Carolyn Schönafinger - Switzerland Vacation Planning Expert

Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation

Society EN ↓ 194 episodes

Are you planning a vacation to Switzerland? On the Holidays to Switzerland travel podcast you'll get practical tips and advice from Swiss travel experts to help you plan your dream trip to Switzerland. Your host, Carolyn Schönafinger, the founder of HolidaysToSwitzerland.com and a Swiss travel expert, shares the best places to visit in Switzerland based on her experiences, along with all the Swiss travel tips she has gathered over 30 years and on dozens of visits, for planning a trip to Switzerland.  Discover the best things to do in Switzerland, and learn essential information about train tra...

Author

Carolyn Schönafinger - Switzerland Vacation Planning Expert

Category

Society

Podcast website

holidaystoswitzerland.com

Latest episode

Jul 8, 2026

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Episodes

Don’t Forget These Switzerland Trip Planning Essentials: Step Four of our Four Steps to Planning Your Swiss Vacation series 14.01.2026

Let’s dive into the final step of our Four Steps to Planning Your Swiss Vacation series . In this episode, we focus on the small details that help your trip feel organized from the moment you arrive. This is where your plans start to feel real, and all the pieces come together in a simple, calm way as you travel to Switzerland. We look at the practical tasks that are easy to overlook when you are...

What to Book Early for Your Trip to Switzerland: Step 3 of our Four Steps to Planning Your Swiss Vacation series 07.01.2026

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 foundati...

5 Smart Itinerary Tips for Your Trip to Switzerland: Step 2 of our Planning Your Swiss Vacation series 31.12.2025

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 s...

Your Dream Trip to Switzerland Starts Here: Step 1 of Four Steps to Planning Your Swiss Vacation 24.12.2025

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 ou...

7 Tips for First Time Travelers Planning to Visit Switzerland 17.12.2025

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, wh...

How to Experience Winter in Switzerland with the Swiss Travel Pass 10.12.2025

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...

How to Visit the Rhine Falls and Why They Should Be in Your Swiss Itinerary 03.12.2025

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 en...

Where to Experience the Most Magical Swiss Christmas Holiday Traditions 26.11.2025

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 li...

What to Eat in Switzerland Besides Cheese and Chocolates: Exploring Local Swiss Cuisine Specialties 19.11.2025

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 l...

9 Things to Do in Interlaken for the Ultimate Winter Trip to Switzerland 12.11.2025

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 share...

Visiting Switzerland? Discover 3 Off-The-Beaten Path Swiss Towns That Only The Locals Know About 05.11.2025

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-se...

Swiss Itinerary Tips and Top Experiences from My 4-Week Trip to Switzerland: From Appenzell to Rhine Falls 29.10.2025

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 icon...

8 Lesser-Known Swiss Villages and Towns near Lake Lucerne to Include in Your Trip to Switzerland 22.10.2025

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. W...

Wengen, Lucerne, Lugano: Tips for Planning an Unforgettable Family Trip to Switzerland 15.10.2025

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...

3 Perfect Days in the Jungfrau Region: The Ideal Swiss Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 08.10.2025

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 experi...

How to Combine Popular Destinations and Off-the-Beaten Path Switzerland for the Ultimate Swiss Itinerary 01.10.2025

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 t...

A Local’s Guide to Authentic and Typically Swiss Things to do in Lucerne 24.09.2025

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...

Swiss Travel Pass Promotion: Get FREE Travel Days On Your Trip to Switzerland 17.09.2025

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...

Must-Know Tips for Visiting Jungfraujoch Top of Europe 10.09.2025

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...

How to Plan the Perfect Ski Trip to Switzerland 03.09.2025

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...

The Year-Round Guide to Traditional Swiss Festivals That Will Make Your Trip to Switzerland Truly Unforgettable 27.08.2025

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 Onio...

Train Etiquette in Switzerland: The Do's and Dont's for Riding Swiss Trains Like a Local 20.08.2025

Planning a trip to Switzerland and wondering how to make the most of its world-class rail network? If you’re dreaming of exploring lakeside towns, or riding the iconic Swiss panoramic trains, this episode will help you feel fully prepared. In this episode, I’m sharing everything you need to know about Switzerland rail travel. Whether you’re riding sleek Swiss trains between major cities or heading...

Visiting Zermatt? 5 Reasons to Add the Five Lakes Hike to Your Swiss Alps Travel Adventure 13.08.2025

Dreaming of panoramic views and sparkling alpine lakes on your Swiss Alps travel adventure? If alpine hiking, charming mountain villages, and unforgettable mountain excursions are on your wishlist, this episode is for you. In this episode, I’m joined by Claudia Wyss from Zermatt Cableways as we explore one of Switzerland’s most scenic walks, the famous Five Lakes Hike. Starting from Blauherd and m...

The Ultimate 17-Day Swiss Itinerary for Scenic Train Rides and Mountain Excursions 06.08.2025

Dreaming of the perfect Switzerland vacation but feeling overwhelmed by train schedules, hotel options, and which destinations are worth your time? If panoramic views, charming villages, and stress-free Alps travel are on your wishlist, this is for you. In this episode, we follow Alan and Jackie Freshwater’s 17-night adventure across Switzerland, where they combined independent exploration with th...

Why the Swiss Mountain Village of Wengen Belongs on Every Switzerland Travel Itinerary 30.07.2025

Wondering how to navigate the country, where to stay, or what sights are truly worth visiting on your trip to Switzerland? If you’re dreaming of waterfalls, mountain views, and stress-free adventures, this is for you.  In this episode, we explore the charming Swiss mountain village of Wengen, located in the heart of the Jungfrau Region. This car-free destination is easy to reach via the scenic tra...

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