How about a grad trip to the Swiss Alps instead?
Source: The Luxury Vacation Guide
The famous Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps, full of snow during winter
For many students, Japan and Korea are the most popular travel destinations for grad trips. But what if I told you that you could have one in picturesque Switzerland with a similar budget?
Source: DB E.C.O Group
SBB trains that you will take with the Youth Swiss Pass
Get Around Switzerland On Budget
The most common misconception about Switzerland is that everything is too expensive. However, if you do your research, you can move around this breathtaking country on a budget. The Youth Swiss Pass is an absolute game changer, allowing you to visit over 500 museums and offering travel throughout the country for as low as SGD$260.
For comparison, Japan’s JR Pass (14 days) costs SGD$701.45 and doesn’t offer as extensive a coverage of the country compared to the Swiss Pass. Whereas the Swiss Youth Pass Flex (SGD$500), allows you to use their trains (SBB), certain boats for 15 days in one month and allowing you to visit over 500 museums in Switzerland for free—far more flexible than Japan’s JR Pass.
Other Swiss Pass privileges
Using the Swiss Pass, you can explore scenic lakes like Blausee and the mountains at a subsidised cost. Also, unlike Japan and Korea, where tourist hotspots are often crowded, Switzerland offers a tranquil escape with the absence of overwhelming crowds.
Source: Swiss Family Fun
Staubbach falls in the charming town of Lauterbrunnen
Activities to do for Free
Japan and Korea’s natural beauty like Ueno Park in Japan and Jeju Island in Korea is unmatched, but there are also activities in Switzerland that you can do for free.
You can rent free bikes in major cities like Zurich and Geneva, hike some of the world’s most stunning trails like Oeschinensee, Appenzell, and Staubbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen. You can also visit free museums like Zurich’s Landesmuseum (Swiss National Museum) on the first Sunday of each month as they offer free entry.
Hacks to make your trip cheaper
Eating out is always a concern for Swiss tourists, and this is where the supermarket is the budget traveller’s best friend. Grocery shopping at Aldi’s significantly cuts costs. Surprisingly, there are certain groceries in Switzerland that can be cheaper than Singapore! A pastry costs around SGD$1.50 (compared to Singapore’s $3), and a piece of steak can be as low as SGD$7. Japan and Korea’s food options are very vast and affordable. However, If you don’t mind cooking for yourself, Switzerland’s the place to go.
For accommodation, B&B Al Festival, Rooms Al Festival offers stays as low as SGD$39 per pax per night. Casa Nico goes for SGD$36.50 per pax per night and Chez Nifa for SGD$40.50.
Must-Visit Swiss Destinations
Source: Wayfaring With Wagner
Zurich’s old town
Explore Zurich’s Historic Old Town
Wander through the medieval alleys and bustling business districts.
Enjoy the stunning views of Lake Zurich.
Use the Swiss Pass for free boat rides across the lake.
Shop at the Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s shopping district.
Taste all the chocolate you want at the Lindt Chocolate Museum for 15 Swiss Francs.
Source: Geneva Tourism
Inside of the Geneva Cathedral
Discover Geneva
Admire the Jet d’Eau fountain.
Visit the Geneva Cathedral.
Take in one of Switzerland’s viewpoints at Promenade de la Treille.
Source: Valais/Wallis Promotion
The town of Zermatt with the Matterhorn in the background
Experience the Magic of Zermatt
Get lost in the fairytale town of Zermatt, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.
Do not forget to get lost in the magical town of Zermatt where you can admire the famous Matterhorn
Ski in the #1 rated ski-resort globally for their slopes and views.
Source: Hika
The summit of the hike in Oeschinensee
Hike the World’s Number One Rated Trail at Oeschinensee
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its hikes and stunning blue lake.
Rent a kayak and glide across the lake’s serene waters.
Enjoy rare sights of Swiss cows wandering in the picturesque alpine landscape.
