As the school year ends and students make plans for the summer, many people will be hoping to go on vacation. Vacations are not always the most cost-friendly, especially when in Europe; but you do not need a lot of money to make a trip unforgettable. Whether going on a family vacation, taking a gap year before college or planning a senior trip, here is a guide that will teach you how to travel on a budget. 

Switzerland is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and as such, is one of the most expensive places in Europe. But with budget-friendly attractions in reach, you can travel to this paradise without breaking the bank.Surrounded by mountain ranges and decorated with picturesque towns and cities, Switzerland is a dream destination for most. There are many noteworthy things to see and try while in Switzerland. In no particular order, here are the top six destinations to go to and why:

1. Zurich

Zurich is a stunning city with beautiful architecture and an interesting history. One of the best sights to see in Zurich is the Limmat River which runs through the city. You can paddle board on the river or go on a boat excursion through it. In Zurich is the Hauptbahnhof (train station) which is the central railroad station. Every day, three hundred thousand people use the Hauptbahnhof. Many cities in Switzerland also offer public transportation cards that can be used in place of buying a ticket every time you need to use public transportation, which can be more cost-effective. Some hotels offer city cards which allow you to travel free within a certain space, usually the city in which the hotel is. Lastly, Bahnhofstrasse is one of the most iconic shopping districts in Zurich. Here you can buy designer clothes and accessories. While it may not be the most budget-friendly it is still a cool place to walk and window shop. 

2. Lausanne 

Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is just across the lake from Evian-les-Bains, France. Because France is so close (accessible by ferry), Lausanne is the perfect place to go to practice your French skills in Switzerland. Lausanne is also home to a massive university. The building is stunning and overlooks the town square. Lausanne offers many dining experiences. With its winding streets and paths, amazing restaurants are abundant. There are plenty of fondue places, bakeries, chocolate shops and more. Another free activity is walking through the vineyards. Dotted along the mountainside paths overlooking Lake Geneva, you can find hundreds of vineyards and small restaurants along the path. 

3. Lucerne 

Lucerne is best known for the Chapel Bridge. The Chapel Bridge is a long wooden Bridge that connects the city across the Reuss River, which runs through it.

The Chapel Bridge has an interesting history; it was built in the fourteenth century but burned down in 1993, and later rebuilt. While walking down the bridge you can see old art pieces and learn a bit more about the history of the Chapel Bridge. Another thing that does not require any money is going to see the lion monument.

It was built to pay respect to the Swiss soldiers who died during the French Revolution. The monument displays a lion heroically resting its head on a shield with a pained expression because of the spear sticking out of its side. In Lucerne, there is a bakery called the Aessbar, where you can buy day-old food to help reduce food waste. It’s also a great way to save money since the price is much cheaper than most other bakeries. 

4. Bern 

Bern is not only the capital of Switzerland but also a classic city full of history. Bern is well-known for the Bärengraben. The Bärengraben is much like a zoo but with only one animal on display: the brown bear. Brown bears are the most iconic animal in Bern. They can be found in shops, on flags and decor. The original Bärengraben received lots of controversy from animal rights activists; because of this, the bears were relocated to a much nicer location with hills, trees and more space. The best thing about this experience is that it is free of charge. Bern is also home to many museums with very low entry fees, one of which is the Paul Klee Center. The Paul Klee Center was dedicated to Paul Klee, a famous artist from Switzerland, and features forty percent of all the work he ever created. One thing that causes lots of attraction to this museum is the architecture of the building itself: it is very unique and unlike most museums. Another museum that is a fascinating destination is Albert Einstein’s house. You can walk through the home that Einstein used to live in and learn more about his life and inventions. The last recommendation is to visit landmarks. Many famous landmarks are in Bern, including The Bern Minster, Munster Plattform, the botanical gardens and much more.

5. Grindelwald 

Grindelwald is known for many things, one of which is its ski resort, which is the largest in the Jungfrau region. Because of this, most of the tourists who come to Grindelwald come to ski in the Alps. You can ski some of the most famous mountains including the Monch, Eiger and Jungfrau. One thing that you can do in Grindelwald for free is hiking. There is a wide variety of trails, all ranging in difficulty. While hiking, you can expect to hear the ringing of cowbells, and if you are lucky, come across a herd of cows. One way to cut smaller costs is to bring a refillable water bottle for excursions like this so you won’t need to constantly purchase a bottle of water; it’s better for the environment and your wallet. When staying in Grindelwald the best places to lodge without spending too much money are hostels. Hostels are much like hotels but the rooms are empty and you bring your own equipment. This is also good for people who are backpacking and can carry everything they need with them at all times. One activity that is appealing to thrill seekers would be the First Cliff Walk. This has some of the best views of the mountains, lakes and the sights Grindelwald has to offer. 

6. Lauterbrunnen Valley

Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the largest nature conservation areas in Switzerland. Home to 72 different waterfalls and beautiful valleys, it is one of the prettiest places to visit. Much like Grindelwald, you can see the Jungfrau and many other mountains from Lauterbrunnen Valley. The main attraction in Lauterbrunnen Valley is its stunning waterfalls. The most famous include the Trummelbach and the Staubbach Falls. From Lauterbrunnen Valley you can take multiple forms of transportation including trains, funiculars and more up to the mountains. In the mountains above Lauterbrunnen Valley, there is a town called Gimmelwald. You can take a gondola up to visit for a day or stay at one of the hostels. In Gimmelwald there are milk and cheese boxes outside most of the local’s homes where you can find fresh products for very cheap.

To conclude, Switzerland can be traveled in a variety of ways and you do not need a lot of money to make the most of your trip and have some amazing experiences. You can save money by doing free activities and staying at cheaper places like hostels. From cities to mountain towns and hiking to touring landmarks, you can absolutely enjoy Switzerland on a budget.