Best of Switzerland!
Karen Schaler | Mar 19, 2009 | Comments 12
Right as I was wrapping up writing the TRAVEL THERAPY book I was contacted by an editor who asked me if I would be available to do a story on the top spas in Switzerland. Hummmm…let me think. Go to one of my favorite places in the world and research spas? I’m in!
I had to work pretty fast to make the deadline and even though I had visited some of the properties before when you’re covering spas, like most travel destinations, you really need to visit and experience a place right before you write about it. This way your information and insight is fresh so you’re able to give readers the very latest information.
With the help of the fabulous Swiss Tourism I was able to get a flight on Swiss Air and my pampering started from the moment I got on the plane. When you fly Swiss Air you’re not just thrown a pack of stale peanuts and told to chow down. This airline actually feeds you “real” food that’s not only edible but interesting using Swiss inspired ingredients and recipes. Even if you’re not up for a big meal get the cheese platter and a glass of wine and sit back and relax.
My assignment was with Elite Traveler magazine and I would be profiling the top six spas in Switzerland, focusing in on the locally inspired treatments, products, spa setting and celebrity fans.
For my trip I had decided to visit six destinations in ten days. It was an aggressive schedule, not very “spa like”, but it was the only time I could carve out in the middle of getting the TRAVEL THERAPY book to the publisher.
Just to spice things up even more I also picked up another assignment with ABCNews.com to highlight some of the most affordable finds in the destinations I was visiting. The American dollar actually gets you more in Switzerland than the rest of Europe because the country uses the Swiss Franc instead of the Euro so it’s a smart destination choice for people who want to get the most from their travel dollars.
Besides working as a writer I’m also a professional photographer. I’ve provided about a fourth of the photographs for my book TRAVEL THERAPY:Where Do You Need to Go? so when I’m working with top online outlets like ABCNews.com I always offer up my own original high resolution travel photos in case the editors want something different from the usual “stock” images that properties give them. It’s all about being a multi-media journalist these days, especially in this economy!
I first visited Switzerland when I was backpacking through Europe in college and fell in love with the destination instantly and this is why Switzerland is listed as one of the top 100 destinations in the world in the TRAVEL THERAPY book.
When you’re visiting Switzerland it doesn’t matter if you’re swooshing down the Matterhorn in the icy winter or hiking through fields of fragrant flowers in the spring this country is as enchanting as it is addicting. While the Swiss are known to be reserved if you give them some time to thaw out a bit you’ll see how genuine and friendly they really are. I’ve made some amazing friends on my journeys through this country.
My trip was a whirlwind but it reminded me that even when you don’t have a lot of time to spend, in my case less than two days in each destination, you can still have a fantastic TRAVEL THERAPY experience. It’s all about changing your attitude by changing your environment and Switzerland is one environment you can’t help but fall in love with!
For more on my Swiss journey and to read about the top six spas in Switzerland you can click on the link HERE to the Elite Traveler piece that has just come out this month.
If you’re looking for some top deals and affordable finds in Switzerland you can click HERE for the TRAVEL THERAPY piece featured on ABCNews.com.
For more on unique and inspiring destinations like Switzerland be sure to pick up a copy of my new book TRAVEL THERAPY: Where Do You Need to Go? that has just been released last week. You can get a copy at a special introductory price on this website for $6 off and free shipping or pick the book up at your favorite book store.
If you have any questions about traveling to Switzerland or any other destinations please leave a comment and I’ll get right back with you!
Filed Under: Adventure Trips • Affordable Finds • Book Update • Celebrity • Family • Luxury Resorts • Romance • Spas • Travel Therapy
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I have visited Switzerland many times – it’s one of my favored places to visit. It’s such a green place on earth and has the best public transport system in the world! Traveling by train is comfortable and very much convenient! And who doesn’t love the Swiss cheese and chocolate…ahha.
I like this article – thanks Karen.
M
…I haven never been to Switzerland but would love to visit. It seems like paradise and I’ve heard that everything is so clean and of great quality. One day I would like to visit Zermatt and see the world famous Matterhorn. Would you recommend Zermatt Ms Schaler?
Thank you,
Stan P
Mark, you’re right the train system in Switzerland is fantastic! It actually is one time! The best bet is to get a Swiss Pass for muliple days it will save you $$$$. Just click on the link to Swiss Tourism in the post and it has all the info!
Stan, Zermatt is magical. What I love most is that you can’t drive a car in the village so it’s tiny and quaint and has this fairy tale feel. Not to mention the skiing is out of this world! It’s also a great place to visit in the spring where you can do some hiking and exploring–don’t forget your camera!
I visited Switzerland shortly after college and fell in love with the mountains, the people and of course the chocolate! Your photo is beautiful. I’m inspired to return and will definitely check out a spa or two!
My husband and I went to Switzerland in 2002 and loved it! We would like to go back someday and your article has started the juices flowing again. We too liked the people and the chocolate! We have a lot more to explore.
p.s.
Love your book and your website!
Loved Switzerland but didn’t see enough of it. Only got as far as Geneva and lake Lamon. Hoe to return some day. Your site is inspiring.
Also have your book and find it very enjoyable. Not like most travel books I have looked though or purchased. The chapters are all good and don’t even have any issues. Pictures are very inviting as well.
My wife got me on this site and we both enjoy your blog format.
Keep up the great work.
Johnny, you must go back to Switzerland and explore more, there is so much to see and enjoy. The spring is a beatiful and affordable time visit! Some great airfares right now from NYC starting at around $465 Rt!
Click on the link for the ABCNews.com piece I did as it highlights some great destinations to visit. One of my favorites is Weggis!
Kat, thank you! So happy you like the TRAVEL THERAPY book! Page 190 is one of my favorites from Switz!
What is so great about Switzerland is that it’s small enough to get around easily by train so you can cover a lot of ground in very little time. Hope you and your husband have a chance to go back soon!
Deb, a spa trip is a great escape if you’re in Switzerland! The Elite Traveler article I wrote will give you feel so you can pick the one that’s best for you! Enjoy!
I visited Switzerland (St. Moritz, Zurich, Lucerne) several years ago and was enchanted. The place is such a walker’s paradise, so I was in heaven! Thank you for sharing some of your magical experiences! When do you think is the best time to visit? Thanks!
Switzerland sounds like a marvelous place to visit. I may never get there but reading about it makes seem like you’ve been there. Nice job, Karen.