299 posts
I don't see how getting a hotel room would offend them. If they want you to stay with them, they will invite you.
If they found out you were in the area and didn't contact them, then they might get offended.