Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation

Carolyn Schönafinger - Switzerland Vacation Planning Expert
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Aug 21, 2024 • 35min

The BEST day trips from Lucerne! Top Swiss mountain excursions and charming towns to visit.

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 Deplazes from Lucerne Tourism to explore some of the best day and half-day excursions you can take from Lucerne. You'll learn about the different mountains you can explore, like Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi, and Mount Titlis, each offering unique experiences.Céline and I chat about everything from the peaceful and lesser-known Stanserhorn to the thrilling ride on the steepest funicular in the world to reach Stoos. We also talk about visiting charming lakeside villages like Brunnen, and small towns near Lucerne, perfect for those who want to experience authentic Swiss village life.Tune in and find out which mountain excursions are best for you and why Lucerne is the perfect year-round destination. Happy travels,Carolyn👉 Show notes - Episode 105🚞 Get your Swiss rail pass hereWhere 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.Support the showIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️
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Aug 7, 2024 • 18min

Why the Luzern Interlaken Express is Switzerland's must-ride scenic train (and how to book it)

Chris Rigert, a Swiss travel expert from Lucerne, shares his passion for the Luzern Interlaken Express, a must-ride scenic train in Switzerland. He highlights breathtaking views of five crystal-clear lakes and majestic waterfalls. Discover the best side of the train for optimal scenery and why booking in advance is crucial during peak times. Chris also offers tips on enjoying local cuisine on board and seamless connections to other scenic routes, including Montreux. Get ready for a picturesque journey through Switzerland!
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4 snips
Jul 24, 2024 • 42min

7 unforgettable highlights + tips from my recent Switzerland trip to help you plan yours!

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 scenic train ride from Austria and moving through picturesque towns like Lucerne, Locarno, and Lauterbrunnen. I'll talk about the unique experiences we enjoyed, from riding the Voralpen Express to exploring the serene beauty of Bettmeralp and witnessing the majestic Aletsch Glacier.Learn practical tips on how to navigate Switzerland’s transportation with ease, the best uses for travel apps like MeteoSwiss and SBB Mobile, and why sometimes carrying a bit of cash is a good idea. I also share my thoughts on staying connected with E-sims and some of the charming hotels in Lucerne.Whether you're planning your own Swiss adventure or just love hearing about exciting travel experiences, this episode is packed with valuable advice and inspiration to help you get the most out of your visit to Switzerland. Happy travels,Carolyn👉 Show notes - Episode 103🚞 Get your Swiss Travel Pass or Berner Oberland Pass hereWhere 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.Support the showIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️
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Jul 10, 2024 • 31min

Save on your Swiss vacation! Visit 20+ mountains for free with the Berner Oberland Pass

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, including Niederhorn, Mount Niesen, Mount Stockhorn, Alpentower, Oeschinensee, and Sillerenbühl. From scenic excursions and panoramic views to family-friendly activities and adventurous hikes, we'll give you a glimpse of what awaits you.We'll also share practical tips on how to get the most out of your pass, ensuring you make the most of your time and budget while exploring this beautiful part of Switzerland. Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, the Berner Oberland Pass offers flexibility and significant savings, making it an essential part of your Swiss adventure. Tune in to get all the details and start planning your dream trip to Switzerland today!Happy travels,Carolyn👉 Show notes - Episode 102🚞 Get your Berner Oberland Pass hereWhere 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.Support the showIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️
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Jun 26, 2024 • 35min

Things to do in Grindelwald. A local’s guide to the best activities and excursions.

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 James Wilson. We explore everything this idyllic location has to offer, from breathtaking mountain excursions to cozy village amenities.James provides practical advice on navigating local transportation, choosing the right Swiss rail passes to save money, and selecting the best spots for dining and lodging. We also discuss top activities such as hiking to the picturesque Bachalpsee, experiencing the thrill of Grindelwald First's adventure offerings, and enjoying serene walks through the Glacier Gorge.Tune in to gain valuable tips to make your Swiss travel adventure as enjoyable as possible with our best resources to help you plan your perfect trip to the Jungfrau region. Join us and discover how Grindelwald can become your dream Swiss vacation base!Happy travels,Carolyn👉 Show notes - Episode 101Where 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.Support the showIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️
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Jun 11, 2024 • 18min

Why Autumn is the best time to visit Switzerland (Travel tips from local experts)

Discover why autumn is the ultimate time to explore Switzerland's breathtaking landscapes. The vibrant fall colors transform the countryside into a stunning canvas. Enjoy scenic train rides, like the Lucerne Interlaken Express, and uncover hidden gems away from the crowds. Delve into autumn adventures, from hiking with stunning foliage to indulging in seasonal culinary delights and celebrating local festivals. Plus, learn about exciting events like the Jungfrau Marathon. Experience Switzerland's enchanting fall magic!
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May 28, 2024 • 24min

How to plan your perfect Swiss adventure on the Gotthard Panorama Express

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 the historic Gotthard tunnel to Lugano. Join me and my guest Laura Lichtenberger, Sales Manager for the Gotthard Panorama Express, as we dive into the captivating history of the Gotthard Tunnel, discuss the exceptional services offered on the journey, and share tips to make the most of this unforgettable trip. Whether you’re planning your first visit to Switzerland or looking to rediscover its charm, this episode will inspire you to add the Gotthard Panorama Express to your itinerary. Don’t let this hidden gem slip through your travel plans!Happy travels,Carolyn👉 Show notes - Episode 99🚆 Get 'The Essential Guide to Travelling by Train in Switzerland'Discount code: PODCAST for 30% off until 31 May, 2024.Where 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.Support the showIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️
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May 14, 2024 • 37min

How to respect local customs and etiquette on your Swiss vacation

Join Switzerland native Kathrin Spinnler as she shares her insights on navigating Swiss culture for travelers. She covers essential topics like public transportation etiquette, dining customs, and the importance of punctuality and formal greetings. Kathrin emphasizes respect for the environment while hiking and offers practical tips for interacting with livestock. She also highlights the value of learning basic local phrases to connect with locals better, ensuring a respectful and enjoyable Swiss vacation.
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Apr 30, 2024 • 24min

15 FAQs about train travel in Switzerland answered

Thinking about exploring Switzerland by train? Discover why trains are the best choice for travel, boasting impressive punctuality and reliability. Learn about luggage limits, seat reservations, and whether trains run on holidays. Find out which rail passes suit tourists best and if discounts are available for children. Tips on navigating the SBB mobile app and resources for real-time updates ensure a seamless travel experience. Get ready to ride the scenic railways of Switzerland with confidence!
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Apr 16, 2024 • 18min

Mount Stanserhorn: Add this mountain peak in Switzerland to your must-visit list!

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 can enjoy a candle light dinner. Stanserhorn's summit is reached by both funicular and cable car and Lena tells us about the frequency of services and ticket prices for Stanserhorn (Swiss Travel Pass holders travel for free!). Listen now to learn about:Where Mount Stanserhorn is locatedHow to get to Mt. Stanserhorn from LucerneThe historic funicular and Cabrio Bahn Stanserhorn Ticket prices for the Stanserhorn excursionWhat to do at Mt. StanserhornWhen you can visit Mt. StanserhornImportant tips you should know before visiting the mountain⭐ Guest: Lena Häfelfinger from CabriO Stanserhorn👉 Show notes - Episode 96🚆Get the Free Swiss Travel Pass guideWhere to get more Swiss travel tips and inspiration:On our websiteSubscribe to our newsletterJoin our private Facebook group🇨🇭 Take advantage of our exclusive Switzerland trip discounts.Support the showIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

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