Three things are certain in life: death, taxes and spending a fortune in Switzerland! If you plan on visiting this incredible country in the heart of Europe, there’s no getting around it - you will spend a lot of money. And, it’s worth every penny to travel throughout the cantons and experience the different languages and cultures.
Plus, it’s not as if you have to bankrupt yourself to do it. Yes, Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries on the continent, yet there are always ways to cut back when necessary. Okay, you might have to commit to around £70 or £80 per day, which adds up when you stay there for an extended period. Still, when you think that McDonald’s can charge £10 to £15 for a Big Mac meal, it’s not too bad!
Once you’ve committed to spending a decent sum of money, here are the hacks that will help you to prolong your budget.
Split Accommodation Costs
Nobody here is going to suggest sleeping on another person’s couch. Stranger danger! Also, it’s not comfortable, and it’s not what you want when you’ve saved up for a holiday for the past six months to a year. Chez Nous Zermatt holiday apartments are as accessible as ever, so long as you split the costs between a couple of people.
If you need an apartment, the chances are that your group will be at least four to six strong, maybe more. Paying a little extra for a flat can often turn out to be more affordable in Switzerland because the difference between them and the hotels isn’t great. And, you can only share a hotel room with one other person, adding to your expenses.
Whether you travel from the Uk together or meet people on the way, don’t be afraid to ask them to tag along for the ride.
Avoid Public Transport
What? Avoid public transport? But that’s the cheapest form of transportation! You are correct, usually. However, this is Switzerland, and the cost of a bus can be as high as twenty Swiss Francs. That’s around £16, which is pretty extortionate. Therefore, even using the bus or trains will decimate your budget very quickly.
Thankfully, there are options. A favourite with travellers at the moment is an app called Bla Bla Car. Essentially, it’s a carpooling service that puts you in contact with locals who are willing to drop you off at different locations for a discounted fee. Think of it as similar to Uber, but without the tax evasion!
The app still has bugs and isn’t 100% reliable, so you need to be flexible. If you can’t, or don’t like the idea of carpooling, try and choose a hotel that includes a public transport pass.
Drink Less
A beer at the end of a long day is perfect, and you should indulge if you need to take the edge off a little. However, Switzerland isn’t the place where you can stop off at a pub or a bar for a couple of swift halves. It’s too expensive to drink all of the time. Not only that, but it’s also counterproductive.
For the most part, the wonder of Switzerland is its natural beauty. You want to hike mountain trails and cycle along crystal-clear lakes, and you need to be sober to do it. Switzerland with a hangover is a waste because you won’t appreciate the stunning views, whether you’re in the Alps or the inner cities.
Eating out less is, while cliche, another excellent tip. Anyway, if you have a flat or apartment, you can go to a supermarket and cook delicious meals.
Stick To Free Activities
It’s hard to ignore the sights, especially when you’ve wanted to see them for so long. Let’s face it - splashing out on something that is on your bucket list is worth more than money. Of course, you can’t afford to do this all the time in a place like Switzerland. There is excellent news, though - the Swiss like to give back.
Throughout the country, there are tonnes of incredible activities that don’t cost a penny. Among the best has to be the free walking tours in several cities, including Geneva, Bern and Lausanne. Museums also tend to be cheap or free of charge, and you can brush up on your culture. And, let’s not forget that the parks and lakes are free to enter. The Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen is a perfect example.
Now that you know that Switzerland doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, will you finally book your flights
