Are you planning your first trip to Switzerland and not sure where to begin? This episode lays out a complete Switzerland itinerary designed for first-time travelers who want a scenic, meaningful trip without feeling rushed. From mountain peaks and lakeside towns to quiet villages and world-famous train rides, you’ll get a clear path to follow from arrival to departure.

James Wilson, founder of Swiss Tailor Made, joins me to walk through a one-week route that includes stops in Lucerne, Wengen, Lenk, and Montreux. You’ll hear exactly how to move between these destinations with ease using the Swiss Travel Pass, and why this pass makes all the difference when navigating trains, boats, and Swiss cable cars.

We also talk about what makes each location special. Picture panoramic rides on the Golden Pass Line, traditional experiences at the Ballenberg Museum, and walks through the Lavaux vineyards.

You’ll also get practical hotel tips for places like the Bernese Oberland, Lake Geneva, and charming Swiss villages that offer comfort, charm, and incredible views. Plus, you’ll hear why a half-day trip to Stanserhorn is one of the best ways to start your adventure in Lucerne, with open-air cable cars and sweeping lake views.

This episode blends the well-known sights with off-the-path gems. We cover just enough to help you plan a trip that’s full of variety and still leaves room to relax and explore.

If you’ve been searching for a trip that includes scenic train journeys, quiet alpine hikes, and a taste of local culture, this is it.

Happy travels,
Carolyn

👉 Show notes - Episode 170

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📖 Free Switzerland Trip Planning Starter Kit and Guide - Get your copy here

🎙️ Share your feedback and tell us what you love about the podcast by sending an email to: podcast (at) holidaystoswitzerland.com

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Let’s dive into the final step of our Four Steps to Planning Your Swiss Vacation series. In this episode, we focus on the small details that help your trip feel organized from the moment you arrive. This is where your plans start to feel real, and all the pieces come together in a simple, calm way as you travel to Switzerland.

We look at the practical tasks that are easy to overlook when you are busy building your Swiss itinerary. This includes booking popular restaurants, arranging tickets for key attractions, and setting aside time to think through your first day plans. A little preparation here removes so much stress later.

You’ll hear why it’s worth making restaurant reservations and buying tickets in advance for places like the Lindt Home of Chocolate and popular Swiss city tours, especially during busy travel periods. Activities like mountain excursions can depend on the weather, so I share tips on when to book and when to wait. If you're hoping to visit Jungfraujoch, you'll want to have a flexible plan in place.

We also talk through the essentials of travel money, including whether or not you should carry some Swiss francs in cash and when to look out for unexpected bank fees. I also cover the best ways to set up mobile connectivity so you're not scrambling to find Wi-Fi on arrival.

If you're still building your plans or finalizing the last few things, this episode brings together the most useful Switzerland travel tips to help you feel fully ready. It's the final touch before your bags are packed and your adventure begins.

Happy travels,
Carolyn

👉 Show notes - Episode 169

✅ Browse the exclusive travel discounts offered by our trusted partners.

📖 Free Switzerland Trip Planning Starter Kit and Guide - Get your copy here

🎙️ Share your feedback and tell us what you love about the podcast by sending an email to: podcast (at) holidaystoswitzerland.com

Where to get more Swiss travel tips and inspiration:

•On our website

•Subscribe to our newsletter

•Join our private Facebook group

•On our YouTube channel

Support the show

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

Booking the key parts of your Swiss vacation can be challenging, especially when you're trying to figure out what needs to be reserved early and what can wait. Knowing what to secure in advance helps the rest of the process feel more manageable.

In this episode, which is Step 3 of our Four Steps to Planning Your Swiss Vacation series, we’re covering the bookings that create a strong foundation for your trip: accommodations, panoramic train reservations, and rail tickets and passes. You’ll also hear helpful Switzerland travel tips to make this stage of your trip easier to manage.

One of the most important things to secure ahead of time is your accommodation. If you're hoping for a balcony with lake views or a room that fits your whole family, it's important to plan early. The same applies to hotels with air conditioning or lifts, which aren’t standard in every building. Booking early lets you choose comfort and location, instead of settling for what’s left.

Scenic rail journeys are a highlight for many travelers. Panoramic trains like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Gotthard Panorama Express are popular for good reason. But they run on limited schedules and require seat reservations, especially if you want to ride in Prestige Class on the GoldenPass Express or sit on a particular side of the train. These panoramic trains are well worth the extra steps, and booking early helps you avoid missing out.

Many travelers wonder about train tickets and rail passes. Prices often stay the same, but booking early spreads out costs and gives you one less thing to handle during your trip.

If you're creating a Swiss itinerary and feel like the logistics are getting complicated, there are easier paths. Booking a private tour or joining one of the curated small group tours gives you support while still allowing for adventure. For independent travelers, Swiss rail packages offer structure and ease without a guide.

Tune in for full details on what elements of your Swiss vacation you should book well ahead of your travel date.

Happy travels,
Carolyn

👉 Show notes - Episode 168

✅ Browse the exclusive travel discounts offered by our trusted partners.

📖 Free Switzerland Trip Planning Starter Kit and Guide - Get your copy here

🎙️ Share your feedback and tell us what you love about the podcast by sending an email to: podcast (at) holidaystoswitzerland.com

Where to get more Swiss travel tips and inspiration:

•On our website

•Subscribe to our newsletter

•Join our private Facebook group

•On our YouTube channel

Support the show

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