The 10 Best Towns to Visit in Switzerland!

Where Tourist Taxes Are Surging Around the World

Author

Nicholas Shelton
September 11, 2024

Here’s a fun travel fact: Did you know Antarctica is technically a desert? It receives very little precipitation, making it the largest and driest desert in the world.

Today’s Itinerary:

  • Travel Trivia

  • The 10 Best Towns to Visit in Switzerland

  • Here's Where Tourist Taxes Are Surging Around the World

  • All the Travel News You Need

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Travel Trivia

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Photo: Getty Images

Switzerland’s stunning landscapes range from snow-capped mountains to serene lakes, and while the larger cities are impressive, the small towns and villages truly showcase the country’s charm. With over 2,000 municipalities, Switzerland offers countless day trip opportunities.

Instead of constantly moving between hotels, travel advisor Sofia Markovich suggests selecting a small town as a base and exploring the region via public transport. This approach is simplified with the Swiss Travel Pass, which provides unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat.

Here are some of the best towns in Switzerland to consider:

  1. Vevey:

    Located on Lake Geneva, Vevey is known for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance. Key attractions include Alimentarium, a museum dedicated to food and nutrition, and Chaplin’s World, celebrating Charlie Chaplin. The Grand Hôtel du Lac offers luxurious accommodations with stunning lake views.

  2. Montreux:

    Nestled on Lake Geneva, Montreux is famous for its scenic views and the Montreux Jazz Festival held in July. The town also features a Christmas market, Montreux Noël, and boat trips to Chillon Castle.

  3. Soglio:

    Known as “the gateway to paradise,” Soglio is a remote village in the Bregaglia Valley. It offers breathtaking views of peaks over 10,000 feet and a variety of hikes, from easy village strolls to challenging multi-day treks.

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If you're passionate about travel, you’re likely part of a growing trend that favors international destinations. With tourism booming post-pandemic, popular cities have seen a surge in visitors, but this has brought about the issue of overtourism, which threatens both the environment and local culture.

In response, many cities are introducing or increasing tourist taxes to manage the impact. Recent updates include New Zealand, which will nearly triple its tourist tax starting October 1, aiming to protect its natural environment and enhance public services. Greece is also considering a €20 fee for cruise passengers visiting high-traffic spots like Santorini and Mykonos, though no implementation date has been set.

As these changes roll out, you might want to rethink your travel budget. But with these destinations making significant moves, the question remains: which iconic spots might follow suit next?

All The Travel News You Need

Having trouble keeping up with all the travel news? Don't worry, we have you covered with our travel news highlights. Here's what you need to know in case you missed it.

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