While there are numerous flights to Switzerland from many parts of the world, it is a good idea to check if it will be cheaper to fly to the country via a European gateway, such as Frankfurt or London. Visitors traveling from outside Europe may be able to save some money this way.

Planning a Swiss Vacation

★ Switzerland is equally beautiful all through the year; however, the best time for your visit will largely depend on your itinerary. Nevertheless, it is always better to keep your travel dates a little flexible to get the best possible deals. ★ The country experiences summer from about June to September. This is when the climate is pleasant, especially for those who wish to indulge in outdoor pursuits and adventure sports. ★ Even in summer, the months of July and August are when most tourists tend to travel to Switzerland. In other words, these two months make up the peak period of travel when, owing to the large tourist influx, both the airfares and accommodation prices are sky high. If you plan to visit during the peak season, ensure that you make all your bookings well in advance. ★ In the Alpine resorts, winter begins in about the middle of December and lasts until the middle of April, when the snow starts melting. This is the time when most Alpine resorts literally go into the hibernation mode. They close down almost entirely, except where glacier skiing is offered all through the year. Consider this factor, and plan your visit accordingly.

★ First and foremost, ensure that you have a passport that will be valid until the end of your trip. According to Lonely Planet, the validity of your passport should be at least six months from the date you book your tickets. ★ It is vital to note that it is mandatory for Swiss citizens to carry a valid proof of their personal identification at all times. So, while you are in the country, even you will need to abide by this rule. Owing to this, it is always better to carry your passport and/or your National ID Card, whenever you travel anywhere within Switzerland. ★ As far as visas are concerned, you won't need one if you are a national of the US, the EU countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Iceland, or South Africa. ★ However, if you belong to Asian, African, or Arab countries, you will require a valid visa to travel to Switzerland. This also applies to people traveling from Eastern Europe and the Balkan states. ★ Regardless of whether you require a visa or not, you can stay in Switzerland for a maximum duration of three months.

★ Traveling to Switzerland does not require any special vaccinations; however, it is a good idea to be updated on the routine shots that the WHO recommends. These include the ones for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and Hepatitis A and B. ★ If you intend to travel to the rural areas of Switzerland, consider taking a shot for tickborne encephalitis, which you may be otherwise prone to. ★ Also, if you are traveling from any of the countries that fall under the yellow fever zone, you will be required to produce a valid proof of your vaccination against the disease. Switzerland, otherwise, does not have any threat of yellow fever.

★ Buying a good travel insurance is vital, no matter which overseas destination you are traveling to. While it should cover for all sorts of worst possible scenarios such as theft/loss of luggage, cancellation of journey, and other contingencies, a good and adequate health coverage is the most important aspect. ★ Health insurance is basically more important while traveling to Switzerland because the country has no free state health service, which means that each and every consultation/treatment must be paid for―and it's a hefty sum. ★ Talking of healthcare, it is also vital that you carry all your necessary medications, along with your doctor's prescription. It is better to know the generic names of your medicines, provided you need to purchase them in Switzerland.

★ Europe is expensive, and Switzerland is no exception. The biggest expenses incurred in Switzerland pertain mainly to accommodation, restaurants, and long-distance public transport. ★ If you are traveling on a budget, however, there are ways to cut down costs, although you can't expect your Swiss vacation to be too cheap. ★ As far as accommodations are concerned, you can opt for some other, cost-effective choices. These include, apart from youth hostels, private homes, apartment rentals, B&Bs, etc. ★ If you are traveling in summer, you can also consider camping and sleeping in local barns. ★ With regard to food, avoid eating in sit-down restaurants as far as possible. These are always more expensive. ★ If you are camping and/or have access to a kitchen, consider cooking your own food. Eating at supermarket eateries or self-service restaurants are also cheap(ish) options. ★ Alcohol is very expensive throughout Switzerland. So, avoid buying it as far as possible. ★ Petrol is cheaper in Switzerland than most of its neighboring countries; however, transport still tends to be on the expensive side for a budget traveler. ★ The best way to cut down on your transport costs, while in Switzerland, is to get travel passes. These will provide you good discounts on your bus, train, boats, etc. There are different types of travel passes available, so make sure you buy one that best suits your needs. ★ Most attractions in Switzerland charge a fee, especially the mountain resorts that can be reached by cable cars are very pricey. ★ However, if you are an international student, you can avail great discounts at many attractions on producing your student card. ★ Lastly, while you pack for your trip, make sure that you have done so wisely, and with utmost care. While it is a good idea to travel light, it is vital that you do not leave out any of the essential items, such as warm clothes, or an extra pair of trekking shoes. If you have to buy these in Switzerland, the prices are sure to blow out your budget.