Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation

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 style and comfort.

You'll learn what to expect on board this beautiful Swiss panoramic train, including the differences between the Prestige, First, and Second class options, what kind of local food and drinks are served, and even a few insider tips about where to sit for the best views. 

We also cover everything you need to know about tickets, including the discounts offered for Swiss Travel Pass and Berner Oberland Pass holders, and why you should book your seat reservations in advance. 

But the GoldenPass Express isn’t the only gem MOB Railway has to offer. We also explore other memorable journeys like the nostalgic GoldenPass Belle Époque train, and two delicious experiences: the Chocolate and Cheese Trains. Switzerland’s unique rail journeys even allow you to enjoy a true taste of Swiss culture and culinary delights! 

Whether you're looking to enjoy scenic views, experience vintage charm, or sample local treats, there's something for everyone.

If you’re planning a trip between Montreux and Interlaken, or you’re looking for the perfect way to experience Switzerland train travel with breathtaking views, this episode is packed with helpful information to make your Swiss train adventure unforgettable.

Safe travels,

Carolyn

👉 Show notes - Episode 128

🚞 Get your Swiss Travel Pass here

📖 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 trip discounts.

Support the show

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

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 shares some easy ways to get the best bang for your vacation dollar so you can travel Switzerland on the cheap. Tips include booking early to get the best Switzerland travel deals, and Fabian has some great ideas to help you save on transport and accommodation, too. 

Plus you’ll hear how to eat and drink in Switzerland for less and learn about a fantastic coupon pass which offers over 100 buy 1, get 1 free deals for admission fees, excursions, activities, dining and more. 

If you want to learn how to travel in Switzerland cheap - or as cheap as possible - tune in for lots of helpful tips to help stretch your travel budget further.

Safe travels,

Carolyn

👉 Show notes - Episode 127

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

🎟️ Buy your Digital Swiss Coupon Pass 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.

Support the show

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

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 uncover what makes Aletsch Arena so special. We talk about the car-free Swiss mountain villages, where you can truly disconnect and enjoy nature, and explore the best viewpoints to see the glacier up close. You’ll also hear about the exciting activities available year-round, from hiking along scenic alpine trails in summer to skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months.

We break down the best ways to visit Aletsch Arena, including Glacier Express stops and the easy connections from Brig. Plus, if you’re traveling with a Swiss Travel Pass, you’ll love hearing about the Swiss Travel Pass discounts available for cable cars and other transport options in the area.

If you’re planning a Swiss adventure, this is the perfect destination to add to your itinerary. Whether you love outdoor adventures, peaceful alpine getaways, or just want to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots, Aletsch Arena is a must-visit. Tune in to hear why this is one of the most unique places to visit in Switzerland and why it deserves a spot on your Switzerland bucket list!

Safe travels,

Carolyn

👉 Show notes - Episode 126

🚞 Get your Swiss Travel Pass here

📖 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 trip discounts.

Support the show

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

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, from urban chic to cosy accommodation in the Swiss Alps, and all delivered a comfortable and relaxing stay.

If you are trying to choose hotels in Zurich, Grindelwald or Basel, tune in to learn why I loved these properties before you make your Switzerland hotel booking!

Safe travels,

Carolyn

👉 Show notes and promo codes for hotel bonuses - Episode 125

📖 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 trip discounts.

Support the show

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

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 Euros?’

You’ll also learn some useful facts about the Switzerland currency and find out where to exchange money in Switzerland.

Tune in now for helpful tips about paying for goods and services in Switzerland.

Safe travels,

Carolyn

👉 Show notes - Episode 124

📖 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.

Support the show

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

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, or something fancy like a sunset dinner cruise. 

Plus, I’ll tell you how the Swiss Travel Pass can make your trip even easier and cheaper. We also dive into some cool sustainable travel options that are in use, like hybrid boats and solar fuel! 

And that’s not all! If you love outdoor adventures, we’ll also cover the best mountain excursions you can combine with your cruises. We share how you can enjoy the amazing views from Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, plus we reveal the details of a brand new premium culinary cruise on Lake Lucerne.

I’ll also share some tips on booking your tickets, including advice on first-class seating for a more relaxing trip. So grab your travel notebook  and get ready to plan a perfect day exploring the stunning Lake Lucerne in Switzerland!

Safe travels,

Carolyn

👉 Show notes - Episode 123

🚞 Get your Swiss Travel Pass here

📖 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 trip discounts.

Support the show

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

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, the best activities for every season, and insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Wondering where to stay in Jungfrau region? How to get around? Or if you really need a car? We’ve got you covered! Plus, Kelly shares some hidden gems and a fantastic one-day itinerary if you’re short on time.

Get ready to be inspired and start planning your Swiss adventure! Tune in now.

Safe travels,

Carolyn

👉 Show notes - Episode 122 

🚞 Get your rail pass for the Jungfrau Region here

📖 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 trip discounts.

Support the show

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

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 regarded as one of the best Christmas markets in Switzerland), visiting the beautiful cities of Zurich, Lucerne and Basel during winter, and why sledding is a great activity to try during winter in Switzerland.

When Christmas is over, there are plenty of things to do in Switzerland in January, too. From mountain excursions to museum visits and visiting festivals like the LILU Light Festival in Lucerne, I cover them all in this episode.

If you’ve been wondering what there is to do in Switzerland in winter for non-skiers, this episode is for you!

Safe travels,

Carolyn

👉 Show notes - Episode 121 

📖 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 trip discounts.

Support the show

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

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? What are the best scenic drives in Switzerland? Do you need a special license? What about insurance? How do speed limits, parking, and road tolls in Switzerland work?

I’ll also share some must-know driving tips and help you decide if a rental car in Switzerland is the right choice for you.

Tune in for practical travel advice that will make your Switzerland road trip stress-free and unforgettable!

Safe travels,

Carolyn

👉 Show notes - Episode 120 

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

🚗 Plan your Swiss road trip with our 14-day Grand Tour of Switzerland itinerary - Read it 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 trip discounts.

Support the show

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

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 timetables for mountain railways and gondolas in Switzerland, what you should pack for a day trip to the Swiss Alps, where to check the live weather conditions and what facilities you can expect to find at a Swiss mountain summit.

Wherever you are in Switzerland, cable cars and mountain railways are waiting to whisk you to the peaks for a great day out. Whether you’re planning a Swiss Alps day trip from Zurich or from elsewhere in the country, you won’t want to miss these tips to help you have a memorable mountain excursion in Switzerland.

Safe travels,

Carolyn

👉 Show notes - Episode 119

📖 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.

Support the show

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