Switzerland is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Thousands of tourists flock over to this wonderful nation every year. The calming and serene remote villages and the vibrant cities and cultures never cease to amaze the travelers and surely gift them with exhilarating experiences and precious memories. A trip or a few days in Switzerland can certainly present you with experiences that you would never forget. Like every other country, Switzerland also has its own unique way of life. There are customs and traditions that will surely leave you perplexed. Before you pack your bags and head out for your vacation here are the 10 things you need to know before your Switzerland trip:
Things To Know Before Your Switzerland Trip
- Tipping Is Not Essential
Tipping is mandatory in most of the nations after you are done using a service. You are supposed to reward the waiters, drivers and the delivery personnel whenever you use your services. However, tipping is a choice and is not mandatory in Switzerland. You are not required to worry about how much you are supposed to tip to the people waiting on you or offering a service. Although tipping is not at all mandatory, it can still be a highly appreciative and kind gesture to people who assist and offer you their services.
- Trains For Moving Around!
Transportation is extremely reliable in Switzerland, however they are highly expensive and if you do not plan your holidays thoroughly, you would surely have to spend a great chunk on transportation alone. Trains and cable cars are expensive as well, but you can issue a Swiss travel pass to get around the cities. It would be half as expensive and you would still manage to save a lot of your money, as you get unlimited free travels. The trains have good coverage and that is the preferred way of travelling or to get by, of the locals.
- The Languages
Switzerland is the nation of many languages and you would surely need to pick up a few words to get by and move around the city. The main languages spoken in Switzerland are Swiss German and French, depended on the region of the country you are exploring and living in! There are few Italian speaking regions in the regions of Switzerland.
- The Seasons
Switzerland is the nation of many seasons and no particular weather or climate is permanent or dominant. You can surely pack your bags and head out without minding the seasons. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and surely for all the right reasons. The weather and the climate is pretty pleasant all around the year. However, you can surely expect the tourist crowding the cities in the popular time of the year, which is winter and summer. In the peak and popular times, a trip to Switzerland can get really expensive and possibly burn a hole in your pocket. Therefore, in order to save your resources and have an amazing experience in this nation, it is wise to plan your trip in the off seasons.
- Safety And Security
The crime rate in Switzerland is low and is known to be the safest nation in the world, where you and your belongings are safe and secured. If you want a bit of adventure and rush and thought about a solo trip where you are free to explore the world, without worrying about a thing, Switzerland is the ideal and the safest place to be. The citizens are abided by the law and the system is extremely organized and efficient, making it extremely safe and secured for the solo travelers.
- Pay To Use The Rest Rooms
Unlike any other nation, you would be required to pay quite a sum, to freshen yourself up on your trip to Switzerland. The public restrooms are not free in Switzerland and you are required to pay a fee whenever you use them, in the major towns and cities.
- The People Of Switzerland
Switzerland is a highly quiet and serene nation and if you are a solo traveler aiming to experience the beauty and the robust global culture of this magnificent country, you are absolutely in for a treat! However, if you are keen on meeting new people, explore their backgrounds and culture, they may be hesitant and you might have a hard time. The residents and the locals of Switzerland are highly reserved and are definitely not up for a small talk or a casual conversation. Exploring people and making friends there can be a difficult task as people tend to mind their own business and abhor people taking up their personal space. Therefore your interactions in the country can be extremely minimal.
- Get Cheesy!
The people of Switzerland are extremely fond of their melted cheese and it certainly deserves to be in your bucket list before you head out for your vacation. The melted cheese is typically enjoyed with fresh herbs and variety of crisp breads, paired with smooth and sparkling wine that will surely steal your heart! Some of the famous cheese includes Gruyere and Emmental. The cheeses are also exported around the world are famous for their flavour, purity, quality and taste. The cheese is the daily staple for the locals and thir quality is the sole reason why you should give them a try!
- The Beauty
Switzerland is the home to many breathtaking destinations that would surely please your eyes and blow your mind. The scenic beauty and the tranquil nature of the nation will stay imprinted in your mind for the years to come. Sunrises from the mighty mountains while hiking and trekking would surely give you a priceless experience. This is one of the main reasons why Switzerland is a highly popular destination among the tourists.
- Expensive
From transportation to hotel stay, a trip to Switzerland is pretty expensive and definitely needs thorough planning and budgets. So before you pack your bags to explore this glorious nation, make sure you plan well and keep your expenses in check if you are travelling on a restricted budget.