Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation

Are you planning a Swiss vacation and wondering which mountains in Switzerland to visit? There are so many fabulous Swiss mountain excursions on offer it can be hard to decide which of the mountains in Switzerland to choose. In this week’s episode, I share some essential tips for travelling in Switzerland for anyone planning a mountain excursion.  You’ll learn important information about the timet...

Looking for the perfect mix of history, food, and stunning scenery in Switzerland? Gruyères, a picturesque medieval town in La Gruyère region, has it all!  Famous for its Gruyère cheese and Swiss chocolate, this charming region offers unforgettable attractions like the 13th-century castle, Château de Gruyères, La Maison Cailler chocolate factory, La Maison du Gruyère cheese factory and Alpine land...

Wondering what are the most popular apps in Switzerland for tourists? In this episode, I share four handy Switzerland apps that you’ll want to download before you travel to Switzerland. I discuss why the SBB Mobile app is essential for every visitor - even those who are renting a car, and why the MeteoSwiss app is my preferred Switzerland weather app. You’ll also learn about two other apps that wi...

Are you planning your first trip to Switzerland and feeling overwhelmed?  Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!  In this episode, I’m joined by Swiss expert Kathrin Spinnler to unpack everything you need to know to make your Swiss vacation smooth and unforgettable. We’ll explore the history of  Switzerland, the four official languages, and what makes this country so unique, including why its country...

Wondering what to pack for Switzerland? In this episode I share seven items that are always in my suitcase when I travel to Switzerland. My list of essential things to pack for Switzerland includes a few items that you may not have considered but will be very useful. Join me to learn why I always pack a travel plug adapter for Switzerland, what I use to keep track of my luggage, and the clothing i...

Planning a trip to Switzerland in 2025?  In this episode, I'm sharing my top 10 essential Switzerland travel tips to help you make the most of your Swiss adventure. From booking strategies for the busy FIFA Women's Euro 2025 season to insider advice on avoiding tourist crowds, I'll walk you through everything you need to know. You'll learn why securing accommodations early is c...

Looking for unique ways to explore Lucerne?  In this episode, I chat with Roberto Riccardi about an innovative way to discover Swiss hidden gems - cargo e-bike tours! Based in Lucerne, Roberto's company Loop Tours offers a sustainable and enjoyable way to explore beyond the typical tourist spots in both Lucerne and Interlaken. Wondering about Switzerland travel planning? Roberto also shares i...

Switzerland is full of stunning landscapes, iconic trains, and must-see destinations, but figuring out how to get around can be overwhelming. The Swiss Travel Pass is a popular option for travelers, but is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?  In this episode, I chat with Swiss public transport expert Andy Nef about the many Swiss Travel Pass benefits and why it’s a must-have for exploring Switzerland....

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable Swiss getaway, look no further than the Montreux Riviera. In this episode, I chat with Martina Fuhrer from Montreux Riviera Tourism to uncover what makes this Swiss gem so special. Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux is known for its stunning views, rich culture, and unique attractions.  Martina gives her tips for what to do in Montreux, from visit...

Traveling through Switzerland is made easier with the Berner Oberland Pass, and today’s episode is all about making the most of it. I’m joined by Jana Amacher, who manages the Berner Oberland Pass. She updates us on the new features for 2025, including the extension of the pass’s availability throughout the year. Jana explains the added benefits, such as free travel on two scenic trains—the Luzern...

Planning a trip to Interlaken but worried about the weather?  Don’t worry—there’s still plenty to do! In this episode, I’m joined by Renato Julier, a Swiss tourism expert, to share all the fun things to do in Interlaken, even if the sun isn’t shining. From discovering magical waterfalls and exploring hidden caves to making your own Swiss chocolate and enjoying scenic lake cruises, there’s plenty t...

Hiking in Switzerland is a dream for many, with the country offering a diverse range of trails suitable for all abilities. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, understanding what to expect and how to prepare can make all the difference. In this episode, I am joined by seasoned Swiss hiking expert Tanya Deans from Swiss Family Fun. You'll learn about the beauty and challenge...

Switzerland in winter is truly magical, and one of the best ways to experience it is by train.  With snow-covered landscapes, festive Christmas markets, and world-renowned ski resorts, a winter trip to Switzerland offers something for everyone.  But planning a trip can be overwhelming—especially if you’re trying to figure out how to see it all. That's where winter rail packages come in. These...

Planning a trip to Zermatt, Switzerland? This picturesque alpine town, nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, is a dream destination for many.  Whether you're drawn by the majestic mountain peaks, the charming car-free village, or the endless outdoor activities, Zermatt offers something for everyone. In this episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with Viviane Zellweger from Zermatt Tourism...

Whether you're looking to scale mountain peaks, enjoy serene lakeside towns, or discover hidden gems, Lucerne offers a wealth of opportunities for every traveler in Switzerland. While the city itself is a delight to explore, one of Lucerne's greatest assets is its access to some of the most breathtaking day and half-day excursions in the region.  In this episode, I’m joined by Céline Dep...

Planning a trip to Switzerland can be both thrilling and overwhelming. With so many breathtaking destinations to choose from, it's hard to know which scenic train journey to get.  In this episode, I am joined by Swiss travel expert Chris Rigert to share insights about the Luzern Interlaken Express, a spectacular two-hour journey between Lucerne and Interlaken. You'll learn about the rout...

Ever felt excited but a bit stressed about planning a trip to Switzerland? I get it!  Picking the best places to visit, sorting out how to get around, and finding the right spots to stay can seem like a lot. Join me as I share the highlights and insights from my recent three-week adventure through Switzerland! Fresh from the journey, I dive into a detailed overview of our travels, starting with a...

Are you looking to explore the breathtaking Bernese Oberland region in Switzerland? Join me as I chat with Jana Amacher, the manager of the Berner Oberland Pass, and discover the incredible benefits of this all-in-one ticket for exploring one of Switzerland's most stunning areas. In this episode, you'll learn about some fantastic destinations you can visit with the Berner Oberland Pass,...

Planning a trip to Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region can be as daunting as it is exciting.  With so many beautiful destinations to choose from, deciding where to base yourself can make or break your Swiss holiday experience.  In this episode, I dive deep into the charming destination of Grindelwald (towns don’t get any more authentically Swiss than this!) with local expert and tourism professional Jam...

Have you ever wondered, “What is the best time to visit Switzerland?”  If you're considering a trip to this stunning country, Switzerland in autumn might just be the perfect answer.  In this special 100th episode, we'll explore the incredible beauty of autumn in Switzerland. During fall, the Swiss landscape transforms into a breathtaking canvas of vibrant colors that makes Swiss travel p...

Planning a trip to Switzerland can be overwhelming. With so many beautiful places to see, how do you ensure you're choosing the best experiences that make every moment count? Today, we’re going to uncover the lesser-known yet breathtaking Gotthard Panorama Express. This unique travel experience combines a relaxing boat cruise on the picturesque Lake Lucerne with a scenic train journey through...

Are you dreaming of visiting Switzerland but feeling unsure about the cultural norms and etiquette?  As a visitor in a foreign country, it's natural to worry about unintentionally offending locals or committing social faux pas.  In this episode, I chat with Kathrin Spinnler, who was born and raised in Switzerland, to get her expert advice on navigating Swiss culture with ease. Kathrin shares...

Are you planning to see scenic Switzerland by train? In this episode, Carolyn answers 15 of the most frequently asked questions by travellers who plan to travel Switzerland by train.  If you’ve ever wondered if there are weight limits for luggage on Swiss trains, or have asked ‘do Swiss trains have toilets?’, these questions and many more will be answered in this episode. Listen now to learn: Why...

Are you ready to ride on the world's first and only open-air double-decker cable car? Join us in this episode as Carolyn chats with  Lena Häfelfinger to learn all about visiting Mt. Stanserhorn.  Lena shares the many reasons to visit the mountain which include great views over Lake Lucerne, hiking, learning about the local flora and fauna, and dining at the Stanserhorn restaurant where you ca...

Let's go in search of five of the most beautiful waterfalls in Switzerland! In this episode, our guest, Melinda Schoutens, joins us to tell us about some of her favourite Swiss waterfalls.  Each of these breathtaking waterfalls in Switzerland are easily reached by public transport - or on foot if you enjoy a hike - and will be a highlight of your Switzerland vacation.   Listen now to learn ab...