Itinerary Help - 14 days in Switzerland
Jan 1st, 2021 | 11:29 PM
#61
Original Poster
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
There is neither a dry nor a really rainy season in the Alps. April - June is usually a bit wetter, but there will be some rainfall in every month.
The Northern slopes of the Alps (Appenzell - Lucerne area - Interlaken area) are usually wetter than the southern one's (Ossola Valley, Ticino). The inneralpine Valleys Valais, Aosta Valley, Valtellina, Val Venosta) are usually the driest one's.
It often rains in the Bernese Oberland and is dry in the Valais, whereas the contrary happens very seldom.
The Northern slopes of the Alps (Appenzell - Lucerne area - Interlaken area) are usually wetter than the southern one's (Ossola Valley, Ticino). The inneralpine Valleys Valais, Aosta Valley, Valtellina, Val Venosta) are usually the driest one's.
It often rains in the Bernese Oberland and is dry in the Valais, whereas the contrary happens very seldom.
Jan 1st, 2021 | 11:36 PM
#63
Original Poster
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
ANSWERS TO9 YOUR POST 53
1. I gave you the bus timetable valid June 26th - August 29th. The Verticalp trains/funiculars run from June 5th until October 24th
2. https://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html
3. the destination is always clearly indicated at the font side of the bus. In the case of Emosson, there is no problem at all as there is only one single bus line.
1. I gave you the bus timetable valid June 26th - August 29th. The Verticalp trains/funiculars run from June 5th until October 24th
2. https://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html
3. the destination is always clearly indicated at the font side of the bus. In the case of Emosson, there is no problem at all as there is only one single bus line.
I am glad that the destination will be indicated at the front side of the bus.
Since we might be boarding the train or bus when moving from one base to another, is there any advice you could share since we might be carrying luggage as well? I would like to know what the Swiss would appreciate, so that we do not want to appear as rude and ignorant?
By the way, Happy New Year to you! God bless!
Jan 2nd, 2021 | 12:44 AM
#64
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 9,506
Likes: 0
"I would like to know what the Swiss would appreciate, so that we do not want to appear as rude and ignorant?"
Don't worry. Swiss people are used to all kinds of tourists. There may sometimes occur some language problems, but for sure not with people working in tourism.
You will find neither coffe makers nor irons in most Swiss hotel rooms. But if you ask politely for these things at the hotel reception (may be not at 2am) there will certainly be a solution.
As to the luggage problem. Don't pack more than you really need. That's easier for summer holidays than for cold winter weather. Most families using public tansport in Switzerland travel with backpacks (small one's for kids and not really heavy one's for adults) plus (not too big) rolling suitecases. Almost all railway stations have stairs AND ramps. And in the "worst case" you can buy everything you forgot to pack in Switzerland too. Book if possible hotels or b&bs close to the railway stations in order to avoid local transfers and to save time. All somewhat important Swiss railway stations have luggage lockers where you can deposit the stuff you don't need during a day trip or a stopover.
Don't worry. Swiss people are used to all kinds of tourists. There may sometimes occur some language problems, but for sure not with people working in tourism.
You will find neither coffe makers nor irons in most Swiss hotel rooms. But if you ask politely for these things at the hotel reception (may be not at 2am) there will certainly be a solution.
As to the luggage problem. Don't pack more than you really need. That's easier for summer holidays than for cold winter weather. Most families using public tansport in Switzerland travel with backpacks (small one's for kids and not really heavy one's for adults) plus (not too big) rolling suitecases. Almost all railway stations have stairs AND ramps. And in the "worst case" you can buy everything you forgot to pack in Switzerland too. Book if possible hotels or b&bs close to the railway stations in order to avoid local transfers and to save time. All somewhat important Swiss railway stations have luggage lockers where you can deposit the stuff you don't need during a day trip or a stopover.
Jan 2nd, 2021 | 01:57 AM
#65
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,236
Likes: 1
Regarding trains:
1. Make sure you have your tickets handy for random inspections.
2. The trains are usually on time and often stop only 3-4 minutes for embarking/disembarking.
3. Conductors have been told not to help people with their luggage or bikes
4. Depending on the train, some steps are quite steep and narrow so be prepared to help each other
5. Many trains now have sockets to recharge batteries or work on your laptops.
6. You are allowed to eat and drink on trains but please be respectful towards your fellow passengers and take your trash with you as the train's rubbish bins are small.
7. Don't be overly loud on trains as it's not respectful.
8. Luggage compartments on trains vary. I'd bring locks with a cable with you if you're travelling with larger suitcases since you may have to store them at the entrance of the carriage
9. Download the SBB app for train schedules and changes. It will also advise you about train delays, even while riding the specific train.
10. Perron = Platform
11. Don't hesitate to ask someone for help if you need it. Most Swiss nowadays speak some English, especially the younger generation.
12. The ultimate gift for family and friends from Switzerland: an engraved Signature Lite Swiss knife. https://www.victorinox.com/ch/de/Pro...-Lite/p/0.6226 This handy little knife can easily be added to your keychain and has helped me continuously in situations where I needed some light, a pen or just had to cut something. If you can get the name engraved, it's even more special.
1. Make sure you have your tickets handy for random inspections.
2. The trains are usually on time and often stop only 3-4 minutes for embarking/disembarking.
3. Conductors have been told not to help people with their luggage or bikes
4. Depending on the train, some steps are quite steep and narrow so be prepared to help each other
5. Many trains now have sockets to recharge batteries or work on your laptops.
6. You are allowed to eat and drink on trains but please be respectful towards your fellow passengers and take your trash with you as the train's rubbish bins are small.
7. Don't be overly loud on trains as it's not respectful.
8. Luggage compartments on trains vary. I'd bring locks with a cable with you if you're travelling with larger suitcases since you may have to store them at the entrance of the carriage
9. Download the SBB app for train schedules and changes. It will also advise you about train delays, even while riding the specific train.
10. Perron = Platform
11. Don't hesitate to ask someone for help if you need it. Most Swiss nowadays speak some English, especially the younger generation.
12. The ultimate gift for family and friends from Switzerland: an engraved Signature Lite Swiss knife. https://www.victorinox.com/ch/de/Pro...-Lite/p/0.6226 This handy little knife can easily be added to your keychain and has helped me continuously in situations where I needed some light, a pen or just had to cut something. If you can get the name engraved, it's even more special.
Jan 3rd, 2021 | 05:06 AM
#66
Original Poster
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
"I would like to know what the Swiss would appreciate, so that we do not want to appear as rude and ignorant?"
Don't worry. Swiss people are used to all kinds of tourists. There may sometimes occur some language problems, but for sure not with people working in tourism.
You will find neither coffe makers nor irons in most Swiss hotel rooms. But if you ask politely for these things at the hotel reception (may be not at 2am) there will certainly be a solution.
As to the luggage problem. Don't pack more than you really need. That's easier for summer holidays than for cold winter weather. Most families using public tansport in Switzerland travel with backpacks (small one's for kids and not really heavy one's for adults) plus (not too big) rolling suitecases. Almost all railway stations have stairs AND ramps. And in the "worst case" you can buy everything you forgot to pack in Switzerland too. Book if possible hotels or b&bs close to the railway stations in order to avoid local transfers and to save time. All somewhat important Swiss railway stations have luggage lockers where you can deposit the stuff you don't need during a day trip or a stopover.
Don't worry. Swiss people are used to all kinds of tourists. There may sometimes occur some language problems, but for sure not with people working in tourism.
You will find neither coffe makers nor irons in most Swiss hotel rooms. But if you ask politely for these things at the hotel reception (may be not at 2am) there will certainly be a solution.
As to the luggage problem. Don't pack more than you really need. That's easier for summer holidays than for cold winter weather. Most families using public tansport in Switzerland travel with backpacks (small one's for kids and not really heavy one's for adults) plus (not too big) rolling suitecases. Almost all railway stations have stairs AND ramps. And in the "worst case" you can buy everything you forgot to pack in Switzerland too. Book if possible hotels or b&bs close to the railway stations in order to avoid local transfers and to save time. All somewhat important Swiss railway stations have luggage lockers where you can deposit the stuff you don't need during a day trip or a stopover.
I will take note of all your advice, and I guess it will take some time before I return with another question if I stumbled any while continuing to planning/booking.
Thank you so, so much for your time (and everything!)
Jan 3rd, 2021 | 05:08 AM
#67
Original Poster
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Regarding trains:
1. Make sure you have your tickets handy for random inspections.
2. The trains are usually on time and often stop only 3-4 minutes for embarking/disembarking.
3. Conductors have been told not to help people with their luggage or bikes
4. Depending on the train, some steps are quite steep and narrow so be prepared to help each other
5. Many trains now have sockets to recharge batteries or work on your laptops.
6. You are allowed to eat and drink on trains but please be respectful towards your fellow passengers and take your trash with you as the train's rubbish bins are small.
7. Don't be overly loud on trains as it's not respectful.
8. Luggage compartments on trains vary. I'd bring locks with a cable with you if you're travelling with larger suitcases since you may have to store them at the entrance of the carriage
9. Download the SBB app for train schedules and changes. It will also advise you about train delays, even while riding the specific train.
10. Perron = Platform
11. Don't hesitate to ask someone for help if you need it. Most Swiss nowadays speak some English, especially the younger generation.
12. The ultimate gift for family and friends from Switzerland: an engraved Signature Lite Swiss knife. https://www.victorinox.com/ch/de/Pro...-Lite/p/0.6226 This handy little knife can easily be added to your keychain and has helped me continuously in situations where I needed some light, a pen or just had to cut something. If you can get the name engraved, it's even more special.
1. Make sure you have your tickets handy for random inspections.
2. The trains are usually on time and often stop only 3-4 minutes for embarking/disembarking.
3. Conductors have been told not to help people with their luggage or bikes
4. Depending on the train, some steps are quite steep and narrow so be prepared to help each other
5. Many trains now have sockets to recharge batteries or work on your laptops.
6. You are allowed to eat and drink on trains but please be respectful towards your fellow passengers and take your trash with you as the train's rubbish bins are small.
7. Don't be overly loud on trains as it's not respectful.
8. Luggage compartments on trains vary. I'd bring locks with a cable with you if you're travelling with larger suitcases since you may have to store them at the entrance of the carriage
9. Download the SBB app for train schedules and changes. It will also advise you about train delays, even while riding the specific train.
10. Perron = Platform
11. Don't hesitate to ask someone for help if you need it. Most Swiss nowadays speak some English, especially the younger generation.
12. The ultimate gift for family and friends from Switzerland: an engraved Signature Lite Swiss knife. https://www.victorinox.com/ch/de/Pro...-Lite/p/0.6226 This handy little knife can easily be added to your keychain and has helped me continuously in situations where I needed some light, a pen or just had to cut something. If you can get the name engraved, it's even more special.
I just read your thread on Victorinox, and I must agree that the knife is really a perfect gift that is handy for any adults!
Thank you so much ^_^
Jan 6th, 2021 | 06:07 AM
#68
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,573
Likes: 0
2nd class is just as safe as 1st. The primary reasons I opted for the 1st class pass were: (1) a little more space for luggage; and, (2) I would have upgraded to first on the boat rides, so having a first class pass saved this minor inconvenience. From a money standpoint, 2nd class is definitely the economical choice and you should not feel any need to go with first class--it's fine as a splurge but not necessary.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ravisinha
Europe
13
Aug 8th, 2015 01:38 PM
jaggies7
Europe
17
Sep 28th, 2005 12:08 PM
