Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation

Planning your first trip to Switzerland and not sure what to prioritize? You're definitely not alone. With so many breathtaking spots and unforgettable things to do, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you even book your flight. In this episode, I’m sharing my top 13 must-have experiences for first-time visitors. These are the things I return to again and again, and I never get tired of them...

Are you planning your first trip to Switzerland and wondering how to make the most of your visit? This episode is packed with expert advice and insider tips just for you! In this unique episode, in which we celebrate five years of the Holidays to Switzerland podcast, I switch roles and become the guest. In my chat with Lynne Niemann from the Wander Your Way podcast, I share my personal journey of...

Most travelers to Zurich head straight for the Old Town, Bahnhofstrasse, or maybe the Lindt Home of Chocolate, but have you ever heard of the Schanzengraben? In this episode, I’m joined by Evelyne Jeannerat from Zurich Tourism to uncover one of the city’s most surprising hidden gems: the Schanzengraben, a quiet waterway just steps from the heart of Zurich. Whether you explore it on foot or by stan...

Most travelers to Switzerland have heard of Zurich, Lucerne, and Interlaken, but have you ever considered stopping in Chur? In this episode, I’m joined by Lara Schäffeler, Marketing Manager at Chur Tourism, to uncover everything you didn't know you needed to know about Chur, Switzerland, officially the oldest city in Switzerland! With over 13,000 years of history and stunning mountain views,...

If a visit to Mount Titlis is part of your Switzerland itinerary, you won’t want to miss this episode. I’m joined by Olivia Hecht for a live, on-location tour from the charming mountain town of Engelberg all the way to the summit of Mt. Titlis—the highest peak in central Switzerland.  We’ll also show you how to get to Mt. Titlis from Lucerne, including tips for public transport and cable car ticke...

Are you planning a trip to Switzerland this July to attend the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025? Or are you wondering if the tournament will affect your Swiss vacation plans? This episode is packed with all the essential info you need! I’m joined by Matthias Albrecht from Switzerland Tourism, and co-lead of the Women’s Euro 2025 campaign, to answer the most commonly asked questions from fans planning their...

If you’re not a regular public transport user, the thought of navigating your way around Zurich railway station can be a little daunting. But it’s not as difficult as you might think. In this live-on-location video, Andy Nef takes us on a tour of Zurich main station and shows us the facilities and services available at the station.  We learn about the platforms and signage, connection times, how t...

Are you planning to explore Switzerland by rail and are wondering which Swiss train tickets to buy? Or is a Swiss rail pass for tourists is a better choice? It can be very confusing but don’t worry, in this episode I discuss the different rail passes and Swiss train tickets for tourists to help you decide which is the best option for you. The Swiss Travel Pass is one of the most popular rail passe...

What if exploring Zurich could make you healthier and help the planet? In this episode, I’m joined by two inspiring women who are changing how we experience Switzerland’s biggest city without the crowds or the big carbon footprint. First, meet Giada Rocca, a former lawyer and yoga teacher who now leads energizing urban hikes through Zurich. Her company, Zurich Urban Hikes, blends movement, nature,...

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking the perfect Switzerland road trip, this episode will help you turn those dreams into reality! Join me as I chat with Sandra Babey from Switzerland Tourism about one of the best scenic drives in Switzerland—the iconic Grand Tour of Switzerland. In this episode, you’ll discover everything you need to know about embarking on this epic 1,600-kilometre circular route, d...

Hiking in Switzerland no longer means carrying a heavy backpack for days on end. Today’s Swiss hiking experience is all about comfort, flexibility, and unforgettable alpine views.  In this episode, I’m joined once again by Andrea Caspani, founder of My-Mountains, to reveal how you can experience the magic of the Swiss Alps on foot without sacrificing comfort, flexibility, or stunning views. Andrea...

Are you trying to decide where to stay in the Jungfrau Region for your upcoming trip to Switzerland? With so many charming Swiss villages to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to pick the right base.  In this episode, we simplify that choice and help you find the location that best suits your travel plans. I'm joined by local expert James Wilson, a resident of Wengen, who brings years of f...

Don’t leave your sightseeing in Lucerne, Switzerland to chance!  Join me in this episode as my guest, Celine Deplazes takes us on a Lucerne city tour.   Celine shares some of the top things to do in Lucerne which include visiting the Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, Old Town and the Lion Monument, and she tells us why a cruise on Lake Lucerne is a great idea. There are plenty of interesting stories sha...

Most people think all cable cars in Switzerland offer the same experience. They don’t. The ride to the Schilthorn is one of a kind, both for its engineering and the views at the top and that’s what we’re going to talk about today. In this episode, I’m joined once again by Alan Ramsay from Schilthorn Cableway Ltd to talk about the major upgrades to one of the most iconic mountain excursions in Swit...

Planning an excursion to Mt. Pilatus from Lucerne? This episode is for you! I’m joined by Manuela Blapp, live from Mt. Pilatus, to learn all about what makes this a must-visit mountain.  Manuela tells us about the Mt. Pilatus Golden Round Trip which includes a ride on the Mt. Pilatus cogwheel train, the steepest cogwheel train in the world. She also shares details about the different activities yo...

If you're planning a family vacation in Switzerland, this episode is tailor-made for you! Join me as I chat with Hana Hurabova to discover favorite outdoor activities that make Switzerland a perfect destination for families. We explore a range of exciting activities to keep your kids entertained, from Alpine playgrounds and themed hiking trails to adrenaline-pumping scooter rides and rodelbah...

If you're dreaming of a train journey that’s just as stunning as the destination, you’re going to love what this episode has in store.  Today, I’m joined by Frédéric Delachaux from the MOB Railway to chat about one of the most popular Swiss scenic trains, the GoldenPass Express. We dive into what makes it such a special journey, connecting two must-visit spots, Montreux and Interlaken, in sty...

If you’ve already started planning your Swiss vacation you’ve no doubt realised that it’s an expensive country to visit. But just how expensive is Switzerland? You’ll probably find that goods and services cost more in Switzerland than they do in your home country but don’t despair - in this episode you’ll discover plenty of ways to travel in Switzerland on a budget. I’m joined by Fabian Bryner who...

Switzerland is known for its jaw-dropping scenery, but if you want to experience one of the most stunning and underrated spots, you need to visit Aletsch Arena. Home to the Great Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps, this breathtaking region is one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Switzerland.  In this episode, I’m chatting with David Kestens, a local expert, to u...

Looking for accommodations in Switzerland? In this episode I share my thoughts on three hotels I recently had the pleasure of staying at. My recent trip to Switzerland included stays at B2 Hotel Zurich (surely one of the coolest hotels in Switzerland with its unique 33,000-book library), Glacier Hotel Grindelwald and Volkshaus Basel. Each of these Swiss hotels has its own personality and style, fr...

If you are planning a Swiss vacation and are wondering what is the best way to take money to Switzerland, this episode is a must-listen. Credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted and I share some tips that may save you some money if this is your preferred method of payment.  I also answer commonly asked questions such as ‘do I need cash in Switzerland?' and ‘does Switzerland accept Eur...

If you're dreaming of visiting Switzerland and wondering about the best way to explore Lake Lucerne, this episode’s for you!  I’m chatting with Sabine Föhn from the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company about everything you need to know for an unforgettable lake cruise experience. We’ll talk about different types of cruises, whether you want a short boat ride, a historical paddle steamer experience...

Dreaming of visiting Switzerland? The Jungfrau Region is one of the most breathtaking places in the Swiss Alps. In this episode, I chat with Kelly Joss from Jungfrau Region Tourism about everything you need to know before visiting this stunning Swiss destination. From charming villages like Grindelwald and Mürren to iconic mountain peaks like Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn, we cover must-see spots, t...

Planning to travel to Switzerland in winter? Join me in this episode as I share my highlights and observations from my recent winter trip to Switzerland. Whether visiting the Christmas markets in Switzerland, sledding or skiing, or enjoying scenic winter train rides is top of your itinerary wish-list, you’ll get plenty of helpful advice. I share my thoughts on the Montreux Christmas market (widely...

Thinking about renting a car in Switzerland?  While Switzerland’s train system is world-class, there are times when a rental car might be the better option for your trip.  In this episode, I’ll walk you through the benefits of driving in Switzerland, when it makes sense to rent a car, and the important things you need to know before hitting the road. Is renting a car cheaper than train travel? Wha...