Switzerland is among the most stunning and unique nations to visit. The lush green hills and the decadent chocolate enticed me. But the $16 burgers at McDonald’s and the $8 cappuccinos may leave you slightly stunned.
It’s not surprising that Switzerland is among the most expensive nations worldwide. It’s not difficult to understand why so many people opt to travel to Switzerland in their later years and are having a ball a bit more.
How can you go about it without completely draining your travel funds? Here are seven suggestions to help you discover Switzerland even on the tightest budget.
1. Accommodation in Switzerland
We all have this image when we travel to Switzerland and spend the night in a luxurious chalet hidden within the Swiss Alps cuddled in front of the fireplace. Although that may sound like lots of enjoyment, the cost is likely to be a total loss for your budget. Hostels and hotels are extremely expensive in this country.
There are a variety of alternatives when it comes to saving on accommodations. You can house sit/pet-sit homeowners or pet owners during their absence. You’ll get the opportunity to stay in a hotel for free. The Airbnb service is an excellent alternative if you’re not interested in it.
Tip: If you’re staying close to bordering the Swiss frontier, you could save cash through crossing borders and remaining in a bordering nation. It’s pretty easy to cross the border inside the EU, and it’s worth it to try it if you can.
2. Don’t eat out!
Making your food is the best way to go. Restaurants can be very costly in Switzerland. If you want to dine out, go out at lunchtime when restaurants offer lunch specials. If you’re eating out, try ethnic restaurants such as Indian, Chinese, Lebanese, and so on because they’re less expensive.
3. Don’t purchase drinks
While it’s tempting to party in Switzerland, it’s not something you should blow the budget for. If you’d like to drink, you can purchase liquor from the supermarket at a lower cost. Don’t purchase the water in bottles because it’s costly. Instead, bring the refillable water bottle along with you. Switzerland is a master of having water fountains all over the place. Additionally, the water pumped from the tap in Switzerland is better than any bottle of water that you can purchase there.
4. Do not travel during the high season.
The high season in Switzerland runs from July until August when the weather is at its warmest and from January to February during winter. Switzerland’s winter months are the most popular for winter activities and sports betting. This usually implies that the nation is crowded with tourists, and prices will be higher. The best time to visit is between April and June and September to October.
5. Utilize Public Transportation
Switzerland has an excellent public transportation system. It’s secure and straightforward to use. The public bus is accessible in certain towns of Switzerland. Try an easy Google search to determine whether the city you’re visiting has it available for free. Whatever the case, public transportation is less expensive than taxis.
6. Discover Your Location On the move
Walking and hiking in Switzerland are enjoyable since the landscape is gorgeous. Spend less cash by walking and hiking instead of taking taxis.
7. Purchase the Train Pass
The most effective way to travel around Switzerland is by train. The Eurail pass is your most reliable companion here. It’s a one-time travel document that allows you to travel by train in EU countries. The cost is a flat rate for the ticket, and you can travel across 31 countries without needing to purchase individual tickets. If you’re younger than 27, you can avail the youth discount, which gets you 23% off the adult-specific prices.
If you have Eurail passes, you can take the Glacier Express at no cost. You must reserve a seat and pay a small fee. The scenic route is stunning and passes through 91 tunnels and the bridges of 290. It also offers train rides along with the Bernina Express. The scenery on this train is simply breathtaking. The route will take you through mountains, glaciers and go through several tunnels. Again, you’ll need to pay a small charge for the reservation.
Tips:
- When using these scenic trains, you should not buy food items on the train. The meals are expensive. You’re allowed to bring your food.
- You can save even more money on your journey towards Switzerland with a fair comparison website.
- Switzerland is a very secure and safe country. However, you must ensure you are protected from unexpected illnesses, flight cancellations, theft, etc.
