Your eyes are probably popping out of your head from the excessive amount of travel advice you’ve found for your Swiss vacation — some of it’s great, and some of it…not so much.
But here’s the problem: Even the “right” advice can backfire on you if you don’t know when to follow it — and when to NOT follow it. So we’re going to break down the top 15 Swiss trip-planning mistakes we continue to see travelers make.
And just as every coin has two sides, each of these mistakes also comes with a counterpoint, so you’ll know when to follow our advice and when to ignore it.
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MISTAKE #1 | NOT taking our advice
Just to show you how this works, the first mistake we see travelers make is not taking our advice! Either because they’ve never seen our resources, or they would just rather figure things out the hard way.
And if we haven’t met, we’re Jana and Brett, Aplins in the Alps. We’ve been traveling Switzerland since 2012 and are now residents of this amazing country, so trust us when we say that we’ve learned the hard way so you don’t have to!
For example, we’ve made mistakes like accidentally sitting in First Class with a Second Class train ticket, forgetting to check webcams and then finding ourselves on a mountain top in the clouds, not bringing along warm enough clothes even in the summer, taking a bus in the wrong direction — I think you get the idea.
COUNTERPOINT #1 | Taking our advice (or someone else’s) just because we said so
BUT it could also be a mistake to take our advice, or someone else’s, just because we said so! You know best what you like, what you don’t, and what you hope to get out of your Swiss experience.
We tell our customers who buy our Guides that they have full permission to customize them to their travel pace and preferences, and now we’re offering you that same permission (not that you needed it!). So in the mistakes that follow, see if you can spot which advice you need to listen to, and which tips don’t apply to you.
MISTAKE #2 | Wasting your arrival day by staying near the airport (…or sleeping off jet lag!)
If you’re flying to Switzerland, odds are you’ll arrive jet-lagged and groggy. So it might seem sensible to book a hotel right by the airport for that first night.
But unless you really want to explore Zurich, Geneva, or Basel, we think this is a mistake.
You’re going to be jet-lagged no matter where you are, so why not at least be in the place you really want to be! Go ahead and get to your desired destination on your arrival day.
And while we’re at it, don’t try to sleep off the jetlag. Do whatever you can to stay awake and quickly get aligned with your new time zone — often the fresh air and excitement of being in this new place you’ve dreamed of for so long is enough to keep you going until dark.
COUNTERPOINT #2 | Having impossible expectations for your travel day
HOWEVER… We’ve all heard the travel horror stories. Things can go very wrong — flight delays, lost luggage, or even cancellations.
So give yourself some margin by not booking a big experience in advance for this first day, like a scenic train ride or a mountain excursion. Basically, anything tied to a specific time is probably not a great idea. Keep your plans flexible, and if everything goes smoothly, you can always pivot to take advantage.
MISTAKE #3 | Thinking the best activities and experiences are always found at the very top of the mountain
During your Swiss trip planning research, you’ve probably heard about Mt. Titlis, Grindelwald First, and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. These are great mountain peaks, but the reality is that each of those mountaintop destinations also has intermediate stops along the way that are 100% worth visiting
For example, I can’t imagine going to Mt. Titlis and not stopping to spend time at Trübsee. And walking the rolling hills from the Bort station back down to Grindelwald is literally one of our favorite things to do there.
Plus, when you buy a ticket all the way to the top, it usually allows for free stops at the stations along the way. And if you don’t plan to ride all the way to the top, tickets to these intermediate stops are substantially cheaper!
COUNTERPOINT #3 | Not going to the top just to save money
BUT… Many of these mountaintop destinations are worthy of being on your Swiss bucket list!
For example, while our 3-Day Guide to Zermatt includes a full day exploring the various experiences all along the Gornergrat train line, I can’t imagine not glimpsing the glaciers from all the way up at Gornergrat!
So don’t skip a mountaintop destination if it excites you…but don’t overlook the stops along the way either.
MISTAKE #4 | Planning multiple large excursions in a single day
Here’s a personal Swiss travel mistake I still cringe over. On our honeymoon, we somehow managed to visit both Jungraujoch and the Schilthorn on the same day. I mean, that cream cake at Eigergletscher? Didn’t even know it existed. Wengen? Didn’t stop to explore. The Birg Thrill Walk? I’m pretty sure it didn’t exist back then, but we probably would have skipped it anyway. Just gotta get to the top!
So this pairs with our previous point — doing multiple big excursions in one day probably means you’re not stopping to smell the roses or explore the other great opportunities along the way.
COUNTERPOINT #4 | Separating experiences into multiple days when combining them actually makes sense
BUT in our defense… That jam-packed day of visiting both Jungfraujoch and the Schilthorn was because it was the only day with clear skies during our trip and we didn’t want to miss the epic views. Unfortunately, for much of our visit, we couldn’t even see the mountains from our cozy apartment in Mürren.
So bundle together your planned experiences in a way that makes sense. For example, book the Chocolate Train from Montreux, which takes you to the medieval village of Gruyeres and to the Cailler Chocolate factory in a nearby town. And of course, let the weather have a say in when you head up into the mountains.
MISTAKE #5 | Prioritizing the most marketed experiences first
Just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s the best experience for you.
Research all the places you could visit in an area, and then pick the ones that best appeal to your interests — whether or not they seem to be well-known.
Sure, Mt. Pilatus is awesome. But in addition to a full-day itinerary there, our Lucerne Day Trips Guide includes 3 lesser-known destinations that might be an even better fit for you or your travel group.
Obviously this mistake applies to places, but it’s also for individual activities. Do you really need to go paragliding in Interlaken just because that’s what everybody seems to do? And do you really have to visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate, or are you after an authentic stop at a local chocolatier?
COUNTERPOINT #5 | Thinking something is a tourist trap just because it’s expensive, popular, or well-marketed.
HOWEVER… Thinking something is a tourist trap just because it’s expensive, popular, or well-marketed would also be a mistake. Jungfraujoch is a great example of this. If you’ve never stood on a glacier, you can do that here. And if you want an easy hike to a mountain hut at nearly 12,000 feet, then you should do it. And if an ice cave sounds intriguing, put on your jacket and head up there.
We think Jungfraujoch is pretty cool. Does that mean everyone should go there? No. Should you prioritize it over everything else? Not in our opinion. Yet we don’t think you should skip it simply because it’s so popular. After all, most of these places are well-visited for a reason.
MISTAKE #6 | Feeling pressured to travel like a local
Okay, this relates to the previous point. A lot of folks wear the whole “travel like a local” idea as a badge of honor. As in, you must be cool if you’re going where the locals go and doing what the locals do.
But let me give you a dose of reality. We’ve lived near Interlaken for 2 years and most of our local friends don’t frequent the tourist hotspots! We literally took some friends to Lauterbrunnen to watch the cows parade down from the Alps…they’d lived here for 4 years and had never been to Lauterbrunnen before! And when we lived near Nashville, Tennessee, we didn’t buy a guidebook and check off all the must-visit places either.
So here’s a reminder to plan the vacation that you want to have, not the one you think will make you look cool.
We know, our business literally exists to help you travel Switzerland with confidence. But we’re not here to sugar coat things or pressure you into certain activities or even to sell you stuff through an abundance of affiliate links or sponsored videos. We’re real people just like you and we aim to give you the most helpful and comprehensive Swiss travel advice so you plan the vacation of your dreams. And if that sounds good to you or you appreciate our authenticity, let us know by hitting the like button.
COUNTERPOINT #6 | Not leaving enough room in your schedule to explore more local areas
BUT ON THE FLIP SIDE…when locals do get out, they tend to visit some pretty awesome spots that don’t show up in most guidebooks. And we love the experience of visiting those places.
If you’re a family with kids visiting Central Switzerland, take a day to check out Sattel-Hochstückli. And if you’re in the Jungfrau Region for hiking and the views, head up to Sulwald.
Not only will you enjoy experiences that most other travelers won’t, but you’ll also have the chance to meet local people and maybe even make new friends. When we think back on our travels, yes the places we’ve visited were incredible, but it’s really the people we’ve met along the way that form the foundation of most of our memories.
MISTAKE #7 | Not buying a train pass
You’ve heard us say it before: not buying a train pass is like throwing your Swiss Francs in the garbage!
Most likely, the trip itinerary you’re planning will be cheaper and more convenient with a pass compared to simply buying full price tickets along the way.
COUNTERPOINT #7 | Choosing the WRONG train pass
BUT…if you’ve done even just 1 minute of research, then you know that the world of Swiss train passes is way more complicated than you might think. And buying the wrong pass (or sometimes buying just ONE pass instead of multiple passes) might be as big of a mistake as buying no pass at all.
Case in point: we paid a lot of money for a Swiss Travel Pass on our 2-week honeymoon, and would have saved a lot more money with a Half Fare Card plus 2 regional passes. *sigh* If only we knew then what we know now…and what you’re learning now!
That’s why we made our Ultimate Guide to Swiss Train Passes. First, download our free Swiss Train Pass Checklist to match the best passes with your specific itinerary. Then browse the blog to learn how to buy, use, and maximize your passes.
MISTAKE #8 | Packing way too much luggage
Speaking of riding trains on our honeymoon, please enjoy this throwback picture with suitcases that weighed more than we did.
It was an absolute pain to hoist them onto trains and find a spot for them on the luggage racks or to carry them up flights of stairs to our hotel room. I even had a giant bruise on my hip from lugging that bag all over the place for 2 weeks. And after that experience, we vowed to never again travel with such giant bags.
Obviously the one thing all travelers have in common is that they will all have some amount of luggage. But this is our encouragement, and our plea, to invite you to bring less than you think. Book an Airbnb with laundry, find a local laundromat, or use these handy laundry detergent strips to hand wash a few things in the shower or sink, like we do when we travel.
COUNTERPOINT #8 | Not bringing enough functional clothing and layers
HOWEVER…While you don’t need to bring 14 outfits for a one-week trip, it is very important that you have enough layers and functional clothing items.
- You’ll definitely want a good rain jacket.
- And if you’re visiting the mountains, you’ll want a packable lightweight down jacket just in case, even in the middle of summer. I know it sounds crazy but trust us, it can still get chilly when you’re higher in altitude.
- Bring a variety of light layers that you can mix and match instead of one or two heavy bulky layers.
- And as for shoes, try to pack no more than two pairs. Aim for a good walking shoe for cities and an athletic pair for trails. You likely won’t need a high-top hiking boot, but maybe a trail runner or light hiking shoe.
You can get our FREE Packing Checklist so you can make sure your suitcase is full of everything you need!
MISTAKE #9 | Booking everything in advance
Here’s some good news: you don’t need to buy tickets for all of your transportation in advance. In the case of standard point-to-point tickets, you won’t even save any money by buying them ahead of time. And seat reservations are not necessary for most of your train rides.
COUNTERPOINT | Booking NOTHING in advance
HOWEVER…that doesn’t mean you can just show up and buy everything in the moment. In general, you will want — no, you really need to book your lodging in advance. Sometimes we plan last minute trips when the weather is nice to go do some filming or research. And a few times we’ve been stuck with only very limited or very expensive lodging options.
But here are 3 other activities you will want to book before your trip:
- For the Swiss scenic trains, you will need to make seat reservations in advance.
- And popular outdoor experiences like paragliding and via ferratas do sell out quickly, so you probably want to book those ahead of time as well.
- Last, don’t overlook dinner reservations. Sometimes you can just show up and get a table. But for the genuinely good restaurants, like the ones we recommend in our Guides, you’ll want to make dinner reservations at least either the day before or the morning of.
MISTAKE #10 | Choosing the wrong time of year to visit (or assuming everything is open year-round)
There’s not an objectively right or wrong time to visit Switzerland — it’s just that there are better and worse times based on what you want to do.
For example, we booked a month-long Airbnb in Interlaken back in May of 2021. We were so excited for weeks of hiking in the Alps…only to show up to mountains with lingering snow even below 2000m, meaning most of the trails were technically closed.
Not everything in Switzerland is open year-round. Hiking trails can be covered in snow, cable cars may be shut down for annual maintenance, and hotel and restaurant owners go away on holidays (the nerve of them!).
COUNTERPOINT #10 | Not making the most of whatever time of year you are visiting Switzerland
BUT LET’S BE REAL…there are amazing experiences to be had all through the year across all of Switzerland. So simply pair your activities with the season.
As we discovered, springtime is not best for hiking in the high mountains. Instead, we hung out on the lakes, enjoyed waterfalls, walked through meadows exploding with wildflowers, and explored lesser-known parts of Switzerland.
Essentially, you don’t have to visit in the peak summer season to enjoy your time in Switzerland. But you also shouldn’t force summer activities into other seasons of the year.
MISTAKE #11 | Squeezing way too many destinations into your short trip
We had friends who took a whirlwind European vacation to 10 countries in 14 days. And we met up with them on their last stop in Rome, Italy. Man oh man, they were pooped! And cramming in 7 different Swiss destinations in 7 days would be equally as rough.
When you move around too frequently, you spend most of your trip checking in and out of lodging, traveling between destinations, and trying to get acquainted with a new place. All of that extra time takes away from the incredible experiences you could be enjoying in each location.
So we think most of you will have a better experience if you slow down and stay longer in each spot.
COUNTERPOINT #11 | Not enjoying a variety of destinations or experiences
HOWEVER…Switzerland is surprisingly multi-faceted, and it’s far more than the land of Heidi and yodeling farmers.
- So try and visit more than one language region. Maybe your itinerary includes Interlaken in the German-speaking region, Montreux in the French-speaking region, and Ticino in the Italian-speaking region.
- And hit some of the hotspots for sure (we’re looking at you, Jungfraujoch and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise), but why not try out a less touristy region too? We’ve had a great time exploring the Emmental, Graubünden, and Neuchâtel.
The good news is that you can have a variety of experiences regardless of where you stay, by seeking out mountains, lakes, and countryside, as well as cities, towns, and villages.
MISTAKE #12 | Thinking you have to book lodging in the middle of the touristy areas
Sometimes it makes a lot of sense to stay in a tourist hotspot or close to a main transportation hub. But often, you can save a ton of money and enjoy a more authentic experience by choosing lodging just a little bit further from there.
For example, stay in Villeneuve or Vevey instead of Montreux, which are just 5 minutes away by train. Or choose a local neighborhood in Zurich instead of the Old Town.
We use this strategy all the time, and our wallets are much better off as a result. And usually, we’re just an additional 10-minute bus, train, tram ride, or walk from the middle of the action.
COUNTERPOINT #12 | Not considering how much extra time you could potentially waste by doing so
BUT…While the trade-off is sometimes a minimal inconvenience for some big money savings, you might put yourself in a situation where that inconvenience is much larger: tons of wasted time, extra transportation connections, or less frequent transport options.
So don’t rule out the more local neighborhoods or villages near the tourist hotspots. But do your homework to make sure the savings don’t become an extra inconvenience.
MISTAKE #13 | Staying in cities when you’re coming to explore the mountains
This one isn’t so much about cities vs mountains, but more about knowing what you want.
We’ve seen way more people than we care to count who book a hotel in Zurich, only to take multiple day trips to Interlaken and Grindelwald in the Jungfrau Region. Or people who stay along Lake Geneva and take a really long day trip just to see the Matterhorn.
Why not just stay in the actual place you plan to explore?
COUNTERPOINT #13 | Staying in the mountains when a city makes more sense
HOWEVER…From Lucerne, it’s pretty convenient to visit Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Rigi, Mt. Titlis, the Stanserhorn, and the Stoos Ridge — which is exactly what you can do with our Lucerne Day Trips Guide.
But if you were to stay somewhere up in the mountains, you’d invariably rule out a few of those since they would be much too far for a reasonable day trip, in our opinion.
We’re not saying to avoid staying in the mountains — or to avoid staying in the cities — just make sure you know what makes a good hub for the places you want to explore.
MISTAKE #14 | Assuming a car is the best way to get around
There are many places I could not imagine visiting without a car. For example, Tuscany in Italy or Provence in Southern France. In those places, having a car allows you to efficiently visit places you never could otherwise.
But here in Switzerland, you might not benefit from a rental car in ways you think.
- First, public transportation is so efficient and you can get nearly everywhere using it — even to the most remote villages.
- Second, most of the mountains you’re likely wanting to visit or stay in can’t even be reached by car. Like literally there are no roads you can legally drive to get up there. So even if you have a car, you’re still going to have to ride the mountain trains and cable cars. This even applies to villages like Zermatt, Wengen, and Mürren.
- Third, parking is expensive and you’re probably going to have to pay everywhere you go, even some of the grocery stores.
COUNTERPOINT #14 | Not renting a car if that’s the experience you really want
BUT…Although we think public transportation is the best way for most people to explore Switzerland, it’s not right for everyone.
Maybe you want to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, or plan to drive famous mountain pass roads like the Klausen Pass.
Maybe Switzerland is sandwiched between Italy and France in your European road trip, and you don’t want to book two separate car rentals. (Although, I’d really encourage you to switch up the order of your itinerary if that’s the case!)
Basically, think carefully before renting a car to travel Switzerland. But don’t let us talk you out of it if that’s what you really want to do.
MISTAKE #15 | Booking your trip through a travel agent
We’ve received too many emails like this to count: “Hi Jana and Brett! We’re so happy we found your channel! In fact, we wish we had found it earlier — we hired a travel agent, but now it’s clear that you have far more expertise than they do. We’ve scrapped their plans and are following your info instead. Lesson learned!”
I’m sure there are plenty of travel agents with genuine expertise — but the reality is that most (especially with larger travel companies) don’t specialize in Switzerland. So their service is based on a very general knowledge of European travel that you could probably gain by reading a handful of blog posts or watching a few of our videos.
And while we’re on this topic, you can’t trust AI to be your travel agent either. We’re seeing more and more videos on YouTube that were clearly made by bots with random footage and wrong info and published by a creator who’s never stepped foot in Switzerland. And we’ve also asked a few AI platforms to plan a Swiss itinerary for us and boy oh boy, it’s not great. But that’s a topic for another video.
COUNTERPOINT #15 | Trying to DIY your trip
HOWEVER…We have literally spent years traveling and living in Switzerland, and our business is singularly focused on helping you travel Switzerland with confidence — and we’re still learning new stuff every day!
So don’t try to plan your trip all by yourself. Take advantage of resources made by real people who know this country inside and out.
We have done-for-you itineraries that take the guesswork out of planning your Swiss vacation. But even if you don’t want to fork over any cash, you have our full permission to binge-watch all of our free videos and snag every free download available on our website.
So happy planning, and we’ll see you in Switzerland!
