Swiss tips help save tourists money

A Swiss Rail pass can save you lots of money.

Because Europe has become so expensive for North Americans - what with the strong euro vs. the dollar and ever-rising hotel prices in big European cities - some forward thinking folks at European tourism organizations are offering up suggestions to help us cut travel costs this summer.

Switzerland is leading the way - the folks at Swiss Tourism here in Canada sent me three suggestions today that I want to share with you:

Tip No. 1: Save on sleeping

Stay at a youth hostel. Switzerland's 58 youth hostels are more than just a bed for the night. Clean and simple, Swiss Youth Hostels are not only for the young but open to everyone. They are geared towards guests who are uncomplicated, seek variety and enjoy meeting travellers from all over the world. Family rooms, delicious catering and a variety of fun activities in and around the youth hostels make for a terrific atmosphere.

Hostel details: http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/suggestions/alternative-accommodation/youthhostel-1.html

Tip No. 2: Save on drinks
Many people think this is an urban legend, but it is actually true: you can drink the water from all the fountains you find in Switzerland (not palable water is clearly marked as such). Being on your feet and discovering a Swiss city can make thirsty, so rest assured you always have your water bottle with you for a refill. Close your eyes, think of a sparkling, pure mountain spring and enjoy the fresh taste of a cup of Swiss Water - right in the heart of the city!
Details: www.myswitzerland.com

Tip No. 3: Save on getting around
A Swiss Pass will save you lots of money on transportation. Switzerland boasts an excellent public transport system and the Swiss Pass entitles you to free travel throughout the entire country - be it by train, bus or boat. Kids up to 16 go for free - a great family offer. But that's not all: you enjoy free admission to more than 400 museums and several hotel chains will extend generous discounts to you.
Details: www.myswitzerland.com


Every little tip helps when planning a trip to Europe these days and so I thank Swiss Tourism for sharing these three with TraveLife readers.

Visit Britain downsizing in Canada

The exodus and/or downsizing in Canada of European tourism bureaus continues at a record pace.

I just learned that Visit Britain has decided to drop a couple of employees at its Toronto office - leaving two people to defend British Tourist interests here in Canada. The downsizing from four to two will be complete by summer's end and is all part of the British government's budget cutbacks.

I've also learned that Visit Britain's offices in New York will soon close and tourism staff will be moved to Britain's consulate offices in the Big Apple.

In the past few years, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and the Czech Republic have all abandoned Canada - citing cost cutbacks as the reason - and Germany's once powerful tourist office in Toronto has been reduced to one desk in a local PR company. How sad!

While others pull out, Switzerland is staying in Canada. Ironically, the Swiss have just moved into offices in the German consulate on University Ave., which were once occupied by the German National Tourism Board. The Germans hired a Toronto PR firm last year to handle their tourism interets in Canada.

We hear that cash-strapped Greece and Ireland may be the next to leave town.

European Union countries are investing all their euros in emerging tourism markets like China and India and have none left for long-time supporters like Canada.

The EU tourism folks did not even renew the contract of their fine long-time Canadian representative John Stephenson this year.

Maybe it's time Canadian travellers give up on Europe since they've given up on us!