A couple enjoys the view from a hot air balloon over Stockholm, Sweden.

Check into the Lydmar Hotel, a stylish Stockholm hotel where everything is integrated — including a front desk that's located in the hotel's restaurant and bar! Since Stockholm is built on 14 islands, it may be the only city in the world where the most logical way to sightsee is by kayak. Here's what savvy travelers know about visiting Stockholm:

• Warm-blooded travelers visit in June and July when temperatures are highest. With 18-hours of daylight, it's the perfect time to make the most of each day.
  
• Rock climbing is best between June and August when it's light for nearly 18 hours a day.
  
• Budget conscious visitors know to get the "Stockholm card," which entitles you to free public transportation within the city, free entrance to over 70 museums and attractions and free sightseeing trips by boat. Stockholm card costs approx. $30 USD for 24 hours.
  
• $1 USD = approx. 7.8 SEK (Sweden Kronor)
  
• Sweden has a 20% value added tax. To get a tax refund on most purchases over $25 USD, ask for a "global refund check." Remember, hotel and restaurant tax isn't refundable.
  
• Favorite food souvenirs include cloudberry jam, whitefish roe and fine chocolates.

Lydmar Hotel
Sturegatan 10,5-114 36 Stockholm, Sweden
Ph: +46-8-5661 13-3
www.Lydmar.se
Room rates range from about $170-$645 USD per night.
Picking a room at the Lydmar Hotel is like buying a t-shirt. Rooms come in small, medium, large and extra-large. Regardless of size, rooms include a wide-screen TV with DVD players and other amenities. Additionally, each room also has its own interior style. All rooms are furnished with colorful textiles, antiques, contemporary art and design as well as photos of the jazz and soul musicians who have been on stage in the Lobby Restaurant.

Magnus Lonn, Kayaking Guide
Ph: +46 (7) 0-631 37 70
magnus@eventseven.se
A 2-1/2 hour guided archipelago tour costs about $23 USD.

City Ballong (Hot Air Balloon Tours)
Stockholm, Sweden
Ph: 08-34 54 64
info@cityballong.se, www.cityballong.se
A 4-hour hot air balloon trip costs about $235 USD per person. A champagne picnic, diploma, and souvenir are included in the price.

Hotel J
Ellensviksvagen 1, 131 27 Nacka Strand, Stockholm, Sweden
Ph: +46 (0) 8-601 30 00
www.hotelj.com
A one-night stay at Hotel J costs about $120-$420 USD.
J is a hotel, restaurant and conference solution that is unique in its class.
The hotels and restaurants are decorated in a modern nautical style reminiscent of New England in the U.S. Boat rentals can be arranged through the hotel.