What you need to know before you go!
PRE-TRIP PREPARATIONS CHECKLIST
PACKING CHECKLIST
PRINTABLE ITINERARY
RECOMMENDED PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
RECOMMENDED POST-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
ARRIVALS INTO ZURICH
- Plan to arrive in Zurich (ZRH) by noon or early afternoon on Day 1.
- Make your way independently to Interlaken. The train system from the airport to Interlaken is very efficient with departures every 30 minutes and the train ride is approximately 2 hours.
- Your Swiss Half-Pass will kick in on Day 2.
- Please see section about using the SBB Mobile App - this App is a game changer when using the public transportation system in Switzerland.
Group Rendezvous Point:
- Date: Day 1
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Meet your guide and group at the The Hey Hotel in Interlaken.
RECOMMENDED PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
If you plan to arrive in Interlaken earlier than Day 1, we recommend The Hey Hotel – our rendezvous hotel.
DEPARTURES FROM ZERMATT
- Depending on your travel plans, you can take the train to either Zurich airport (ZRH) or Geneva Airport (GVA)
- Plan your departure flight for any time after 2 PM.
RECOMMENDED POST-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS
You are responsible for booking your own flights or other transport arrangements to the trip start location. These arrangements and any other independent arrangements that you may make are not a part of the trip booked with Wild Women Expeditions and are entirely at your own risk. Wild Women Expeditions accepts no responsibility, directly or indirectly, for any loss, damage or injury to property or person in connection with such arrangements. Should you require assistance with your travel arrangements, please contact:
Megan and Zale | Now Boarding Travel, Travel Specialists
Email: wildwomen@nowboarding.travel
Note: Now Boarding Travel only provides services of 3-star quality or greater. For budget alternatives, please refer to the Lonely Planet guide for your destination.
Important: For international and remote destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. We encourage you to consider arriving one or two days early, which will help you overcome any jet lag from traveling!
TRAIN TRAVEL & SBB MOBILE APP
We recommend you download the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) app, it is one of the most useful apps to download. It shows the timetables for all trains across the network, you can also check details for buses, boats and cable cars, as well as fares. The SBB app also allows users to purchase tickets, save details of their trips and check information about train stations in Switzerland. Whether you are traveling around Switzerland with a Swiss Travel Pass or are purchasing point-to-point tickets, the SBB app is an essential tool to assist with your planning.
Create an account
If you plan on purchasing any tickets via the app, it is worth creating an account before you get started. To do this, first click on the three horizontal bars on the top left of your screen. Then, tap on ‘Register’.
The app will open a new webpage (swisspass.ch). You should answer the questions on each page and tap ‘Next’ when completed.
(Note: On the first registration page you will be asked if you hold a public transport travelcard. In the majority of cases, tourists visiting Switzerland will NOT hold a public transport travelcard.)
Using the SBB app
Before you get started:
If you have a Swiss Half Fare Card, be sure to add this to your Passenger info following these steps: Settings → Edit passengers → check the Half-Fare travelcard box, then tap ‘Save’.
Standard Timetable:
To search timetables and fares, tap ‘Standard Timetable’ at the top of your screen.
Tap the word ‘From’ and then type in the name of the town you wish to depart from.
Then, tap the word ‘To’ and type in the name of the town you wish to travel to.
Next, tap the line when the date appears and use the scrolling calendar to select the date you wish to travel and your preferred time of departure. Then tap ‘Done’.
If you want fares to show in your search results, click on the icon next to the clock (three straight lines with a o on them) and check the box next to Show prices in timetable. You can also select the different means of transport (ie train, bus, cableway) that you wish results to be displayed for.) Tap ‘Accept’ to confirm your selection.
A list of services will be displayed showing the departure and arrival time of each service.
- Train number – shown next to the train symbol (eg. IR70)
- How many stops the train makes en route – indicated by a o on the line between departure time and arrival time (eg. 1 stop on the S1 service departing at 09:51)
- The platform from which the train departs – indicated by Pl. with a number next to it (eg. Pl. 6 in the first example above)
- Which classes of travel (ie. 1st class and 2nd class) are available on that service
- The expected popularity of the service – this is shown by the people icons next to each class. The more ‘people’ that are shown are red, the busier the service is expected to be.
- The duration of the journey – shown in minutes
- Starting price of fares (if selected in Settings, as mentioned above)
You can scroll up and down to view all the different services.
To find out more about a particular service, tap on it.
If a service requires a change of train, this will be mentioned in the expanded listing. Details of arrival and departure platform numbers will also be displayed.
By tapping the three red dots on the right of the screen, you can choose to add this trip to your ‘My Trips’ within the app, add it to your calendar or share it.
By tapping the red bar at the bottom of the screen that says ‘Tickets from’, you can view a list of available fares for that service.
Be sure to select either one way or return and 2nd class or 1st class by tapping the black button under the Passenger information.
To purchase a ticket, first you should enter the Passenger information if you have not already created an account.
To do this, tap ‘Edit passengers’ at the top of the screen. Then, tap ‘Enter passenger information’ and enter the First name, Surname and date of birth of the first passenger. If you (or the first passenger) hold a Half-Fare Card, make sure you select the box. Next, tap ‘Save’ to save these details.
Repeat the process for any additional passengers.
Now, select the fare option that you would like to purchase by tapping the circle next to the fare type. (If, in the previous step, you confirmed you hold a Half-Fare Card, the reduced fare will be displayed.) Tap ‘Purchase ticket’. Need help with activating or using your Swiss Half Fare Card?
Click on this link here: https://www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-and-tickets/swisspass/swisspass-account.html. – this will hopefully help to solve any troubleshooting questions and to setting up your login. Otherwise it is very easy and convenient to purchase tickets as well from the ticket machine at the train stations or from the desk.
PASSPORTS & VISAS
You are fully responsible for your own visa requirements, permits, and certificates for your trip. It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. It is your responsibility to check with the country's Consulate and your country's travel website such as Canada’s for up-to-date information about traveling internationally.
- Passport:
Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
- Visa:
Canadian and US passport holders are not required for stays up to 90 days
Note: As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
TIPPING
Tipping your guide is appreciated as a quiet thank you for their passion, knowledge, leadership and a great trip experience. A guide tip of 10-20 CHF (Swiss Francs–also listed as Sfr) at the end of your trip (per client) is suggested but not mandatory. For drivers (ie. when visiting the goat farm), a 5 CHF tip per client is welcomed but not expected.
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS
- Rooming Arrangements:
Our trip price is based on shared accommodations. Private room upgrade is subject to availability. Please contact support@wildwomenexpeditions.com if you want to upgrade to a single room.
- Potable Water
Water is safe to drink out of the tap throughout Switzerland.
If you would like to join Wild Women Expeditions in its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, you can travel prepared with your own water treatment system!
GRAYL Canada | OnePress™ Global Protection
Travelers Against Plastic | Take the TAP pledge
- Overnight Arrangements During Your Stay
The Mountain Hotel Faulhorn
Gemmi Lodge 2350
Hotel Zermama
QUICK FACTS ABOUT SWITZERLAND
- Time Zone
Time zone in Switzerland (GMT+2)
- Electricity
- Climate & Weather:
MONEY MATTERS
Wild Women Expeditions recommends that each participant should bring enough cash in local currency or available credit/debit funds to cover their meals during travel to and from their destination. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, meals not included in the trip package, shopping, etc., and we also suggest you have access to emergency funds.
- Switzerland's Currency
- Currency Exchange Offices & Banks:
If you need to change currency you will usually find a currency exchange counter at international airports. You may have to show your passport in order to be able to exchange money and a fee is usually associated. Best to change large amounts so you only pay the fee once.
Please check online for current exchange rates. Wild Women Expeditions likes XE Currency Converter
We highly suggest you read this article: Where to Exchange Currency Without Paying Huge Fees for more information about this for your trip.
- Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
One of the most convenient ways to get cash is by using an ATM. You will often receive better exchange rates, even though you have to pay a service fee, as with most ATMs outside your bank network. Ask your bank if there are branches at your destination where you can avail of free cash withdrawals. (ex. Scotiabank (in Canada) and Barclay’s Bank (in the UK) have this arrangement).
- Credit Cards
Widely accepted in Switzerland. If you have a credit card, you can use the ATM to purchase local currency directly. Your monthly balance usually shows the exchange rate you received on purchases made with the credit card.
- Cash
Cash is the easiest and most reliable way to pay for inexpensive items in the smaller communities we will be visiting, but most shops will accept credit cards. Local artisans and craft shops may not have credit/debit machines. As well, cash is best for tipping your guides.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Useful Websites:
GETTING FIT
Please be sure to provide complete, accurate, and up-to-date information about your health & fitness level and keep us updated if there are changes. Wild Women Expeditions trips travel to remote areas where limited or no sophisticated medical facilities exist.
A medical emergency situation is extremely unlikely; however, should it arise we need to be prepared with the necessary information to help you.
Important Note: If you choose not to disclose a condition, infirmity, injury, or ailment herein and are subsequently deemed to be unfit for expedition travel due in whole or in part to such condition, infirmity, injury or ailment, Wild Women Expeditions guides, and partners shall have the right to remove you from the trip with no refund or compensation payable. Any evacuation expenses incurred are payable by the evacuee via their medical travel insurance or personal expense. Generally, our expeditions are intended for travelers in reasonably good health for their safety, along with that of their fellow travelers.
This is a true hiking adventure! We would like you to be comfortable with the following:
- Be prepared to hike up 6+ hours, with a few short rest stops.
- The altitude difference on this trip and elevation can impact your breathing, endurance and pace (up to 3000m above sea level)
- Please prepare for this trip with fitness training in addition to hiking challenging terrain.
- Expect steep to moderately steep trails with exposed sections. Surefootedness and stability are required.
- You will be on your feet all day and should have advanced hiking experience–this ain’t no walk in the park!
Tips:
You don't have to be a professional athlete to enjoy your Wild Women expedition. Not by a long shot! You'll be surprised at what you can achieve with our experienced guides at your side and a little camaraderie.
That said, you’ll definitely enjoy yourself far more if you do some preparation so your body is conditioned and ready to enjoy and make the most of the outdoors.
Here are a few ideas to help you get ready:
- Take every opportunity you can to be active.
You can improve your fitness a lot just by adopting some new habits; take the stairs at work, go for a walk at lunchtime, park your car away from work and walk. Aim for 30 minutes a day and keep a diary so you can look back on it and feel proud. These may sound trivial but they’re all building blocks!
- Rev up your ticker!
Think ‘interval training’, which means doing short bursts of high intensity work with recovery time in between. Depending on how fit you are this can mean strolling with bursts of power walking, or jogging with sprints. Either way the aim is to get your heart rate up.
- Join a local walking or running group.
This is a great way to get fit and you’ll also see new places, meet great people… and make them all jealous when they find out what you’re about to go on your travels.
- Warm up, cool down and stretch.
If you’re doing a workout then make sure you start and finish gently and stretch any tight muscles – this will help you avoid any aches, pains and pulled muscles. If you’re a member of a gym try some yoga, tai chi or pilates classes to build up your flexibility, stability and balance.
- Break in your hiking boots.
Blisters and sore feet are no fun at all! So make sure that while you’re getting yourself ready you’re doing the same for your boots. Start by just wearing them around the house, then down the road, and walking the dog. Then ideally do a couple of decent length weekend hikes to prepare them for what is to come.
- Hydration.
When you suddenly ask your body to walk or be active, it needs a bit more fuel than it needs when, say, sitting at a desk all day! The main thing your body needs is water, so stay hydrated and practice sipping water often. Getting a water bottle or hydration bladder is a great way to make sure you have it on hand at all times. Make a habit out of taking a bottle of water with you wherever you go.
- Nutrition.
Eating little and often will keep your body well fuelled for outdoor exercise, especially food like nuts, dried fruit and bread. The odd bit of chocolate and a few boiled lollies are good for keeping your blood sugar levels up while you’re hiking as well!
- Have fun!
The most important point of all! You are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’re going to meet some amazing people, see some wonderful places and create memories that will stay with you for life. The more prepared you are to tackle the various challenges, the more fun you will have. Also, with all the endorphins you create from all this training, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! It’s a great way to boost your happy vibes.
GENERAL FAQ'S
For general Wild Women Expeditions FAQs please click [HERE].