Switzerland’s Summer and Winter: Giving You the Best of Both Worlds

Switzerland under the bright light.

Before planning your trip to this lovely paradise in the continent of Europe, the first thing you have to know is – when is the best time to go for your kind of adventure? Switzerland is known as a summer and winter sports paradise. Whatever the season is, you have a long list of extreme activities to choose from which are done best either on summer or winter time. To make sure that your type of sports and your clothing is appropriate for the weather in Switzerland, you have to know these: summertime usually lasts from June to August, while winter starts in December and ends during the latter part of February. 

Just remember that Switzerland is a huge country so you need to decide which adventures to take on first so that you can plan your activities around it. Depending on which sites you wish to visit, you can book accommodations in a central location where all the attractions that you would like to visit are easily accessible.

To guide you with, the top escapades for both seasons are listed in this piece for you not to miss and will make you a certified adventurer:

Enjoy hiking while having a nice view of Swiss Alps.

Go on a hiking trip.

Let’s say that you would like to take a hike while having a view of the snow-capped Alps. There are thousands of well-marked trails here where everyone, from beginner to intermediate and expert hikers can go. Just make sure to pack a pair of sturdy hiking boots if you want to get some physical workout while enjoying a gorgeous view at the same time. 

There’s the Zermatt Lake Trail in Matterhorn where you are bound to stumble upon the occasional marmot animal. While you’re at it, why not also visit the 14,690-foot Matterhorn which is the most iconic emblem of the Swiss Alps? There are many guided and self-guided tours that you can take…simply choose one based on your skill level.

Trek in Mont Blanc.

If you’re in for the ultimate adventure, why not schedule a trek to Mont Blanc? There are two 4,000 acclimatization peaks here as well as two summit opportunities, so choose a trekking adventure based on your skill level.

The journey on top.

Take the famous Jungfraujoch Tour.

You can’t visit Switzerland without taking part in the famous Jungfraujoch tour. The journey will take you to the top of Europe, at 3,454 meters at the region’s highest altitude railway station. Once there, you will have a breathtaking view of the Alps wonderland as it is covered in ice, snow and rocks. The views from two other train stations: Eiger Wall and Eismeer are also unmatched.

Adventures for Swiss Summer.

In Switzerland, summer excursions often involve lakes and mountains. During your summer holidays in the Alps, the clear water of the lakes and snow-capped peaks create a remarkable landscape for walking and biking. You can also go sailing, swimming or windsurfing and enjoy the view-the best way to explore the beauty of nature and breathe in some fresh air.

Have a break and enjoy the Swiss food.

Gorge on delicious Swiss cheese, chocolates and wine.

The Swiss are famous for eating fondue during winter, but it can be had in almost all restaurants year-round. For an even more sumptuous treat, gorge on some good quality milk chocolates at the Callier Factory of Nestle here. You can also go for a wine tasting trip or enjoy a view of the steep hillside vineyards in Lavaux, a region of Lake Geneva which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Have a view of it all from above.

Even if you’re not a mountain climber, you can have a view of the attractions from above as you ride a train, a cable car or a funicular. Switzerland is home to the steepest cog railway in the world which is on top of Mt. Pilatus. While you’re up there, sip a cup of warm beverage at one of the mountaintop eateries.

Amaze your eyes while aboard the cable car.

Bask in the sights while riding a train.

You won’t be lacking for trains to ride while visiting Switzerland because there are 46 railway companies here. Aside from its being a convenient means of transportation, the trail will get you through some of the most visually stunning landscapes in the world.

Every exciting adventure is here in Switzerland just waiting to be experienced by you. And even to someone who just want to enjoy sightseeing while munching on that Swiss cheese… Switzerland is open for you. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip now!

New York City: Take a Bite out of the “Big Apple”

The Statue oF Liberty - a welcoming sight as you set foot in New York City

New York is not called ‘the city that never sleeps’ for nothing. No matter which part of the world it is that you’re in, you are bound to find something to do round-the-clock in this enormous city. Fondly called the Big Apple, New York is the most populous city in the US which also serves as the center of the arts, media, culture, fashion, finance, research and trade.

Read along and discover why New York City is a dreamland for everyone.

Charming Sights of New York City

In Lower Manhattan, a landmark that you don’t have to venture far to see is the Statue of Liberty. This national symbol of freedom which is a gift from France stands atop an island in the harbour. Visitors have considered the statue as a welcoming sight as they set foot in New York City. With this iconic figure, don’t miss to avail of the ticket in order for you to enter and climb up to the head of Liberty. It will definitely be a different sight for you to see while inside the crown of Lady Liberty.

For those whose interest is on celebration and merrymaking, Times Square is the ultimate party place for you. This square in Midtown Manhattan is the busiest area where glowing lights, huge billboards, fancy dining establishments and high energy are present. This answers your question why New York was tagged as the City that Never Sleeps.

 

New York’s Water Taxi cruising along Hudson River

For a calming day tour, try riding New York’s Water Taxi. This is a hop-on hop-off 90-minute tour cruising along Hudson River where you can see the famous sites of New York from waterfront attractions to known structures surrounding the city. The tour guide will even take you to the 9/11 Memorial to have the taste of history and witness the rebuilding of the World Trade Centre. If cruising in daytime is not enough, wine and dine the night away by booking a dinner cruise. You will be savouring a four-course dinner to be served in your private table while having a view of Manhattan’s beauty at night. Breathtaking view plus a flavoursome banquet – you definitely are having the time of your life in this enormous city.

What about Catching Some Theatre Shows?

Another attraction in the Big Apple is the number of theatres that you can check out. Whether you’re going on a movie date, catching a play, watching a classic or an independent film, New York is the perfect place for that theatrical side of you. Some of the most popular theatres here include the Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Ed Sullivan Theater, Times Square Theater, IFC Center, Walter Reade Theater, Film Forum and Landmark’s Sunshine Cinema where musical, family shows, comedy and Broadway are being showcased. Take the time out to watch at least one of the shows to have a glimpse on this much-talk about theatre shows. 

Time for a Shopping Spree

With so many locals residing in the city and millions of tourists visiting New York on a regular basis, it is no wonder why it has also become somewhat a shopping capital. New York’s premier shopping centres offers a lot of great deals and even some streets, neighbourhoods and districts are filled with retail options. Experience the high-end shopping adventures from top brands like Prada, Gucci, and Versace or just enjoy bargain hunting in this shopping haven. Whatever your budget is, New York is your place to literally “shop ‘til you drop”.

To get you started, here are some of the can’t-miss shopping destinations in the Big Apple:

Chinatown in downtown Manhattan

If you don’t have anything specific to buy in mind, you can start by browsing through the crowded streets of Chinatown. Aside from the sumptuous food, you will find a collection of accessories like sunglasses, bags and other items – which are knockoffs, of course – so make sure to bargain if you find something which is absolutely a must-buy! For a food lover, don’t forget to try the authentic dishes the Chinese restaurants are offering in this place.  Chinatown should definitely be present in your must visit sites to give you that taste of what is happening in this downtown part of Manhattan.

Chelsea and the Meatpacking District.

You won’t meet a local who would not rave about the great finds at Bed, Bath & Beyond or superstores like TJJ Maxx of Filene’s Basement. All these and more stores are located at Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. There are even some stores of big name designers like Christian Louboutin, Stella McCartney or Alexander McQueen.

34th Street in Midtown Manhattan
If there is Oxford Street in London, New York has its equivalent on 34th street as a prime shopping destination between fifth and seventh avenues. Gap, Banana Republic and Victoria’s Secret are among the popular brands which are present in this area. These stores are located on the street which is just opposite the world’s largest department store, Macy’s on Herald Square.

Macy’s Department Store is a nine-floor building filled with merchandise ranging from home wares to apparel for the family, accessories, perfumes, watches and much more. And to add some excitement for tourists and first time visitors, Macy’s an 11% discount on most merchandise by issuing visitors a visitor’s card. This card can be obtained by showing your passport at the visitor’s desk located on the mezzanine floor just off the main floor which is interestingly called ‘the one and a half floor’.

SoHo

Along with the presence of historic buildings are retail giant names like H & M, Bebe, Club Monaco, Guess, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger and Uniqlo. All these can be found in SoHo which is one of the most fashionable areas in the city.

With all these names and more, anybody who wants to deal with their shopping fever will definitely have hundreds of options in New York. Just ready your cash and of course, those precious credit cards of yours and start swiping.

You simply cannot exhaust your shopping and entertainment options in New York.  No matter how many times you’ve been here to visit, there will always be a new experience that will keep you coming back for more.

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