Switzerland Travel Answers

Nothing wrong with your itinerary, though you might want to do some travel research (e.g., read some guidebooks, browse around the VT travel guides) between now and then to see what else might catch your fancy. A couple of quick thoughts: - There was a special discounted Swisspass offered for travel during May 2012, a 4-day in one month Saver Flexipass for two that was half price. I don't know if they'll do it again next year, but definitely something to be on the lookout for. - Zurich is an easy day-trip from Lucerne (just over 1 hour by train). Consider staying an extra day in Lucerne rather than moving to Zurich for 1 night - Mt Titlis will most likely be snow-capped in May. However, many lifts close for maintenance for a week or two in May. Check their website (titlis.ch/en/titlis/titlis_i... to keep track of any lift closings - The Golden Pass scenic route runs from Lucerne to Montreux via Interlaken and Zweisimmen. Consider taking this route one way, then perhaps traveling via Visp and Martigny the other way Finally, there are a number of youth hostels in Switzerland, including Lucerne, Lausanne, Montreux, and Interlaken. Take a look at http://youthhostel.ch/en for details and booking information.

Since with the Swiss Pass you can travel around freely I would reduce the number of places where you'll stay. You could for example split your time between Geneve and Luzern. Trains in Switzerland run frequent, and function as a nation wide mass transit system, so you can easily do a lot by just doing day trips. You can find schedules on www.sbb.ch On tip: From Luzern visit the Rigi. It is included in your Swiss Pass. A nice trip is to take the lake steamer to Weggis, then go up the Rigi on one side, down the other side, and take the train back. All included in your Swiss Pass. If you're looking for cheap places also look outside the main cities. Google Maps can show you where the public transit stops are, and the system is of a level that you have probably not encountered before. It's perfectly feasible for example to make any town on the northern shore of Lake Geneva your base for your first 3 days. You could even make Bern your base for the whole trip, and do everything as day trips.

Dear Mark, Indian Pacific & KVB, Thanks for all the tips. I'll explore further for all your suggestions here. Have a nice day.

A day trip to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald from Interlarken is a must. you can go up the Schilthorn or/and the Jungfrau. Amazing scenery.

Hi Helen, Are Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald cover under Swiss Pass or we need to pay extra? Thanks.

Dear Mark, I read a post online that the special discounted Swisspass which you mentioned cannot be purchased in Swiss Railway Station. Is it true? Thanks.

I cannot say for sure about the promotional Swisspasses and whether or not they are available at the train stations. Here is a link to explore purchasing A Swisspass online (though it's far too early for you to do that if you aren't traveling until next May). swisstravelsystem.com/en/hom...

I took a look at Swiss Travel System's website (swisstravelsystem.com/en/spe..., and it says "The Passes are on sale at all Swiss Travel System point of sales (exception SNCF sales outlets) or at Online shop." But I do not have first-hand experience with this. Here's a listing of travel agents selling Swisspasses in Malaysia. raileurope.fr/corporate/-Whe...

Dear Mark, Thanks a lot for helping on this. I'll find out the Swiss Pass website early next year to see on latest promotion. :)

Sorry. I can't help with swisspass information regarding Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. We had a car. I think that it should be ok for those towns but definately not for the Jungfrau.

Swisspass covers your ride through Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen. It gives you a 25% discount beyond there to Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfraujoch.

Thanks Helen and Mark.