Welcome to Step One of the Four Steps to Planning Your Swiss Vacation series! Before you start filling your trip to Switzerland with scenic train rides and alpine views, let’s get your travel dates, flights, and insurance in place. In this episode, I walk you through the very first steps of planning a trip to Switzerland, that will set the tone for your entire adventure. We’ll start by figuring out the best time to visit Switzerland, taking into account the different seasons, popular events i...
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Welcome to Step One of the Four Steps to Planning Your Swiss Vacation series! Before you start filling your trip to Switzerland with scenic train rides and alpine views, let’s get your travel dates, flights, and insurance in place. In this episode, I walk you through the very first steps of planning a trip to Switzerland, that will set the tone for your entire adventure. We’ll start by figuring out the best time to visit Switzerland, taking into account the different seasons, popular events i...
Booking the key parts of your Swiss vacation can be challenging, especially when you're trying to figure out what needs to be reserved early and what can wait. Knowing what to secure in advance helps the rest of the process feel more manageable. In this episode, which is Step 3 of our Four Steps to Planning Your Swiss Vacation series, we’re covering the bookings that create a strong foundation for your trip: accommodations, panoramic train reservations, and rail tickets and passes. You’...
Planning the perfect trip to Switzerland can feel like a puzzle, especially when it comes to choosing where to go, how long to stay, and how to make it all fit together. In this episode, Step 2 of our Four Steps to Planning Your Swiss Vacation series, I’m guiding you through one of the most important steps: designing a Switzerland travel itinerary that lets you see more without overpacking your schedule. We’ll cover how to narrow down the best places to visit in Switzerland without over...
Welcome to Step One of the Four Steps to Planning Your Swiss Vacation series! Before you start filling your trip to Switzerland with scenic train rides and alpine views, let’s get your travel dates, flights, and insurance in place. In this episode, I walk you through the very first steps of planning a trip to Switzerland, that will set the tone for your entire adventure. We’ll start by figuring out the best time to visit Switzerland, taking into account the different seasons, popular events i...
Planning a trip to Switzerland can feel exciting, but it can also feel like there’s a lot to think about all at once. If you’re planning a European trip and wondering where to start, I’m here to help you slow things down and get organized without the overwhelm. In this episode, I share simple, practical travel planning tips to help you cover the basics, including passport validity requirements, what you need to know about Schengen area travel entry procedures, and how the upcoming ETIAS Autho...
From iconic routes like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express to charming towns, winter boat rides, and festive markets, winter in Switzerland offers a travel experience that feels straight out of a postcard. In this episode, I’m joined by Swiss rail expert Andy Nef to break down one of the most beautiful winter routes in the country, highlighting train travel in Switzerland at its best. We walk through a stunning Swiss itinerary inspired by the Grand Train Tour, including Lucerne, Interlak...
Want to see one of the largest waterfalls in Europe and add it to your Swiss itinerary? Rhine Falls is one of the most unforgettable stops as you travel Switzerland, and in this episode, I’ll show you how to make your visit smooth, scenic, and truly special. With its breathtaking views and centuries-old Swiss castles, a Rhine Falls tour is an experience you won’t want to miss. I’ll share how to enjoy one of Switzerland’s most iconic natural sites and get the most from your visit. From marvell...
When most people picture Switzerland in December, snowy slopes and ski resorts usually come to mind but a Swiss winter vacation offers so much more, especially if you're drawn to twinkling lights, cozy markets, and timeless holiday traditions. In this episode, I’ll take you on a journey through some of the most heartwarming Christmas experiences across Switzerland. From the twinkling Swiss lights in Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse to Lucerne’s brand-new Christmas Train, you’ll discover some of the mo...
If you’ve only ever thought of Swiss cuisine as chocolate and cheese, you will be surprised because there's a lot more to taste across Switzerland and much of it is hidden in plain sight. In this episode, I’m joined by Swiss-Canadian pastry chef and cookbook author Andie Pilot to take you on a culinary journey through the country’s regional specialties. You’ll hear about hearty alpine meals like Älplermagronen, Rösti, and Capuns, along with classic dishes like Züri Gschnätzlets and Cervelat s...
If you're planning a winter trip to Switzerland and want to experience the mountains without being tied to ski resorts, this episode is for you. We're taking you to Interlaken, where you’ll find a peaceful base with access to some of the most iconic scenery and experiences in the country. Live from the rooftop of the Hotel Metropole Interlaken, Renato Julier from Interlaken Tourism shares why this region is ideal in winter. You’ll hear about visiting the Jungfraujoch, home to the highest trai...
If you're working on your Switzerland itinerary and want to go beyond the usual tourist stops, this episode is for you! I’m sharing three destinations I recently visited that completely charmed me, each one offering something a little different, a little quieter, and a lot more local. First up is Savognin, a peaceful alpine village in Parc Ela that’s close to the Landwasser Viaduct, a must-see if you love scenic train views or hiking. It’s a great place to slow down and enjoy nature. Next, I ...
Snow-dusted peaks, shimmering lakes, and storybook villages are the things that make Switzerland a traveler's dream. But how do you fit it all into one unforgettable adventure? In this episode, I’m sharing my personal Switzerland itinerary from a month-long journey filled with breathtaking train rides, charming alpine towns, and local traditions you won’t find in any guidebook. From the iconic GoldenPass Express to regional trains, you’ll learn how to experience the best of Swiss rail t...
Big cities grab the spotlight, but Switzerland’s heart beats in its quiet lakeside towns and mountain villages. Just beyond the city limits, there’s a richness of culture, scenery, and tradition waiting to be explored. In this episode, I’m joined once again by Celine Deplazes from Lucerne Tourism to take you on a journey through some of the most beautiful boutique towns surrounding Lake Lucerne. We explore hidden gems like Brunnen, Beckenried, and Sörenberg, where you'll find everything from ...
Switzerland has something for everyone, but figuring out how to fit it all in when you're traveling with family can get tricky. From mountain adventures to quiet lake days, it’s all about finding the right balance for every age and interest. In this episode, I’m joined by Samantha Russell, who shares how she crafted the ultimate family vacation that blended outdoor adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable cultural experiences across Switzerland. From gliding through the skies with paragliding...
With its snow-capped peaks, alpine villages, and turquoise lakes, the Jungfrau Region is one of the most magical corners of Switzerland. In this episode, I’m sharing a well-paced, three-day Swiss itinerary designed for first-time visitors who want to experience the highlights without feeling rushed, from epic mountain excursions to peaceful lakeside moments. I take you through unforgettable experiences like riding the cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch, often called the Top of Europe, exploring ...
Are you dreaming of a trip to Switzerland but unsure where to start? Whether you're drawn to the majestic peaks or scenic towns, there's no better way to explore this beautiful country than by train. But with so many choices for itinerary planning, it can feel overwhelming to know where to go and how to get there. That’s why in today’s episode, I’m excited to share all the reasons why the Swiss Travel Pass is a game-changer for anyone wanting to experience Switzerland on their own terms...
If Lucerne is on your Swiss itinerary, you’re probably planning to see iconic sights like Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument. But what if you could go deeper, beyond the tourist trail and connect with authentic Swiss culture through immersive, hands-on experiences? In this episode, we're joined by Celine Deplazes from the Lucerne Tourism Board to explore some of the most unique and memorable things to do in the region. From artisan Swiss cheese making in the mountain village of Marbach to cr...
Want to make the most of your trip to Switzerland during the autumn and winter season? This episode is packed with everything you need to know about an exciting new Swiss Travel Pass promotion that's perfect for travel in Switzerland in autumn or Switzerland in winter. Whether you're dreaming of scenic train rides, snow-covered landscapes, or cozy village strolls, now’s the time to take advantage of extra travel deals in Switzerland. I break down how to claim your bonus days with the first-c...
If Jungfraujoch is on your bucket list, you’re in for a treat. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime places that truly lives up to the hype. You’ll find panoramic views, crisp alpine air, and postcard-perfect scenery around every corner. But knowing how to get there, which trains to take, and how to avoid the crowds? That part can be tricky. In this on-location episode, we’ll take you on a tour through the heart of the Jungfrau Region with Daniel Bott from Jungfrau Railways as our guide. We...
Thinking about a ski trip to Switzerland but overwhelmed by the planning? Not sure which Switzerland ski resort is right for your skill level or if it’s even worth it for non-skiers to tag along? Wondering how to manage ski lift passes, ski gear rental, or transportation across the Swiss Alps? There’s good news! Planning a winter trip to Switzerland can be easy, fun, and totally worth it - even if you’ve never skied before. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or seasoned skier, this epis...
Planning a trip to Switzerland? Don’t miss this deep dive into the country’s most beloved Swiss festivals! From winter to autumn, Switzerland celebrates its rich heritage with vibrant events that bring locals and travelers together. In this episode, Kathrin Spinnler returns to the show to guide us through the colorful calendar of Swiss celebrations. We chat about Bern’s iconic Zibelemärit, or Onion Festival, where confetti, onion tarts, and quirky traditions take over the city. You'll also le...
Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation
Welcome to Step One of the Four Steps to Planning Your Swiss Vacation series! Before you start filling your trip to Switzerland with scenic train rides and alpine views, let’s get your travel dates, flights, and insurance in place. In this episode, I walk you through the very first steps of planning a trip to Switzerland, that will set the tone for your entire adventure. We’ll start by figuring out the best time to visit Switzerland, taking into account the different seasons, popular events i...
