Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation

Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation

Carolyn Schönafinger - Switzerland Vacation Planning Expert
Країна Сполучені Штати
Мова EN-US
Епізодів 192
Останній 19.08.2026

A travel podcast dedicated to helping listeners plan a vacation to Switzerland. Host Carolyn Schönafinger, a Swiss travel expert, shares practical tips and advice based on her 30 years of experience visiting the country. Episodes cover top destinations like Zurich, Grindelwald, and Zermatt, as well as hidden gems, train travel, food, and language. Special guests offer additional insights, making this a comprehensive guide for anyone planning a trip to Switzerland.

Епізоди

  • Why Switzerland Captivates Visitors from Around the World 19.08.2026 33хв
    Ever wondered what makes Switzerland unique? In this special episode, three passionate Switzerland experts - each with a very different connection to the country - share why Switzerland holds such a special place in their hearts. Together, we explore everything from Switzerland's breathtaking landscapes and seamless public transport to its rich traditions, regional cultures and unforgettable experiences. You'll also hear their top tips for first-time visitors, favourite Swiss foods, how...
  • Swiss Supermarket Tips Every First-Time Visitor Should Know 12.08.2026 22хв
    Planning your first trip to Switzerland? Grocery shopping in Switzerland is one of the easiest ways to save money, enjoy delicious local food and experience everyday Swiss life. In this episode, we take you inside a Switzerland supermarket and share practical Swiss travel tips for first time visitors to Switzerland. Discover what to buy in a Swiss supermarket, from fresh bread, cheese and chocolate to picnic favourites, plus learn about opening hours, shopping bags, self-checkouts...
  • Discover Zurich | Two Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 05.08.2026 27хв
    Planning two days in Zurich? This episode shares a practical Zurich itinerary for first-time visitors, covering the city's must-see attractions, local neighbourhoods, delicious food and helpful travel tips. Along with guest, Laura Storrer, we discover the best things to do in Zurich, from exploring the charming Zurich Old Town and vibrant Zurich West to enjoying fantastic Zurich restaurants, sampling local specialities and enjoying great views of the city. We also discuss why the B2 Hotel Zur...
  • Autumn in Switzerland | Best Fall Travel Tips and Experiences 29.07.2026 33хв
    Discover why autumn is the best-kept secret for Switzerland travel. In this episode, my guest Oliver Weibel from Switzerland Tourism, shares essential tips for planning the perfect Switzerland fall itinerary. From scenic hikes in the Swiss Alps in autumn to watching a traditional alpine cow descent, we cover must-do seasonal experiences and share tips on savoring seasonal cuisine. We discuss seasonal closures, what weather conditions to expect in Switzerland in autumn, and which activities to...
  • How to Navigate Lucerne Train Station Like a Local 22.07.2026 27хв
    If you're passing through Lucerne station for the first time, it's easy to feel a little overwhelmed. So we’re here to help! In this episode, Swiss rail expert Andy Nef takes us on a live, on-location tour of Luzern Bahnhof, as it’s known locally, pointing out everything from the scenic trains from Lucerne to the practical facilities most first-time visitors miss. Andy walks us through the platforms, showing where to catch trains like the Luzern Interlaken Express and Voralpen Express, and h...
  • Tips for Dining Out in Switzerland: Reservations, Tipping, Etiquette, and Must-Try Swiss Dishes 15.07.2026 43хв
    Dining out in Switzerland is one of the real highlights of any Swiss adventure, but for first-time travellers, it can also bring a few surprises - especially when it comes to Swiss dining etiquette. In this episode, I’m joined by local foodie Kristin Reinhard, to answer the most common questions about eating at Switzerland restaurants and to learn more about Swiss traditional foods like Fondue and Raclette. Kristin shares practical tips about meal times, dinner reservations in Switzerla...
  • Planning Your Switzerland Trip: Find the Travel Style That Suits You Best 08.07.2026 17хв
    Planning a trip to Switzerland is exciting but it’s also easy to become overwhelmed by endless options. Should you go the DIY travel route for complete control, or lean on a Switzerland travel specialist for guidance and support? The first step is planning how to visit Switzerland in a way that truly suits your style, whether that’s with a small group tour of Switzerland, tailor-made support, or personalised Switzerland travel experiences. In this episode, I draw on nearly four decades ...
  • Basel in Two Days: Top Attractions, Local Eats, and Easy Day Trips 01.07.2026 40хв
    Wondering if Basel is worth visiting, or how best to spend two days in Basel before or after your Rhine River cruise? You’re not alone! Many travelers overlook Basel, but this charming Swiss city on the banks of the Rhine River is packed with history, culture, and surprises - making it well worth including in your Swiss itinerary. In this episode, I chat with Basel resident, Melinda Schoutens. Melinda shares her suggested Basel itinerary for two days, covering what to do in Basel for a day or...
  • Your Guide to the Glacier Express: Route, Tickets, Highlights and Essential Information for Travelers 24.06.2026 21хв
    If a panoramic train journey through Switzerland is on your bucket list, the legendary Glacier Express is a must. But questions abound: How do you get Glacier Express tickets? When should you book to ensure you secure seats - especially in the coveted Glacier Express Excellence Class? Is the eight-hour Glacier Express route between St. Moritz and Zermatt really worth it? In this episode, I chat with Gabi Aberle, Manager Overseas Markets for the Glacier Express, to get her insider tips on trav...
  • Discover Ticino - Where Swiss Alpine Charm Meets Italian Flair 17.06.2026 25хв
    Dreaming of discovering a side of Switzerland where palm trees sway, gelato replaces fondue, and the mountains meet the Mediterranean? Then Ticino, Switzerland’s sunniest region, is calling your name! With so many amazing things to do in Ticino, planning your visit can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. Should you wander the UNESCO-listed castles of Bellinzona, Switzerland’s castle capital or stroll the elegant lakefront promenades of Lugano or Locarno on Lake Lugano and Lake...
  • How the Berner Oberland Pass Can Save You Money in the Jungfrau Region and Beyond 10.06.2026 24хв
    Planning your Switzerland vacation can feel overwhelming - especially when you’re faced with choices like the Berner Oberland Pass vs Swiss Travel Pass, or trying to decide which Switzerland travel pass is the best value for your trip. In this episode, I chat with Fabienne Harnisch, Manager of the Berner Oberland Pass, about all the essentials: What does the Berner Oberland Pass include? Is the Berner Oberland Pass worth it? How does it compare with other Swiss rail pass options, especially f...
  • 7 Unforgettable Small Group Day Tours from Zurich You Won’t Want to Skip 03.06.2026 34хв
    If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland and want to make the most of your limited time in Zurich without feeling overwhelmed with logistics, a small group tour could be your answer. In this episode, I’m joined by Catharina De Sa from Swiss Epic Tours to learn more about their guided small group day tours from Zurich. We chat through the full range of Zurich day trips they offer, including memorable journeys to Mt Titlis (with a private lakeside fondue experience!), the spectacular Rhin...
  • Things to Do in Bern, Switzerland: A Two Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 27.05.2026 31хв
    If Bern, Switzerland’s capital city is on your must-visit list but you’re not sure where to start, you’re in the right spot! In this episode, I’m sitting down with Bern native Kathrin Spinnler to spill all our favourite secrets about how to make the most of 2 days in Bern - from the best things to do in Bern, Switzerland to can’t-miss local highlights. We’ll take you on a stroll through the gorgeous Bern Old Town with its fountains, covered arcades and the impressive Bern Minster, show ...
  • Which Lucerne Mountain Should You Visit? Comparing the Region’s Six Must-See Peaks 20.05.2026 34хв
    Trying to pick the best mountain excursion near Lucerne can be a real challenge - especially with so many amazing options right on your doorstep! If you’ve ever wondered which Lucerne mountain excursion you should do, or you’re busy searching for things to do in Lucerne beyond the city, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Lucerne local, Celine Deplazes, and together we break down everything you need to know about Lucerne’s six big peaks - Mount Pilatus (well-known for the Pilatus cog...
  • How to Design a Tailor-Made Switzerland Itinerary (Without Hours of Research and Planning) 13.05.2026 26хв
    Planning your first trip to Switzerland can feel exciting… but also completely overwhelming, particularly if you don’t want to follow a generic Switzerland itinerary. Between choosing destinations, booking hotels, deciding on scenic train rides, and trying to include both the famous highlights and lesser-known gems, it’s easy to spend hours researching and still feel unsure. The solution is to use a specialist Switzerland trip planner. In this episode, I’m joined by Cédric Simon from Watch &a...
  • How to Explore the Switzerland Most Tourists Miss 06.05.2026 46хв
    Curious about Switzerland’s hidden gems and ready to venture off the beaten path? In this episode, I team up with Swiss travel expert James to reveal secret Switzerland—those unique places to visit in Switzerland that most travelers never find. Together, we share an inspiring week-long Switzerland itinerary packed with unforgettable stops: the car-free paradise of Braunwald, the authentic alpine village of Savognin Switzerland in the heart of Graubünden, the underrated city buzz of Winterthur...
  • What to do in Montreux: Two Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 29.04.2026 28хв
    Planning your dream Swiss vacation and wondering, Is Montreux worth visiting? Absolutely it is! In this episode, I’m joined by Martina Fuhrer from Montreux Riviera Tourism for your ultimate Montreux travel guide, packed with expert insights for an unforgettable visit to this stunning lakeside gem. We dive deep into the best things to do in Montreux, and share a perfect 2-day Montreux itinerary that balances iconic sights, foodie delights, and hidden gems you definitely don’t want to mis...
  • Summer in Switzerland: Top Activities, Weather Tips, and How to Beat the Crowds 22.04.2026 40хв
    Thinking about a Switzerland summer vacation but not sure exactly when or where to go? You’re in the right place! In this fun and info-packed episode, I’m catching up with fellow Swiss fanatic Christen Fleming to talk about all things summer in Switzerland - and, honestly, it might just be the best time to visit Switzerland. We swap stories, favorite spots, and essential tips for making the most of those long sunny days in the Swiss Alps. We’re covering the absolute best places to visit in Sw...
  • These Rail Tours in Switzerland are the Perfect Solution for a Hassle-Free Swiss Vacation 15.04.2026 36хв
    Planning to take a Swiss rail vacation? Join me in this episode to learn more about Echo Rails who offer some of the best Switzerland tours by train. I'm joined by Andrea Caspani, owner of Echo Rails, to chat about their small group guided tours of Switzerland that have earned over 500 five-star reviews. You'll learn about the different Switzerland itinerary options offered by Echo Rails, which include rides on the famous panoramic trains Switzerland is so famous for. Tour g...
  • Switzerland Day Trips By Train: The Secret to a More Relaxed Swiss Itinerary 08.04.2026 39хв
    Are you dreaming of exploring Switzerland by train, bus, or boat but want to do it at your own relaxed pace? In this episode, we explore the fantastic Swiss public transportation network and discover how to embrace slow travel in Switzerland for a relaxing, stress-free adventure. I’m joined by Andy Nef, market manager for Swiss Travel System, to uncover how the legendary Swiss train network makes it effortless to enjoy Switzerland day trips without the stress of packing and unpacking each day...

Популярний у

Цей подкаст також потрапляв у чарти подкастів у цих країнах.