

Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation
Carolyn Schönafinger - Switzerland Vacation Planning Expert
Are you planning a vacation to Switzerland? On the Holidays to Switzerland travel podcast you'll get practical tips and advice from Swiss travel experts to help you plan your dream trip to Switzerland. Your host, Carolyn Schönafinger, the founder of HolidaysToSwitzerland.com and a Swiss travel expert, shares the best places to visit in Switzerland based on her experiences, along with all the Swiss travel tips she has gathered over 30 years and on dozens of visits, for planning a trip to Switzerland. Discover the best things to do in Switzerland, and learn essential information about train travel in Switzerland, food, language and so much more.You'll also hear from special guests who offer tips about the top destinations in Switzerland like Zurich, Grindelwald and Zermatt, as well as some off-the-beaten-path gems that only the locals know about. Don’t finalize your Switzerland travel plans until you’ve listened to this podcast. Tune in and let us help you plan the perfect Switzerland vacation. If a visit to Switzerland is part of your Europe travel plans, this is the only Switzerland travel guide you'll need!Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss an episode of the Holidays to Switzerland travel podcast. You can find full show notes, travel guides, resources and much more on our website >> https://holidaystoswitzerland.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 20, 2022 • 35min
What to Expect When You Visit Switzerland in Winter
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 beHow to get around during the winterSport and non-sport activities visitors can doThe wonder of Christmas in SwitzerlandSeraina’s favourite ski locationsFor further information and the full Show Notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode55>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources including Carolyn's Switzerland Itinerary Planner.Connect with us:Website | Newsletter | Facebook group | InstagramThis podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerlandSupport the showIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

Sep 6, 2022 • 33min
Fun and Free Things To Do In Geneva
Chris Rakuti-Dubin, an American expat living in Geneva, shares her adventures discovering the city’s hidden gems. She reveals stunning spots for 360-degree views and shares a unique chocolate experience exclusive to the city in December. Chris emphasizes family-friendly activities and practical tips for getting around, including her perfect lazy Sunday filled with local markets and bakeries. Join her as she uncovers affordable ways to enjoy Geneva’s rich culture without breaking the bank!

Aug 23, 2022 • 49min
Insights and Updates from my recent Switzerland vacation
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 itineraryThe highlights of Carolyn's tripCarolyn's thoughts on the Swiss Travel PassHer thoughts on the Regional-Pass Berner OberlandThe apps that were most helpful during Carolyn's tripUseful things to know when traveling in SwitzerlandFor further information and the full Show Notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode53>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources including Carolyn's Switzerland Itinerary Planner.Connect with us:Website | Newsletter | Facebook group | InstagramThis podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerlandSupport the showIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

Aug 9, 2022 • 30min
Magical Places in Switzerland to include in your itinerary
Switzerland Tourism's Livio Goetz shares his favorite lesser-known towns and villages in Switzerland. These hidden gems are featured in the Federal Inventory of Swiss Historical Sites and can be explored along the Grand Tour of Switzerland. The enchanting town of Stans, with its picturesque location and beautiful square, is one of the highlights. Würgenberg, the oldest timber-framed settlement in Switzerland, offers stunning views and charming markets. The village of Scent boasts unique architecture and outdoor activities. Discover all 50 magical places on the my Switzerland website.

Jul 26, 2022 • 50min
Magnificent Matterhorn Excursions from Zermatt
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 those excursions in this episode from guests Catherine Wichmann and Gabriele Aberle. You'll hear the top tips, things to do and how to get to:Matterhorn Glacier ParadiseRothornGornergratAfter hearing from Catherine and Gabi, you'll know which excursion - or excursions - to include in your visit to Zermatt.For further details about the excursions mentioned in this episode, and the full Show Notes, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode51>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources.Connect with us:Website | Newsletter | Facebook group | InstagramThis podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerlandSupport the showIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

Jul 12, 2022 • 32min
Visiting St. Gallen and Bodensee
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 beautiful city and the surrounding region, and why you should consider including it in your Swiss itinerary.We discuss:Toby's background and his role at St. Gallen Bodensee TourismImportant things to know about St. GallenSt. Gallen's highlights and must-visit attractionsCulinary specialties of St. GallenOther destinations that St. Gallen Bodensee Tourism are responsible forBest time of year to visit St. GallenToby's tips for spending one day in St. Gallen'Secret' places to visit near St. GallenFor further details about all the places and foods mentioned in this episode, and the full Show Notes, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode50>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources.Connect with us:Website | Newsletter | Facebook group | InstagramThis podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerlandSupport the showIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

Jun 28, 2022 • 49min
Trip Report: Exploring Switzerland by car
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 much, they’ve booked another trip for September 2022!In this episode we discuss:Nansi and Rob's itineraryWhy they loved renting a car and driving in SwitzerlandThe things that surprised Nansi about SwitzerlandThe plans for Nansi and Rob's return trip to SwitzerlandNansi's tips for first-time travellers to SwitzerlandListen now for practical tips and advice to help you plan your own Swiss vacation.For more information about the places mentioned in this episode, and the full show notes, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode49.>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources.Connect with us:Website | Newsletter | Facebook group | InstagramThis podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerlandSupport the showIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

Jun 14, 2022 • 42min
Looking for the best outdoor activities in Interlaken Switzerland? Discover 13 unforgettable things to do in Interlaken.
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.Listen now to learn about the fantastic array of adventure activities in Interlaken.Happy travels,Carolyn👉 Show notes - Episode 48Where to get more Swiss travel tips and inspiration:- On our website - Subscribe to our newsletter - Join our private Facebook group🇨🇭Take advantage of our exclusive Switzerland trip discounts.This podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerlandSupport the showIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

May 31, 2022 • 42min
The best day trips from Zurich with Best of Switzerland Tours
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 company offers.From city sightseeing to mountain excursions, adventure activities to tours perfect for foodies, multi-day tours and more personalised small group tours, the choice of tours available from Best of Switzerland Tours is excellent.As well as day trips from Zurich to Lucerne and day trips from Zurich to the Alps, there are lots of other destinations that you can experience on one of Best of Switzerland Tours' day trips.If you're looking for the best day trips from Zurich and Lucerne, you'll find them covered in this episode.In this episode we discuss:The history behind Best of Switzerland ToursWho Best of Switzerland Tours are most suitable forThe range of day tours from Zurich, Lucerne and Interlaken offered by Best of Switzerland ToursBest of Switzerland Tours' most popular day trips from ZurichBest of Switzerland's tour guidesWhy visitors to Switzerland should book a day trip with Best of Switzerland ToursYou're sure to find the ideal tour (or two!) to book for your trip after hearing today's episode.For more information - and where to book - the tours mentioned in this episode, as well as the full Show Notes, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode47>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources.Connect with us:Website | Newsletter | Facebook group | InstagramThis podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerlandSupport the showIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

May 17, 2022 • 35min
Berner Oberland Pass - the Swiss rail pass for the Bernese Oberland
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 afford them? That’s where transport – or rail – passes come in. With just one ticket, you can ride on mountain railways, cable cars and funiculars as well as the regular public transport system within a certain area.On previous episodes of the podcast we’ve chatted about the Swiss Travel Pass and the Jungfrau Travel Pass and today it’s time to discover all the benefits of the Berner Oberland Pass with my special guest, Jana Amacher.Discover all the benefits of the Berner Oberland Pass (previously called the Regional-Pass Berner Oberland) in this episode.For more information about the boat trips mentioned in this episode, as well as the full Show Notes, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode46/.>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources.Connect with us:Website | Newsletter | Facebook group | InstagramThis podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerlandSupport the showIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️