Ask Carolyn Your Swiss Travel Questions


Pick my brain about Switzerland

Do you have questions that are holding up your Swiss vacation planning? Would you like to know the pros and cons of travelling by train in Switzerland, or what weather conditions to expect? Would you like help choosing which mountain excursions to include in your Switzerland itinerary? I’m here to help!


Personal advice. Clear answers. Total peace of mind.


Planning a trip to Switzerland can feel overwhelming.

There are trains to book, towns to choose between, mountain excursions to compare, and endless online advice – much of it conflicting. You want to make the most of your time and budget, but you also want to feel confident that you’re planning the right trip for you.

That’s exactly what this 30-minute online consultation is designed to do.

In a focused, one-on-one session, you’ll have direct access to my Switzerland travel expertise, so you can ask your questions, confirm your plans, and move forward with confidence.

Who an Ask Carolyn call is perfect for

This service is ideal if you:
1

Are planning your first trip to Switzerland, or are returning and would like to visit some lesser-known destinations.

2

Have already started planning but are unsure about your choices.

3

Are short on time and want expert answers without weeks of research.

Why book a call with me?


Switzerland is a destination that offers so much.  But that choice can lead to overwhelm and confusion. That’s where I can help.

With over 35 years’ experience in Swiss travel and deep, on-the-ground knowledge, I help travellers avoid costly mistakes, and unnecessary stress.

My Swiss friends tell me that I have seen more of Switzerland than they have! They’re probably right.

Each year I visit Switzerland for at least a month and whilst I do have favourite places that I return to each year, I always add new destinations and experiences to every visit. I’m on a quest to see every inch of Switzerland.

With experience travelling around Switzerland by train, car and on a coach tour, I’ve covered all bases and I’m here to answer your Swiss travel questions. (Read more about me.)

How it works

2

You’ll receive a confirmation email and a short questionnaire to share your questions with me in advance

3

We meet for a 30-minute video call via Zoom

4

You’ll receive a video recording and a transcript of our call within 24 hours

What we can cover in 30 minutes


You can ask me any* questions related to your upcoming Switzerland trip, including:

  • Which towns and regions best suit your travel style
  • What to expect when traveling by train in Switzerland
  • What the different rail passes include
  • Pros and cons of renting a car vs. using public transportation
  • Mountain excursions – which ones to prioritise (and which to skip)
  • Seasonal considerations and weather expectations
  • How many nights to stay in each place
  • Common mistakes first-time visitors make (and how to avoid them)

*Important notes: Only general information will be provided in answer to questions about choosing the best rail pass for your trip. Due to time limits, I won’t be able to do the calculations to determine the best rail pass for you. Our Switzerland Rail Pass Comparison Calculator can help with this. If you would like help with planning your Switzerland itinerary, see our separate Itinerary Planning service.

Do you have questions you want answered? Get Started Here

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes – absolutely.
In fact, this is one of the best times to book a call. We can talk through destinations, trip length, and priorities before you commit to accommodation, rail passes, or excursions, helping you avoid costly or hard-to-change mistakes.

This session is designed to answer your general Swiss travel questions rather than fully plan your itinerary. I’m happy to give advice on how many days you should spend in Switzerland (and in individual destinations) but itinerary reviews and itinerary planning are a separate service. See our Itinerary Planning Service.

Once you book, you’ll receive a short questionnaire to complete where you can list the questions you would like answered. The questionnaire should be returned to me at least 24 hours before our call.

It’s helpful to know:

  • Any places you’re considering visiting
  • Your travel dates (or rough timing)

I review your questionnaire before the call so that we can use the time effectively. For two or three general questions, a 30-minute call should be long enough.

Generally, yes.
Train travel is one of the most common (and confusing) topics we cover. I’m happy to answer questions about using the trains (and public transportation), panoramic trains, and the differences between the various tickets and rail passes. Due to time constraints, I cannot advise you specifically which rail pass is best for your trip. My Switzerland Rail Pass Comparison Calculator can help with this.

Definitely.
Switzerland offers many incredible experiences, but not all are right for every trip. I’ll help you prioritise based on how much time you have, the time of year you are visiting Switzerland, your budget, and interests. 

While it’s especially popular with first-time visitors, it’s also helpful for returning travellers who are planning a more complex or longer trip, or those who are visiting a new region of Switzerland.

Within 24 hours of our call, you’ll receive a link to the video recording and transcript.  These can be both accessed via Google docs.

If you’d like further support or help booking your trip, I can point you towards appropriate next steps, including my trusted Swiss travel partners, and resources.

Rescheduling is possible with adequate notice. Full details will be provided at the time of booking.

Refunds are available up to 48 hours prior to the call.  Calls cancelled within 48 hours of the scheduled time are non-refundable.