Did you know that Switzerland is the best country in the world? And for 4 years in a row it’s held the same position. Oh well, now you know!

The word to describe the country is simple… EXTRAVAGANCE!

Outside producing the most chocolates in the world, (which i find really cooool), beautiful Switzerland boosts of so many amazing things. The magnificient alpine scenes, enchanting chalets, mind blowing SPA’s, stunning wellness resorts, and fabulous ski towns. Those picture perfect landscapes definitely makes it a place to see at least once in a life time. 

But…despite these captivating facts about Switzerland, it is also reputable as one of the most expensive countries to visit in the world. Truth is, a budget trip might sound ludicrous to many, which is why today’s post is here to guide you on how to explore Switzerland on a budget.

FOR THE BUDGET TRAVELER.

Deciding to visit Switzerland is the one step, but what is more difficult for the budget traveler is how to narrow down your travel plans to the right cities and activities that suit your pocket. For Switzerland the trick is simple; 

• Avoid staying in the big cities.

It’s no longer news that the big cities come with a bigger budget. A good idea is to stay outside the grand cities and explore along the line. 

• Take day trips.

Given that the country is small, it is very convenient to take day trips to explore major cities. So in theory you can cover a region faster, easier and cheaper.

*Tip: Lucerne, Bern and Zurich are a few big but budget friendly cities to visit

TOP 6 TIPS ON SAVING COST

1. Use free public transport: One outstanding benefit of paying visitor taxes is Free Public Transportation. If you are staying at a properly licensed hotel or hostel, you can get the city transport card for free (just ask the receptionist). E.g in cities like Bern, Lucerne, Basel, Geneva or Lausanne.
2. Enjoy Free Snacks :Yes you heard that! Lots of biscuit, bread and chocolate factories offer free samples and snacks to taste at no extra cost. Best way to quench those cravings while you tour if you ask me.
3. Take advantage of free bikes: You can get a free bike in cities like Zurich, Bern, Geneva, Neuchâtel, Zug only for a small deposit of 20 CHF. Tell me what more can one ask for?
4. Indulge in free activities: You can never run out of a free activity in Switzerland as there are tons of very exciting things to do. In the following section, I will outline a list of top freebies. 
5. Consider cooking your own meals or have picnics: You guessed right…Food is also very expensive in Switzerland, hence it is more profitable to cook your own meals, insteas of eating out. If travelling in groups, having a picnic by any of the numerous lakes should not be missed for anything.
6. Drink tap/fountain water: Did you know that there is free drinkable water everywhere is Switzerland? Dear, you are not about to buy a bottle of water for 3 euros or more when it’s entirely free and available in every part of the Swiss cities.

TOP FREE ACTIVITIES IN SWITZERLAND

• Take advantage of free walking tours, you can book here!
• Visit a free wildlife park in Zurich, Aarau, Winterthur, St. Gallen, Interlaken and many others.
• Check out old towns, churches, and free museums.
• Visit the Appenzeller cheese factory in Stein and stuff your face with free samples.
• Join a tour of the Bundeshaus (House of Parliament) in Bern.
• Take a stroll through botanical gardens and parks.
• Get to Schaffhausen and visit the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfalls.
• Dip yourself in the lake and relax.

Bonus tips

-Rent a car if possible

-Buy in big supermarkets not mini shops

-If you must, then uber over taxi

-Couch soufing, hostel or Airbnb over hotel if on a strict budget

-Hiking over buying tickets

So, here you go. No more fear of loosing all your pension money. You can absolutely plan a trip to Switzerland on a shoestring!

More information on Switzerland HERE

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