Budget Travel
PENNIES PARADISE
Enjoy
million-dollar Swiss views without burning a hole in your pocket
Switzerland conjures up many images. The best cheese
in the world, magnificent snow-covered peaks, melt-in-mouth, smooth and creamy chocolates
and rolling green hills dotted with grazing cows and wooden chalets. If there
is one thing Switzerland isn’t synonymous with, it’s the word “budget”. The
Alpine country is frequently featured in the list of the “world’s most
expensive countries” and a poorly-planned Swiss trip can certainly cost a
fortune. However, a bit of research, smart timing, and a knack for cost-cutting
can make your trip a lot less pricey than you think. Here are some quick tips
for saving big bucks on your Swiss sojourn:
SWISS TRAVEL PASS
Switzerland has one of the most efficient public
transport networks in the world. If you’re going around the country like a
local, an all-in-one ticket like a Swiss travel pass can be amazing value for
money. But before you decide to invest in one, you need to have clarity about
places you want to visit and the days you want to travel. With a Swiss travel
pass, you can travel extensively by rail, road and waterways across the entire
country. Moreover, it allows free entry to more than 500 museums and several
mountain excursions. Keep an eye out for offers that give you extra travel days
on a 4 or 8-day consecutive travel pass. For longer journeys, the Swiss Half
Fare Card can help you avail a 50 per cent discount on trains, buses, boats and
mountain transport. For single journeys at the lowest possible rate, look for
supersaver tickets online.
STAY FOR FREE
If you have a Swiss friend who is ready to host you
for free, don’t think twice before saying “yes”! Saving 30 to 40 Swiss Francs
(CHF) on accommodation each night is certainly a fabulous deal! Moreover, with
Switzerland being a small country, it’s pretty easy to take day trips from one
corner to another. Couchsurfing is the second best alternative to save money on
your stay and interacting with locals. While your host won’t ask for money, you
can always bring along a thoughtful gift from your home country. If you’re the
adventurous sort, consider setting up your own tent for a small fee or simply
sleeping under the stars, provided you’re carrying a sleeping bag.
DISCOVER THE CHEF IN YOU
Eating out is expensive in Switzerland. An average
meal at a restaurant can easily cost around 20 to 30 CHF. Cooking your own food
is way more affordable. Hit a supermarket (like Migros and Coop) on your day of
arrival and stock up on groceries, bread and other breakfast essentials like
bircher muesli, cereal bars and more. In a budget of 50 to 80 CHF, you can buy
groceries that can last for an entire week. Also, meat is expensive in
Switzerland. So, stick to veggies if possible. For free sampling of Swiss
specialities, visit local farmers’ markets. Most stalls are happy to offer
delicious free samples of mouth-watering local produce.
Shikha.Shah@timesgroup.com
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