Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation

In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Amanda Kendle, who’s having trouble choosing the right Swiss rail pass for her trip to Switzerland.  Amanda is not alone - choosing the best rail pass is something that many travellers to Switzerland struggle with. In today's episode, Carolyn provides an overview of the different rail passes available to visitors and shares her tips for choosing the best...

In this episode, Carolyn shares the many accommodation options available to visitors to Switzerland. These include the usual options like hotels, hostels and apartments as well as bed and breakfasts and camping. There are some unique accommodation options available, too. Listen now to learn about: Things to consider before deciding where to stay Best accommodation options for families and couples...

I’m often asked the question: When is the best time to visit Switzerland? To be honest, there is no best time for every single person – what’s best for you may not work for the next traveller.   If you’re wondering when to visit Switzerland, this episode will help you to decide.  I’m joined by Birgit Weingartner, the Marketing Manager for Switzerland Tourism Australia and New Zealand, and we discu...

In this episode, we are joined by Fabian Bryner from Switzerland Travel Centre. Fabian tells us about the different rail packages available for travellers visiting Switzerland. These packages are tailor-made to fit every traveller, and include all train tickets and accommodation, making them extremely convenient for everyone.  Make sure you keep listening to the end to hear about a special discoun...

In this episode, we are joined by Nick Taylor who is a member of our Switzerland Travel Planning Facebook group. Nick and his wife have been frequent visitors to Switzerland for many years and in this episode Nick share's his top 10 Swiss experiences with us. They include a variety of train rides, hikes and other experiences in destinations in all over Switzerland. Listen now to learn about:...

In this episode, we are joined by Gabriele Aberle from Matterhorn Gotthard Railway. Gabi walks us through all the details travellers should know about the world-famous Glacier Express train journey. This journey features breathtaking panoramic views and is a bucket list trip for many visitors to Switzerland.  Do you dream of riding aboard the Glacier Express?  Listen now to learn about: The world...

2023 promises to be the year many listeners will finally be able to visit (or revisit) Switzerland . To help you prepare for your Switzerland trip, in this episode of the podcast I share my tips for securing your preferred accommodation and transport, give you an update on the different Swiss transport passes for 2023 and some ideas to consider if you’d like to head to a quieter, less-known destin...

In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Isabelle Rapisarda from Jungfrau Region Tourism. Isabelle tells us about the many fun activities that families can enjoy in the region.  From mountain carts and scooter rides, to adventure playgrounds, summer toboggan rides and marble runs, there are plenty of fun things to do in the Jungfrau Region for kids. Listen now to learn about: Child-friendly activitie...

In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Andy Nef from the Swiss Travel System. Andy shares all the latest news and updates on the Swiss Travel System, including the brand new GoldenPass Express. He also provides an update on  Swiss Travel Passes for 2023. Listen now to learn: Train timetable changes Night train services News and information about the GoldenPass Express Updates on the Chocolate Train...

In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Andie Pilot, a pastry chef, food writer and cookbook author. While being Canadian-Swiss she is still very rooted in Swiss traditions and culture from baking traditional Swiss cookies to enjoying wonderful Swiss advent season traditions. Listen now to learn: Swiss Christmas traditions and customs How and when the Swiss celebrate Christmas  What can you expect a...

In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Catharina De Sa who is the founder and owner of a Swiss Epic Tours, a company that offers private tours for travellers from around the world. Catharina can design tailored made private tours to fit all your needs, from single day to multi-day tours. The private tours offered by Swiss Epic Tours are ideal for travellers who want to relax and see Switzerland at...

In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Peter Niederberger who has lived most of his life in a majestic Swiss town called Engelberg. Peter fell in love with his beautiful surroundings at a young age and he joins us today to tell us about the many things to see and do in Engelberg and its home mountain, Mt. Titlis.  If you'd love to explore the beauty of central Switzerland's mountains,  gl...

In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Celine Deplazes from Lucerne Tourism to learn all about the history and must-see places in the Lake Lucerne region.  Celine was born and raised in the region and now calls the city of Lucerne home and she generously shares her local knowledge and tips for visiting the Lake Lucerne region with us.  Listen now to learn: History of Lucerne City Local monuments in...

Two of the best mountain excursions in the Jungfrau Region are Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn.  Both will leave you with lasting memories from your visit but if you only have the time or the funds to visit one, how do you choose? In this episode  you'll learn what each excursion entails so you can choose the one that's right for you. Listen to discover: How to get to each mountain summit Th...

In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Seraina, a Swiss local who was born near Zurich. Whilst the Swiss borders were closed during the pandemic, avid traveller, Seraina, started exploring her own country and is here to tell us what to expect when you visit Switzerland in winter. Listen now to learn: How unpredictable the weather can be How to get around during the winter Sport and non-sport activi...

In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Chris, an American who has been living in Geneva for the past 18 months. Chris' mission is to share free and inexpensive things to do in Geneva and in this episode she shares parts of Geneva that you won’t find on Instagram or in regular  travel guides. Listen now to learn: Where to find amazing 360 views of Geneva Hidden spots to discover in Geneva A uni...

In this episode, Carolyn shares her highlights and insights from her recent trip to Switzerland.  There are also updates on a number of new experiences she enjoyed for the first time. Listen now to learn: Carolyn's itinerary The highlights of Carolyn's trip Carolyn's thoughts on the Swiss Travel Pass Her thoughts on the Regional-Pass Berner Oberland The apps that were most helpful d...

Visiting some of the lesser-known places when you travel is always a highlight. Just because a town is not as well known doesn't mean it isn't as attractive as its more famous neighbours. In this episode of the podcast, Livio Goetz from Switzerland Tourism tells us about eight of his favourite towns and villages that are featured on a new list of 50 Magical Places in Switzerland. All are...

With what is probably the world’s most recognisable mountain as its backdrop, it’s not surprising that Zermatt is one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist destinations. Whilst there’s hardly a spot in Zermatt where you can’t see the Matterhorn, to get even better views, there are a number of mountain excursions you can take - each offering a different perspective. We’re going to hear all about th...

Most visitors to Switzerland head to the hot spots of  Zurich, Lucerne, the Jungfrau Region and Zermatt, and all are worthy destinations.  There are lesser known destinations that are worth a visit, too, and one such place is St. Gallen, Switzerland's eighth largest city. In this episode, I'm joined by Toby Treichler, Deputy Director of St. Gallen Bodensee Tourism, who tells us about his...

My special guest in this episode is Nansi Martin from New Jersey in the United States, who, along with her husband Rob, rented a car and did a road trip around Switzerland in September 2021.  They loved the freedom that having a car gave them as they were able to travel at their own pace and not have to adhere to timetables. In fact, they loved Switzerland - and driving around the country - so muc...

Interlaken is known as the adventure capital of Europe so if you’re an adventure seeker, this is the destination for you!  In this episode, I chat with Hannah Robley from Outdoor Switzerland to learn about the wide variety of adventure activities available. From paragliding in Interlaken, to canyoning, white water rafting and bungee jumping, Interlaken offers something for every outdoor enthusiast...

If you have only a short amount of time to spend in Switzerland, or just prefer to let someone else do the planning, taking a guided day tour from Zurich or Lucerne is the perfect solution. In this episode, I chat to Christian Landis, CEO of Best of Switzerland Tours, and Operations Manager Amanda Zurbrügg, to learn about the wide range of day tours from Zurich, Lucerne and Interlaken that the com...

One of the many wonderful things to do in Switzerland is to ride a cable car, funicular or mountain railway to the top of a mountain peak.  There are tons and tons of choices for mountain excursions right across the country, and nowhere more so than in the Jungfrau Region. But having such a huge choice of excursions can also cause a bit of a dilemma.  Which ones do you choose and how will you affo...

If you’re a regular listener of the podcast, you’ll be aware of Switzerland’s fantastic public transport network as there have been numerous episodes about the benefits of travelling around Switzerland by train. But there is an alternative way to travel.  Renting a car and doing a road trip! So if driving is your preferred mode of transport but you’re struggling to come up with the perfect itinera...