If you have a sweet tooth, this episode is for you! We’re trying the best of Milan including Panetone, all kinds of chocolate in Switzerland, a cookie called Spitzbuben, Malaysia’s delicious answer to Shave Ice, and a purple tuber that makes great sweets! Plus, why sugar cane is grown in The Philipp…If you have a sweet tooth, this episode is for you! We’re trying the best of Milan including Panetone, all kinds of chocolate in Switzerland, a cookie called Spitzbuben, Malaysia’s delicious answer to Shave Ice, and a purple tuber that makes great sweets! Plus, why sugar cane is grown in The Philippines. [Ep 396]
Switzerland is known for precision, with trains that arrive to the minute, watches accurate to fractions of a second, and chocolate engineered to perfection. So what's a hot air balloon doing in the mix? Turns out, the country that prides itself on timeliness also embraces drifting wherever the wind…Switzerland is known for precision, with trains that arrive to the minute, watches accurate to fractions of a second, and chocolate engineered to perfection. So what's a hot air balloon doing in the mix? Turns out, the country that prides itself on timeliness also embraces drifting wherever the wind takes you.
In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes back travel writer Crai Bower to count down his top five most unexpected discoveries in Switzerland, each one worth a spot on your itinerary.
You'll hear about the food traditions worth seeking out, a cultural obsession hiding in plain sight, and what Crai believes best captures Switzerland's quirky spirit.
What You’ll Learn:
0:23 Why watching raclette melt over an open fire is a can't-miss Swiss food moment
1:50 The pickled food culture that surprised even a seasoned traveler
3:05 The facade paintings of Lucerne and why they're worth slowing down for
3:43 How a timekeeping-obsessed culture also became the birthplace of hot air ballooning
7:20 What Switzerland's four national languages and cultural mix feel like on the ground
Connect with Crai Bower:
Instagram
What are YOU most excited to experience in Switzerland? Tell us in the comments!
Switzerland is famous for precision watches, world-class skiing, and secretive banking—but there's a stranger, more fascinating side to this small, landlocked country that most travelers overlook.
This episode digs into the Switzerland that doesn't make it into the guidebooks—like a carnival where…Switzerland is famous for precision watches, world-class skiing, and secretive banking—but there's a stranger, more fascinating side to this small, landlocked country that most travelers overlook.
This episode digs into the Switzerland that doesn't make it into the guidebooks—like a carnival where crowds are rewarded with root vegetables, and a train called "Express" that takes its time on purpose.
Host Angie Orth is joined by award-winning travel writer Crai Bower, who recently covered the country for Westways and AAA Explorer magazines. This journalist's eye for the offbeat will have you looking at Switzerland in a new way.
You'll hear how Switzerland's four official languages and cultural influences shape each city's personality, why the country is more budget-friendly than its reputation suggests, and which experiences make it worth visiting year-round.
What You’ll Learn:
05:53 The Swiss museums worth adding to your itinerary
09:03 What makes the Glacier Express one of the world's great train journeys
12:23 The folklore and mythology rooted in Switzerland's Alpine landscape
20:31 Inside Basel Fasnacht: a three-day carnival unlike anything else in Europe
26:43 Why Switzerland is one of the easiest countries to navigate without a car
Connect with Crai Bower:
Instagram
What’s the quirkiest thing you’ve experienced in Switzerland? Tell us in the comments!
This week, we're honored to welcome Andrew Delmenhorst, founder of Pygmy Elephant, a company that designs self-guided adventures for travelers around the world. Growing up with a restless curiosity and an early love of exploration, Andrew's life took a defining turn when a bungee jump in Switzerland…This week, we're honored to welcome Andrew Delmenhorst, founder of Pygmy Elephant, a company that designs self-guided adventures for travelers around the world. Growing up with a restless curiosity and an early love of exploration, Andrew's life took a defining turn when a bungee jump in Switzerland, a leap he was terrified to take, cracked open something profound inside him and set the course for everything that followed.
Andrew takes us on a journey through his transformation from corporate professional to passionate architect of life-changing travel experiences. He describes that pivotal moment standing at the edge, heart pounding, knees shaking, and ultimately jumping, and how that single act of courage made him ask: if I can do this, what else am I capable of? That question sparked a sabbatical, a 35-day solo hike across the Camino de Santiago, a bicycle journey over the Alps, and ultimately the birth of Pygmy Elephant in 2015.
In this episode, we explore the profound philosophy behind the Pygmy Elephant name, the idea that small trips can have an overarching impact on your life, the unique self-guided adventures the company offers across Patagonia, the Tour du Mont Blanc, Scotland, the Dolomites, and beyond, and how Andrew's business has become a bridge between travelers and the transformative power of nature. Join us for a deep and moving conversation about finding meaning through movement, building a business from the ground up with nothing but grit and passion, and what it truly means to err on the side of adventure.more
Hear about travel to Bern, Switzerland, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jack Baumann from Guidester and the Europe Travel 101 Podcast about a city he fell in love with early in his travels.
Why should you visit Bern?
Jack says, "I would say Bern epitomizes the blend mixture of natural beauty, cul…Hear about travel to Bern, Switzerland, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jack Baumann from Guidester and the Europe Travel 101 Podcast about a city he fell in love with early in his travels.
Why should you visit Bern?
Jack says, "I would say Bern epitomizes the blend mixture of natural beauty, culture, and history that Switzerland is known for. It's on the river Aare, it's surrounded by the Bern oberland, so you can get from the city center to a mountain in about 15 minutes. On a clear day, you can see the Alps."
Jack’s Recommended 7-Day Itinerary for Bern, SwitzerlandDays 1–2: Historic Bern (UNESCO Old Town)
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-bern-switzerland/
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Award winning author and podcaster Rick Kaempfer joins Brent to talk about vacation mishaps. There’s broken arms in Switzerland, broken legs in Montana, and an unwanted pig farm vacation. Plus, getting kicked out of a hotel in France and a suspicious credit card misplacement. [Ep 371]
Show Notes:
…Award winning author and podcaster Rick Kaempfer joins Brent to talk about vacation mishaps. There’s broken arms in Switzerland, broken legs in Montana, and an unwanted pig farm vacation. Plus, getting kicked out of a hotel in France and a suspicious credit card misplacement. [Ep 371]
The brilliant comedian, TV presenter and mental health campaigner Ruby Wax joins Tanya Rose to share her travel secrets this week.
In this episode, Ruby tells us all about how she escaped from finishing school in Switzerland, takes us behind the scenes of some of her most iconic celebrity interview…The brilliant comedian, TV presenter and mental health campaigner Ruby Wax joins Tanya Rose to share her travel secrets this week.
In this episode, Ruby tells us all about how she escaped from finishing school in Switzerland, takes us behind the scenes of some of her most iconic celebrity interviews and reveals how she hitchhiked to Mexico whilst at university!
Plus, Ruby discusses her poignant experience volunteering at a refugee camp in Cape Town and shares how her friendship with the late Alan Rickman shaped the course of her life.
Don’t forget to follow @travelsecretsthepodcast and remember, you can watch all of our episodes on YouTube.
Places mentioned:
Jamaica
Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro
Montreux, Switzerland
Cape Town, South Africa
Blue Spirit Retreat Centre, Costa Rica
Mexico
Glasgow, Scotland
Findhorn, Scotland
Asheville, North Carolina
Dukes, London
Chapters
00:00 Intro
10:00 Secret 1: Number 1 travel destination everybody should go to
14:02 Secret 2: Most unexpected travel experience
21:51 Secret 3: Most Over or Underrated travel experience
30:39 Secret 5: Best Food & Drink while travelling
Hear about traveling to Lake Constance (Bodensee) in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as the Amateur Traveler discusses a biking trip around the lake to explore its historic, cultural, and natural sites.
The Lake Constance International Tourism Board sponsored this trip.
This week's show is suppo…Hear about traveling to Lake Constance (Bodensee) in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as the Amateur Traveler discusses a biking trip around the lake to explore its historic, cultural, and natural sites.
The Lake Constance International Tourism Board sponsored this trip.
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel here.
Day 1 – Arrival in Constance, Germany
Flew into Zurich, train to Constance.
Quick city tour: Roman history dating back to Caesar Augustus, Council of Constance (resolved the Papal Schism).
Began biking to Reichenau Island (UNESCO World Heritage Site): monasteries, vineyards, Romanesque churches, small museum of monastic culture.
Dinner on Reichenau, returned by boat to Constance.
Overnight: Hotel Constantia.
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/lake-constance-bike-trip/
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Planning a trip to Switzerland? In this episode, we’ll walk you through the ultimate 8-day Switzerland itinerary, filled with must-see sights, local highlights, and tips to maximize your adventure. Discover Interlaken’s stunning landscapes, immerse yourself in the alpine magic of Zermatt, and soak i…Planning a trip to Switzerland? In this episode, we’ll walk you through the ultimate 8-day Switzerland itinerary, filled with must-see sights, local highlights, and tips to maximize your adventure. Discover Interlaken’s stunning landscapes, immerse yourself in the alpine magic of Zermatt, and soak in the history and charm of Lucerne. Perfect for first-time visitors or seasoned travelers looking for inspiration, this guide is your key to experiencing Switzerland at its best.
Check out our Switzerland Itineraries: 8 Day Summer Switzerland Itinerary, 4 days in Interlaken, 2 days in Zermatt, & 2 days Lucerne
Switzerland Tips & Must Visit Places Episode Highlights:
• Top of Europe: Jungfraujoch
• Staubbach Falls- Interlaken
• Lauterbrunnen- Interlaken
• Oeschinensee Lake Hike- Interlaken
• Gornergrat Railway - Zermatt
• Riffelsee - Riffelberg via Gornergrat Hike- Zermatt
• Lion Monument- Lucerne,
• Musegg Wall- Lucerne
• Stoos Ridge Hike- Lucerne
Our top recommended Hotels in Bern, Switzerland
• Hotel Moxy Bern
• Hotel Jardin Bern
• Hotel Bären am Bundesplatz
• If these hotels are fully booked, you can also check out other great hotel options in Bern.
Check out our Switzerland Activities & Tours, featuring the top experiences we recommend, plus a few we couldn’t fit in but are worth adding to your own itinerary.
Find a great flight deal to Switzerland by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.
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Shop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront
Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at [email protected] to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.
Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!more
Dreaming of a trip to Europe without the massive price tag? In this episode, Nikki Packer shared how she used credit card points to plan a family trip to Italy and Switzerland filled with luxury stays, incredible destinations, and unforgettable experiences. All while saving thousands of dollars!
This week, we welcome Paul Martino, Maria Martino, and Maria Wurtzbacher, who join host Scott Wurtzbacher to relive their fairytale on the Tour du Mont Blanc. A milestone-year idea became a self-guided loop of 100 miles around Mont Blanc across France, Italy, and Switzerland, 31,000 feet of climbing…This week, we welcome Paul Martino, Maria Martino, and Maria Wurtzbacher, who join host Scott Wurtzbacher to relive their fairytale on the Tour du Mont Blanc. A milestone-year idea became a self-guided loop of 100 miles around Mont Blanc across France, Italy, and Switzerland, 31,000 feet of climbing and 71 hours on trail, the kind of effort that turns friends into family.
They share the shift from vacation to quest, the music of cowbells, quiet chapels that steadied shaky moments, balcony paths and a ladder section, even a helicopter’s rotor wash on an exposed cliff. There is laughter at border crossings and Sound of Music singalongs, a running joke about ham and cheese, and street dancing in Courmayeur, plus generous, family-run hospitality along the way.
We explore what it takes to go from point A to point B each day, training and simple routines, smart support without a guide, and the four trip markers: come home safe, achieve the goal, laugh, and cry. Intentions are tested and met: getting strong at 50, doing hard things at 60, unplugging for two and a half weeks, and learning to let go of the watch. Say yes to big adventures, choose courage over comfort, and travel together with heart.more
Pauline's daughter Veronica Stewart-Frommer, lead singer of the band Melt, came on to discuss her recent 100-mile hike through some of the most majestic areas of France, Italy and Switzerland
Episode 126 of the Award Travel 101 podcast kicks off with hosts Angie Sparks and Joseph Petrovic diving into a community trip report featuring Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. The post highlights how award travel makes such adventures possible, prompting Joe to reflect on the gratitude he feels f…Episode 126 of the Award Travel 101 podcast kicks off with hosts Angie Sparks and Joseph Petrovic diving into a community trip report featuring Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. The post highlights how award travel makes such adventures possible, prompting Joe to reflect on the gratitude he feels for being part of this group. From card application hurdles to trip upgrades, Angie and Joe share personal experiences and travel wins. Angie attempted to apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve busine...more
What do you get when you mix alpine grandeur, French wine, and a few awkward encounters with public transportation? The trek of a lifetime.
Joe and Crystal sit down with globe-trotting guest David to relive his incredible Tour du Mont Blanc—an iconic hike that crosses France, Italy, and Switzerland…What do you get when you mix alpine grandeur, French wine, and a few awkward encounters with public transportation? The trek of a lifetime.
Joe and Crystal sit down with globe-trotting guest David to relive his incredible Tour du Mont Blanc—an iconic hike that crosses France, Italy, and Switzerland. From cultural quirks to culinary delights (hello, croissants and polenta!), David shares what it's really like to hike Europe's most scenic loop.
You'll hear trail-tested tips on how to train, what to pack, and how to avoid blowing your budget—or your knees—on the way. Whether you're planning your own hiking getaway or just dreaming from the couch, this episode is packed with laughs, insight, and a few "you won't believe this" moments from the trail.
Here's what's packed in our metaphorical backpack today:
• 🎬 The Sound of Music made us do it: What movie scenes and mountain views have in common
• 🥾 Crossing borders on foot: Why the Tour du Mont Blanc is the ultimate passport stamp
• 🎒 What NOT to forget in your pack (and what David says you absolutely don't need)
• 💡 Accommodations, luggage hacks, and trail shortcuts for the savvy traveler
• 🍷 Why hiking is better with wine and what David learned about blending adventure and indulgence
• 🧀 Croissants in France, coffee in Italy, fondue in Switzerland… need we say more?
• 🗣️ Struggling with French? We've got stories—and survival phrases
• 🚶♂️ What to know about rest days, restrooms, and rustic beds
Whether you're dreaming of alpine treks or just here for the croissant jokes, this episode is your trailhead to adventure.
🧭 Thinking about planning your own trip? David now runs Blaze Adventure Tours—hear how he custom-builds trips for hikers and cyclists who want the thrill without the stress.
David's company link: Home - Blaze Adventure Tours- Bicycle Tours and Backpacking
In Episode 116 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Angie and Cameron dive into key travel news and updates, including a lively community discussion sparked by a member seeking solo travel advice for women. Recommendations ranged from safe bets like Switzerland and Singapore to more debated destinations…In Episode 116 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Angie and Cameron dive into key travel news and updates, including a lively community discussion sparked by a member seeking solo travel advice for women. Recommendations ranged from safe bets like Switzerland and Singapore to more debated destinations like Morocco, Mexico City, and Cape Town. In news, SkyTeam announced lounge access policy changes that include tighter time restrictions and stricter guest access, while Qatar introduced a n...more
Today… we're going skiing! And we're doing it in style in France, Switzerland, Italy, and other European destinations. I wanted to pull together this episode not only because skiing in Europe is an amazing cultural experience, but also because it's looking pretty darn good from a value perspective r…Today… we're going skiing! And we're doing it in style in France, Switzerland, Italy, and other European destinations. I wanted to pull together this episode not only because skiing in Europe is an amazing cultural experience, but also because it's looking pretty darn good from a value perspective right now. The Euro and Dollar are currently on par and lift tickets and lessons are massively cheaper in Europe than in the US.
Our guests today are the brother and sister team, Rick Reichsfeld and Richelle Blanken. The duo grew up skiing competitively, both raced in college, and then Richelle even raced in the Olympics. When Richelle left the national team - brother and sister teamed up to find a way to make a living from helping others experience the joy of skiing and the duo are our partners in planning amazing ski trips around the world for Bell & Bly Travel clients.
We discuss everything from Michelin starred mountain food, to unique lifts across Europe, to the most luxurious resorts, spas, and even non-skiing winter activities.
Sit back with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of champagne, and enjoy this episode of Luxury Travel Insider.
Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels
If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/
Actress Indira Varma joins Tanya Rose to reveal her travel secrets this week.
She explains how her Indian and Swiss parents informed her approach to travel and cuisine, the national park in California where she always stumbles upon strange things and she shares the places in Switzerland to find the …Actress Indira Varma joins Tanya Rose to reveal her travel secrets this week.
She explains how her Indian and Swiss parents informed her approach to travel and cuisine, the national park in California where she always stumbles upon strange things and she shares the places in Switzerland to find the best fondu.
Plus, she shares a secret from Venice so you can try a luxury hotel without the stay and a poignant travel memory which highlights the kindness of strangers.
Don’t forget to follow @travelsecretsthepodcast and remember, you can watch all of our episodes on YouTube.
Places mentioned:
India
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Vancouver Island, Canada
Tenerife
Lausanne, Switzerland
Calabria, Italy
Jikoni, London
Palace Hotel, Gstaad
Café du Cerf, Rougemont
La Sage, Switzerland
St. Marks Square, Venice
MMuseum, New York
The Frick, New York
Naples, Italy
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.more
A tour guide from England's scenic Lake District recommends two areas — in Switzerland and Iceland — offering even more stunning landscapes to explore. Then a historian invites us to reconsider how we orient ourselves in time and space as he shares insights he's gained from exploring how we arrived …A tour guide from England's scenic Lake District recommends two areas — in Switzerland and Iceland — offering even more stunning landscapes to explore. Then a historian invites us to reconsider how we orient ourselves in time and space as he shares insights he's gained from exploring how we arrived at our modern sense of direction. And a former NPR correspondent discusses what happens when a place gets a new name, and how an altered identity can transform the place itself.more
Classic Bucket List Alps trek of the tour du Mont Blanc circuit through three countries: Italy, France and Switzerland.
The Mont Blanc Trek is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the world! This adventure is the perfect combination of challenge, great food, culture and company. An ab…Classic Bucket List Alps trek of the tour du Mont Blanc circuit through three countries: Italy, France and Switzerland.
The Mont Blanc Trek is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the world! This adventure is the perfect combination of challenge, great food, culture and company. An absolutely wonderful vacation!
On today's show, I go in detail about what you can expect on your Mont Blanc Adventure. I discuss the difficulty, terrain, what special to pack, weather and when to go, the food (!!!) and everything you need to know to see if you should head to Mont Blanc for your enxt adventure travel holiday (and the answer is YES!!!)
This adventure can be done as a guided trip, as I did with Active Adventures,an affiliate of my Active Travel Adventures (but we are two different companies), as a self-guided trip or you can plan the whole thing on your own and according to your budget. See the webpage for more details. Email me for an exclusive Active Adventures $200 off Promo Code good for this or any of Active's exciting adventure travel tours!
COMPLETE SHOW NOTES See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about training for this adventure.
Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!). Get the monthly newsletter here.
CONTACT KIT
Resources
Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies
Travel Insurance: Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies - no need to give any identifying information unless you decide to buy! The best way to find the right policy for your adventures.
Train For Your Adventure Ask Becki at Trailblazer Wellness to customize an at home, online personal training program for your upcoming adventure using whatever equipment you already have! You'll get phone consultations, instruction videos and a plan to give you the best chance of success. Becki offers a FREE initial phone consultation to see if you are a good fit. AND she offers ATA listeners a 10% discount!
Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program? You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks!
Amazon Kit's Picks Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account. Even if you don't purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you'll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:)
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(C) Active Travel Adventures, LLC - All Rights Reserved more
Not only can you swim in the rivers of Bern and Basel— but thousands of locals regularly take the plunge. From a morning commute to a relaxing weekend escape, discover how rivers are at the heart of everyday Swiss life. In this episode of Travel Tales by Afar, Bonnie Tsui, author of Why We Swim, fol…Not only can you swim in the rivers of Bern and Basel— but thousands of locals regularly take the plunge. From a morning commute to a relaxing weekend escape, discover how rivers are at the heart of everyday Swiss life. In this episode of Travel Tales by Afar, Bonnie Tsui, author of Why We Swim, follows the currents of Switzerland's alpine rivers into the depths of history, culture and identity.
How Rivers Reveal Years of Swiss Culture
In this episode you will learn:
How the Rhine was transformed into a meeting place for swimmers
What river swimming reveals about the people and culture of major Swiss cities
What our changing world could mean for the future of alpine river swimming.
Behind Every Great Swiss City, There’s A River.
Don’t miss these transformative travel moments:
[5:19] A legacy of guarding the rights of swimmers in Basel.
[8:14] Three distinct relationships with the Rhine.
[11:07] An insightful swim at Rheinbad Breite, a 125-year-old bathhouse.
[12:54] What does climate change mean for the future of Alpine river swimming?
Swimming for a Slice of Life
Afar contributor, and author of Why We Swim, Bonnie Tsui has swimming in her DNA. Her parents met in a pool in Hong Kong, she worked as a lifeguard growing up in New York, and she often swims when she travels—she's the perfect person to explore Switzerland’s river swimming culture.
In this episode you’ll learn how to enhance a trip to Switzerland by swimming its rivers, hear how locals see rivers as an important thread in the fabric of Swiss life and culture, and be inspired by the people who are working to protect the future of alpine river swimming.
Resources
• Read the transcript of the episode
• Order Bonnie’s book Why We Swim
• Read more of Bonnie’s work on her website.
• Pre-order Bonnie's latest book, On Muscle:The Stuff That Moves Us and Why it Matters.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Unpacked, which unpacks a tricky topic in travel each week.
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