I would like to come from Asia to Switzerland, just for a 2 week vacation. I'm 21 and I have to see the views and swim in the waters of the lakes and breath the air of the mountains that are so special in Switzerland (lol I'm a man and I just sounded like Heidi).
The point is that I can't waste money on this. I worked a little and I have the money for flying tickets.
I wonder if it's possible just like in my country to put a slipping bag in the middle of nowhere in a village and sleep, wake up in the morning and hitchike to wonderful places? Or is Switzerland too big and people don't stop their cars so I can't get to all the nice places in 2 weeks just by hitchiking?
Renting a car takes a bunch of money. I can sleep outdoors if the weather is not extreme. Is that an attitude I can succeed with when traveling to Switzerland?
You have to eat and drink, and this is expensive in Switzerland. There are backpacker hostels, but these are much more expensive than in Asia. We get heavy storms in the evening in the summer, and it could be cold in the mountains
Italy is much cheaper, and also has the Alps.Spain has the Pyrenées.In Asia, Outer Mongolia has stunning lakes and mountains with views similar to those in Switzerland, and Tibet and the rest of China have amazing mountain scenery. Pakistan has the Pamirs and Nepal the Annapurna range. I hear Rwanda and Burundi have scenery similar to Switzerland too, though I havent been.
Yes, Switzerland is beautiful, but its one of the most expensive countries in the world. Given your limited budget, You could see scenery as beautiful and have more fun for less money elsewhere.
Switzeland is peppered with Youth Hostels- so you need to join the Youth Hostel Assoc in your own country, then you are good to go.
In the 60s, I hitchhiked all the time here in Switzerland- but I agree with Adrian it is less popular now. But here out in the sticks- young people still hitchhike all the time- we stop for them all the time- and we often offer a meal and a bed to any who have share a pleasant conversation in the car.
So it is possible, really. Make sure you have 2 lightweigh sheet sleeping bags- (so you can wash one and then swap) and a couple of pillow cases.
And of course you can use YHAs in nearby France and Italy too. You can do your own cokking at the hostels and live very frugally- a packet of pasta and bottle of sauce will not break the bank, neither will some oats or other cereal for breakfast, etc.
And if you pass by the Jura, you can have a bed, a hot shower and a meal or two right here, for a couple of nights- and can then walk down to Neuchâtel Lake in a day via the fabulous 'Gorges de l'Areuse' after visiting 'Le Creux-du-Van'. Maybe someone else here on EF will feel like offering you a bed too.
Mmm ...... my observations are the opposite. I often see people with their thumbs out, although, this happens a lot at bus stops - probably trying to save a fare and a bit of time; plus more chance of getting a ride when it's a shortish distance. This is across the age and gender spectrum, too.
Maybe, not as frequently, but I also see hitchhikers near autobahn slip-roads, with the cardboard sign, with a distance destination scribbled on. How successful they are is unsure, but there are many lorries that travel distances across the country and beyond.
However, I must admit, that I don't see it as often as I used - but my location has changed, too ..... no buses, here, just trains.
Octopus, its a pleasure to meet somebody via these pages who actually listens to the advice they are given, and who remains respectful even though some members can be blunt at times.
I think that your summing up of the advice is perfect. I am sure with the attitude you have you will have a lovely holiday wherever you decide to go. Do let us know what your plans are. Many of us are well-travelled and can give advice on other countries too.
Another point, it may be a good idea to try and visit other less comfortable, less easy, but exciting countries whilst you are young. Switzerland offers lots of comfort for someone older, perhaps less able, with a reasonable salary. Save it for later in life.
Have you seen the Taj Mahal, Macchu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Great Wall of China, Victoria Falls, The Potala, Chichen Itza, the temples of Bagan, Table Mountain.....?
All of them are in countries where there is lots more to see than just them, and all of these countries are among the cheaper ones to travel in, excepting perhaps South Africa. No need to sleep outside in these destinations.
Thank you again, dear people, for your comments. A lot of useful info for me and for other people surfing the web.
As it turns out, I am probably going for a 2 week vacation in Italy, I hope that I will really get there in the following days. Deep inside, all I'm looking for is a few days away from people I know.
Get a bicycle. You should be able to reach many places. As for sleeping in the forest, I've heard of people getting fined for sleeping in the wrong places. Also, the ticks here carry a disease that can make you very ill for a long time.
There is a website where you can find a farm to sleep on for cheap. and you get to sleep in the hay. Also when you hike the mountains there are cabins/chalets with beds and kitchens available. You need to plan your trip and look into the hikes you want to go on. Switzerland is the most expensive country to travel in, but I there are ways to save and things to know. It is all possible when you plan. Since you are hear for two weeks I would recommend getting the Halbtax card. This is for the train prices to be half the cost.
If you go to Italy I can recommend to visit Cinque Terre. It's not the Swiss Alps but the views when hiking between the five little seaside villages are beautiful. I hope you get what sounds like a much needed vacation from the everyday.