Unfortunately, this is the "bad news" page
This will surely be a trip of a life time, and it's good we've got some time to save up! The bad news is that visiting Switzerland is not cheap; things are much more expensive than in the US, especially eating out. So, expect sticker shock and remember
the views, mountain air, and travel companions are Pricele$$
the views, mountain air, and travel companions are Pricele$$
1 Week Stay (8 days) 2 Week Stay (15 days)
per person US$ per person US$
Airfare $1600
Rail Pass 450 Apartment 500 Food 400 Excursions 500 Other 100 Total $3544 |
Airfare $1600
Rail Pass 550 Apartment 950 Food 800 Excursions 600 Other 200 Total $4686 |
These are my best estimates and are based on current prices. Yes, food and excursion seem high, but things are expensive. Obviously you can adjust your tastes and excursions to not spend quite so much, but you want to experience as much of Switzerland as you can.
Current exchange rate: 1 CHF = 1.10 US$ obviously this will vary between now and next year
Airfare: rates for the summer of 2015 aren't yet published, but fares for the summer of 2014 seemed to range between $1550 - 1650. This might be a good time to use some frequent flyer miles!
Rail Pass: There are many rail passes available, but I recommend the Swiss Pass. It offers unlimited rail travel throughout Switzerland and earns discounts and reductions on most of the mountain trains, lifts and gondolas. It even includes free boats and buses. Again, these are current prices and may go up a bit next year. The train travel page has addition information and options.
Apartment: This price is for 1 person, based upon 2 people sharing a bedroom and includes taxes & cleaning fees. Once I know who is coming, when they're coming, and how long they will stay I'll be able to give a more firm price. The apartments in the Chalet Alpenheim have fully equipped kitchens, living room and balconies with indescribable views.
Food: The food is wonderful, but very expensive!!! In 2005 we ate out several nights a week, but in 2012 we only ate out a few times as prices were so high. It didn't take much to spend $40 - 50 for dinner. Even snacks could be pricey; I ordered a side of fries, to go with my late afternoon beverage, and it cost $7!!! We ate every one :) Luckily the kitchens were well equipped and stocked with the basics (spices, flour, tea & coffee, cleaning products). We chose to eat in most nights and explored the wide range of delicacies that were on sale at the end of the day! We ate a hearty breakfast most mornings and grabbed snacks along the way for most lunches. Our favorites included the sandwiches & salads at AirTime Cafe, quiche & sausage rolls from the bakery, and alp cheese & salami from the cheese hut.
Excursions: There are some sights that just have to be experienced: Schilthorn, the Jungfrau and paragliding come to mind! Obviously these will be expenses you can choose or not. The sightseeing section has more detailed information.