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 Swiss rail pass for your itinerary. 

Listen now to learn about:

• An overview of each rail pass and what they include
• Carolyn's four-step process for choosing the best Swiss rail pass for your trip
• Where to purchase your rail pass
• How to use your Swiss rail pass
• Our new digital calculator for rail pass comparison
  
  

For further information and the full show notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode69

>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources.

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This podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerland

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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
• What to expect in each style of accommodation
• The many unique accommodation options that are available
• Things to keep in mind before booking your accommodation
• When you should book your accommodation
• Local city tax charges applicable to overnight guests

For further information and the full show notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode68

>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources.

Connect with us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube channel
• Newsletter

This podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerland

Support the show

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

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 discuss the pros and cons of visiting Switzerland at different times throughout the year.

We chat about some of the popular events that take place in Switzerland and what to expect in terms of weather in the different seasons.

There are other considerations to keep in mind, too. The best time of year to visit Switzerland for you may depend on when you can get time off work, whether you want to hike or ski in Switzerland, or when a particular event is taking place.

If you want to visit the mountains, the best time to go to the Swiss Alps is probably not at the end of autumn as a couple of the Swiss panoramic trains and some of the mountain cableways and funiculars don’t operate at this time of year. 

Of course, in my opinion, any time is a good time to visit Switzerland but knowing what to expect before you arrive will help to you choose the ideal time for you to visit.

Safe travels,

Carolyn

👉 Show notes - Episode 67

📖 Free guide 21 useful things to know before you visit Switzerland - Get your copy here

Where to get more Swiss travel tips and inspiration:

•On our website

•Subscribe to our newsletter

•On our YouTube channel

🇨🇭 Take advantage of our exclusive Switzerland travel discounts.

This podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerland

Support the show

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

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 discount for our listeners.

Listen now to learn about:

• The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
• Different types of rail packages and their inclusions
• Some of the theme packages that are available
• The benefits of booking a Swiss rail package
• A special bonus offer for our listeners

For further information and the full show notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode66

>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources.

Connect with us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube channel
• Newsletter

This podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerland

Support the show

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

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:

• How Nick plans his journeys to Switzerland
• Nick's top 10 recommended Swiss experiences
• Nick's favourite hiking trails in Switzerland
• His favourite city in Switzerland

For further information and the full show notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode65

>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources.

Connect with us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube channel
• Newsletter

This podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerland

Support the show

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

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 famous Glacier Express train journey
• Why you should take the journey
• The main highlights along the route
• What to expect on board the train
• The different classes available on the Glacier Express
• Information about the train tickets and seat reservations
• Travelling with young children.
• Taking luggage onboard the Glacier Express

For further information and the full show notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode64

>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources.

Connect with us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube channel
• Newsletter

This podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerland

Support the show

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

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 destination for a day or two.

And make sure you keep listening to the end of this episode as I have some very exciting news about an exclusive bonus offer for the Holidays to Switzerland audience. 

Listen now to learn about:

• Any changes to the various Swiss rail passes for 2023
• The new GoldenPass Express
• Seat reservations on premium panoramic trains
• Why you should make your trip bookings early
• Less-known towns to consider visiting
• The new cableway from Zermatt to Cervinia in Italy
• A Holidays to Switzerland exclusive offer

For further information and the full show notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode63

>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources.

Connect with us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube channel
• Newsletter

This podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerland

Support the show

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

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 activities in the Jungfrau Region
• Family-friendly excursions and hikes
• Interactive adventure playgrounds
• Marble Runs
• Zip lines,  mountain carts and scooter rides
• Grindelwald Glacier spider web
• Mini golf courses in Grindelwald and Wengen
• Family activities including a dwarf trail at Hasliberg
• Skiing and sledding for all the family

For further information and the full Show Notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode62

>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources. 

Connect with us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube channel
• Newsletter

This podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerland

Support the show

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

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 and the Cheese Train
• News and updates on panoramic trains
• Updates on the Swiss Travel System
• Swiss Travel Pass prices for 2023
• News about the new world record for the longest passenger train

For further information and the full Show Notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode61

>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources.

Connect with us:

• Website  
• Instagram
• YouTube channel
• Newsletter 

This podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #inLOVEwithSWITZERLAND

Support the show

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

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 at Switzerland's Christmas Markets
• The four main Christmas cookies you'll find in Switzerland, plus two other delicious varieties
• Andie's favourite Swiss Christmas cookie
• Andie's Swiss cook books and where to buy them

For further information and the full Show Notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode60

>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources. 

Connect with us:
Website
Instagram
YouTube channel

This podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerland

Support the show

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️