Would you travel Solo in Switzerland?

[Rajah]

DH's conference in a couple of weeks is in Lugano.

I REALLY want to see the Bernese-Oberland Alps. Specifically Interlaken and Grindelwald. But they're a 5-6 hour train ride from Lugano.

DH can't take any time from the conference to go up to that area.

There aren't any group tours leaving from Lugano to that area.

I've met one staff member's girlfriend who seems to have some similar tastes who also wants to see the Interlaken region, but we want to do different things while we're there (she wants to paraglide in Interlaken, I want to go up to Grindelwald and, if there's no/little snow, go for a *short* hike).

I'd like to re-arrange my tours so that I can leave Lugano on Wed afternoon and arrive in Grindelwald early evening, spend two nights in Grindelwald / Interlaken, spending all of Thurs seeing that area, and come back on an early (8 or 9am train) to Lugano on Friday, getting back early afternoon.

She would need to get back early afternoon on Thurs. But the only way to do that is to leave at 9:30am. Which doesn't give *any* time in Grindelwald / Interlaken.

My other option would be to keep the tours as I have them, leave Lugano first thing on Wed morning and spend all of Wed there (but wouldn't arrive until about 2pm), and spend one night in that area, then hop the first train back and hope to make it back in time for my Thurs afternoon tour.

I'm tempted to do part of that section by myself. But I also know it's not nearly as safe to tour by yourself as it is to tour with just one buddy.

Of course, looking at the webcam, it looks like the Grindelwald section might still be snow-covered (I am not used to that in mid-June), and if that's the case, there's much less I'd want to do there.

Any suggestions?

 

[Planogirl]

I haven't been to Switzerland but I've done a bit of research on the country in the past and maybe you'd enjoy the traveling by train. Switzerland has clean, safe train excursions and the sights are apparently amazing.

I have traveled around a bit in the Netherlands on my own and I never felt like I was in any danger, not even in Amsterdam. I put my camera in my pocket, didn't study maps or guidebooks out in the open and blended in with the natives. I didn't even bother with these precautions while in the little towns because they felt so safe.

I always assumed that Switzerland was much like Holland in that regard. Plus most people in northern Europe seem to speak English which is a big help. Good luck. This sounds very exciting!

 

[Rajah]

Well, there's no way to put my camera in my pocket. It's way too big. *MAYBE* my purse if I took my big purse.

I also speak just a little German and plan to stop by the library and pick up a couple of tapes to review my German.

 

[laurie31]

I would go for it! I traveled alone in England and some in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and felt very safe. The precautions already mentioned are excellent to follow, and also keep your money in a money belt and NOT in your purse (I got mugged in Rome - nuther story - thankfully nothing of value was in the purse).

Anyway, I think it would be a great experience, and I'd do it without hesitation! I also spoke a little German, although parts of Switzerland speak French or Italian. If you're polite and try to speak their language, most people will be happy to give you directions or whatever. I was surprised how many times people would answer me in English after I spoke to them in German. Common curtesy goes a looooong way Have a great trip!!

Laurie

 

[shortbun]

Switzerland is easy and the train system is wonderful-lots of
them and easy to figure out. The Swiss are friendly.
Go for it!

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Rajah, I cannot advise about the travelling part, but I can tell you that my daughter went to Lugano and said it was absolutely beautiful. Have fun!!!

 

[Gary M]

I was in Interlaken several years ago. What a beautiful town and Switzerland is breathtaking. We stayed in a small hotel and the view of the Alps from the balcony was great.

 

[eeyore74]

I would. There is a good website, www.journeywoman.com, that will give you tips on traveling solo and should also have some tips on Switzerland.

I have no affiliation with Journeywoman, just happy I found it. lol

 

[Carl]

When I was your age, I traveled solo for many trips to Switzerland and Germany. I never felt in any danger. I only would make short trips on my own now, not because I would feel in danger, but because I like the company. I don't believe there would be much, if any, snow in Interlaken at this time of the year.

 

[Rajah]

Thanks everyone! You're giving me a little more courage to try it.

I've found another staff member's girlfriend who is also interested in Photography who also wants to go to the Alps, so we're trying to see if we can get our schedules coordinated so we can go together. That would be better. But if we can't or if she doesn't want to spend the night (I really would like to spend one night anyway) then I'd probably have to go solo.

I've done Solo at WDW and DL before, but that's it.

Of course, the time I did Solo at DL I ended up meeting someone who has become one of my most reliable and best friends.

 

[Rajah]

Originally posted by eeyore74
I would. There is a good website, www.journeywoman.com, that will give you tips on traveling solo and should also have some tips on Switzerland.

I have no affiliation with Journeywoman, just happy I found it. lol

Thank you Allie! This is an excellent site!!