Tips and Tricks for Travelling to Switzerland

Hello, my name is Isabella Jacobs, and I studied abroad in London, England. I had a wonderful time and the opportunity to travel to so many places during my time abroad. Traveling to places you've never been—especially in countries where you don't speak the language—can be intimidating, but once you do it once, it gets so much easier. If you don’t want to travel while abroad and would rather stay in the city you're based in, that’s completely fine too! Especially in London, there are so many things to do and see every day. The public transportation system is amazing, making short day trips really easy. Arcadia even offers group trips that can take away the stress and anxiety of planning and traveling on your own!

Traveling in groups is always recommended because:
   - It’s safer, especially in unfamiliar places
   - Accommodations like hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs are cheaper when shared
   - Having company is always nice

Speaking of traveling in groups—my friends and I went to Switzerland for spring break! We planned our trip before arriving in London because we knew it would be the most expensive trip of our entire time abroad. We visited Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Geneva. Each place was incredibly beautiful, and it was so special to see snow on the Alps. We even had the chance to go up into the mountains and experience their full glory. Although Switzerland was a dream (and I 1000% recommend it), there are a few things I wish I had known beforehand:

1. Food is very expensive
   My friends and I were shocked on our first day in Zurich to find out how pricey food is. In our
   experience, a “cheap” meal cost about $30. As students traveling on a budget for a full week,
   we had to get creative. We found the most affordable option was eating from gas stations and
   grocery stores.
   
   You might be thinking, “Gas stations?!” But in Switzerland, they’re not like the ones in the
   U.S.—they actually have pretty good food! One of my favorite finds was charcuterie-style
   lunches. They had really great meats, similar to what I enjoyed in London.
   
   Some of the places we stayed had kitchens, so after a day of exploring, we’d grab groceries and
   cook. One of our cheapest and easiest meals was spaghetti with red sauce and chicken.
2. Download the SBB Mobile App
   SBB Mobile covers all forms of public transportation in Switzerland—trains, buses, trams, boats, and even some mountain railways. The app was super easy to use and very specific about where to get off.
   
   When boarding trains, you don’t need to scan a ticket to enter, but don’t skip buying one. Train staff frequently check, and the fines for not having a valid ticket are very high. Not knowing you needed a ticket is not a valid excuse—they will still fine you.
3. PSA for Outdoorsy People
   Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited, and the nature is absolutely
   breathtaking. We went during winter, so many outdoor attractions were closed. For example,
   Harder Kulm—a famous lookout over the “twin lakes,” Lake Thun and Lake Brienz—was closed
   for the season. It was disappointing to find that out only after we arrived.
   
   That said, there are still great winter activities available, like paragliding and kayaking. Just make sure to research what’s open before your trip.

I hope everyone has beautiful and safe travels wherever you end up going, and I hope you keep these tips in mind if you're heading to Switzerland!