My wife and I plan a trip by car that goes from Zurich to mainau, Insbruck, Dolomites, Italian lakes, Interlaken area and Geneva area. It is 14 days tour. We need the followinf information: <BR>1. How far is the Buget rent a car office from the main railway station in Zurich? <BR>2. How long it take to drive from Insburuck to Cortina in Italy? <BR>3. How long it takes to drive "non stop" from Locarno to Interlaken? <BR>4. In guest houses(Zimmer), can payment be done only in cash or also in credit? <BR>5. What is the availability of ATM machines in the swiss alps vilages (interlaken area, etc)? <BR> <BR>Thanks for anyone who may post any answer.

<BR>Hi, Arik, <BR>ATMs are readily available in the Swiss Alps. It sounds as though you are considering staying in Interlaken while in the Alps. You might want to consider one of the small villages actually in the mountains instead. While Interlaken is well located, it does not have the charm of the smaller places. I recommend that you check Rick Steves's website ( RickSteves.com), Click on Country by Country, then the Swiss flag, and then check any or all of the three Gimmelwald sites. Good luck. <BR>

Good afternoon, Arik <BR>Switzerland is a country to be enjoyed and do not plan to much for a short time. <BR>Here are a few web sites to check out; <BR>www.berneroberland.ch/ <BR>www.schlithorn.ch/ <BR>www.discover.ch/index.htm. <BR>www.grindelwald.ch/ <BR>www.jungfrau.ch/ <BR>www.swisshotels.ch/ <BR>www.hotelguide.ch/ <BR>www.tourismus.ch/ <BR>www.zurich.ch/ <BR>www.wengen.ch/ <BR>www.tic.ch/luzern/ <BR>www.interlakentourism.ch/ <BR>www.fastnet.ch/ <BR>goswitzerland.miningco.com/ <BR>www.bodan.net/ <BR>www.montreux.ch/ <BR>www.zhol.ch/ <BR>www.garda.com/ <BR>www.sunrise.it/cortina/index.html. <BR>www.bgm.it/ <BR>www.tirol.com <BR>www.kohe.co.at/ <BR>Good surfing., Richard of Hickory Hills, <BR>Il. <BR>

Hello Arik---I'm the editor of the Switzerland book, and I've got a couple of ideas/comments that might help. I agree, a small village outside of Interlaken would be a great idea. Bonigen is just a mile east, and it's filled with beautiful, ancient wooden houses covered with carved decorations. Unlike most places in Switzerland, this town never had a major fire---knock on wood---so some homes date back to the 16th century. If you'd like to splurge on a meal in Interlaken, try the Alpenblick or Stellambiente (they've got a "surprise" tasting menu). In Zurich, take a minute and run up to the Lindenhof---it's a beautiful view and a lovely, quiet square. Perfect place to devour some luxembourgli cookies from Sprungli. As for ATMs, you should be able to find them in most towns---but be sure that your bank card is set to use a 4-digit code. <BR>Have a great trip, and feel free to report back on your most memorable experiences.

Arik, (bezek? ata mishelanu?) we were there last July, and I can't wait to go back... <BR>I can tell you about the drive from Locarno to interlaken. It's about 2-3 hours non stop. But who wants to do it non-stop?! Crossing the alps is a real experience, as long as you choose the right pass. Also, when are you going there? prety soon the passes will close because of the weather... Going through the main road, St. Gothard pass is easy and fast, but BOOOOOORING! We did it on the way to Italy. Going back we drove through Neuffen Pass and another one (forgot the name), which goes around Gothard, it's so much more interesting, beautiful, exciting Ð and difficult. <BR>Also, if hotel prices in Locarno are high (which they are) check about Ascona, a small, lovely modern town just west of Locarno, on the lake. That's were we stayed overnight before climbing the Alps back to Switzerland. <BR>As far as ATM, they are all over the place, but they don't always work with your cash card (Cirrus or Plus), we took both ATM cards AND credit cards (check with the company first about using them for cash advances), although cash cards are always preferable, because they are much cheaper to use. <BR>HAve a good Tiyul. Amik.

Thanks for everyone for their advise. We are going on sep 17th for 2 weeks. <BR>Be sure I will report back. <BR> <BR>Thanks (and toda) <BR> Arik