Switzerland is far from cheap, but it's a gorgeous place. If you've made up your mind to visit, I've compiled important points about the cost of meals, accommodation, transport and activities, along with tips and tricks to save money so you can travel longer and farther!
Accommodation costs constitute a significant portion of expenses when planning a trip to any destination, and Switzerland is no exception. Accommodation in Switzerland is definitely not cheap. However, if you plan in advance, you can strike the delicate balance between budget and comfort when booking accommodations in Switzerland. In this blog, we will discuss in detail how you can save money on accommodation.
Book Early!
The first step to getting a good deal on accommodation is booking early! No matter what type of accommodation you are looking for (we will discuss that in detail soon), booking early is a smart move. Last-minute deals are very rare.
Choose the Travel Season Carefully
While summers in Switzerland can be gorgeous, it is also the main tourist season, which means more crowds and inflated prices for everything, including accommodation. Traveling during the shoulder season not only allows you to enjoy less crowded attractions but also lower accommodation costs. Shoulder season includes spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October). During spring, you can witness wildflowers in bloom, and in autumn, the foliage turns stunning shades of red and gold.
Do Not Stay in the Tourist Hotspots
Choosing accommodation in popular tourist cities like Zurich, Lucerne, or Interlaken can be extremely expensive. However, places like Weggis and Unterseen, located a short drive or a quick ride on public transport away, offer cheaper accommodation options and are less crowded yet just as picturesque. Having your own rental car or a Swiss Travel Pass is a big help, as you won't need to worry about paying for travel to and from these cities, allowing you to visit them as day trips.
Don't hesitate to choose a place outside the main city; this is where you can explore the beautiful Swiss countryside, and the efficient public transport makes it easy to reach your accommodations.
Types of Accommodation
There are numerous types of accommodation to fit any budget and preference.
Hostels: Popular budget-friendly options are hostels, perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families. Dorm rooms are great when you are on a tight budget and traveling alone, as they provide an opportunity to meet other travelers. Hostels usually have community kitchens where you can save money by cooking your own meals. Most hostels welcome travelers of all age groups and also have private rooms if you are traveling as a family.
Airbnb: In my opinion, Airbnb is the perfect kind of accommodation for families. Airbnb offers rooms in locals' houses or entire homes. There is usually a kitchen that you can use to cook your meals, plus you can live in an authentic Swiss home and interact with locals. Airbnb is a great option in Switzerland as it's very cost-effective. Most Airbnbs are located in stunning locations, overlooking mountains and lakes.
Campsites: Another cheap and fun accommodation option in Switzerland is campsites. Igloos, bungalows, and tents in these campsites are clean and comfortable, often coming with community kitchens, washrooms, and great play areas.The locations of campsites in Switzerland are usually amazing! Imagine waking up to breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and lush meadows.
Hotels: Though hotels cater to all budgets, when considering budget options, definitely go for hostels, Airbnb, or campsites rather than budget hotels, considering all the extra amenities that are available compared to hotels.
So here are our four tips that will help you plan and save money on accommodation when traveling to Switzerland. We hope you find them useful.
Happy travels!
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