London Vacation Rentals solves


|
|
London Vacation Rentals Coach House London Vacation Rentals Your Home From Home In London Home | Properties | Questions? | How to Book | About What our Guests say | Plan your Stay | Useful London Links | Limitations From 10th January to 27th February 2005, on selected properties, we are offering 20% off the listed price for stays of 7 or more nights. See property listings for details. -- The Bombs In London -- Coach House London Vacation Rentals solves your London accommodation problems! Almost all our central London vacation rentals are the London apartments and houses of residents temporarily away from the city. You have the informality, warmth and convenience of a real home in a London apartment or house, at prices to suit most pockets. Our London accommodations are ideal for vacation or corporate rentals. Thealternatives? Hotels? Too stiff formal and confining for a vacation, can be very expensive, dubious security - who knows how many pass keys are out there Bed and Breakfasts? Often just a cheap (and sometimes rather nasty) down-market hotel, or else living embarrassingly close to the owners of a private house and your fellow guests Short let commercial apartments? Cold and impersonal with a normal minimum stay of one week - no good if you want to stay less At Coach House London Vacation Rentals we have a different approach: almost all our central London vacation rentals are the London apartments and houses of residents temporarily away from the city all our London accommodations are hand picked , and are places where we would be happy to stay ourselves! unique in London the minimum length of stay in most of our London properties is 5 nights ; all other agencies have a 7 night minimum most of our London vacation rentals are no more than 10 minutes from a tube station , often less Don't just take our word for it - read what our guests say about us! Win a $250 discount off your next trip to London zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz -- We've had many worldwide media mentions both in print and on-line. See a selection. a car to meet you at the airport and take you to your London accommodation can be arranged on request - by far the easiest way to get into town with lots of bags at your London vacation rental you'll be met by one of our representatives who will show you in, tell you about the local area and answer any questions you may have each London accommodation also comes with its own mini guide covering the neighbourhood shops, local transport, pubs, restaurants and cafs. We'll also be happy to give you advice about what to do and see. all our London vacation rentals are ready for immediate occupation with beds made up and towels put out, a weekly clean and change of towels and bed linen is included in the price, as is the end of stay cleaning and laundry ; additional cleaning and servicing can be arranged on request Sign up for our free quarterly newsletter. Keep up with what to do and see in London, where to stay + special deals. we provide a starter pack of breakfast provisions to cover the first day or two of your stay in your London apartment. We will also include any special requests - subject to price and availability Coach House London Vacation Rentals operates a telephone help line to provide you with answers to questions about London, what to do and see. A 24/7 number is also provided in the unlikely event of an emergency - such as losing the keys to your London accommodation corporate London apartment rentals are available in some central London accommodations, with reduced rates possible for longer stays Coach House London Vacation Rentals is a member of Visit London - the official visitor organisation for London.
Travel Company (AMEX:OTV) Home
OneTravel.com - airline tickets, discount hotels, cheap car rentals, vacation packages and more. A OneTravel Company (AMEX:OTV) Home • Check Reservation • Privacy & Security • Become a Corporate Affiliate document.write(' '); Airline News Rules of the Air Smart Travelers' Corner Ask the Experts Passport Airport Delays Currency Converter Weather Insurance Destination Tidbits Internet Only Specials! Hotel Quick Links Hotel Discounts Frequently Asked Questions Terms and Conditions Privacy and Security Manage Your Account Manage Newsletters About Us Become an Affiliate Wednesday, December 28, 2005 Air Hotel Car Vacation Cruise From City Name or Airport Code To City Name or Airport Code Leave Date Leave Time Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Anytime Early Morning Morning Noon Afternoon Evening 12:00 AM 1:00 AM 2:00 AM 3:00 AM 4:00 AM 5:00 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM 9:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Return Date Return Time Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Anytime Early Morning Morning Noon Afternoon Evening 12:00 AM 1:00 AM 2:00 AM 3:00 AM 4:00 AM 5:00 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM 9:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Select up to 7 Travelers # Adults # Children (under age 12) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 " onclick="return fc_click('Home-Air Search','media');" / Full Flight Options : 1st class, nearby airports, and more! One-Way Multi-City City # Adults # Children 1 2 3 4 none 1 2 3 4 City Name or Airport Code Check-In Date Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Check-Out Date Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 " onclick="return fc_click('Home-Hotel Search','media');" / Click here to book five or more rooms More Hotel Options : Search by address, name, amenities, and more! Pick up City Name or Airport Code Drop off City Name or Airport Code Pick up Date Time Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 12:00 AM 1:00 AM 2:00 AM 3:00 AM 4:00 AM 5:00 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM 9:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Advanced Car Search Options: Search by rental company and more! Drop off Date Time Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 12:00 AM 1:00 AM 2:00 AM 3:00 AM 4:00 AM 5:00 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM 9:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM " onclick="return fc_click('Home-Car Search','media');" / HOT DEALS LAS VEGAS EUROPE Machine Name: SITE04 Assembly Version: 2.0.91.0 Time: 12/28/2005 4:36:58 PM The OneTravel Family Of Companies OneTravel 11thHour Discount Hotels 1-800-Cheapseats SunTrips © 1996-2005 OneTravel.com | All rights reserved Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Credit Card Safety Static Departing from Oakland or Denver – click here for special rates! See Mamma Mia! in Las Vegas Massachusetts getaways including lodging and breakfast for two starting at $79 Looking For a Holiday Gift Idea? Get the GIFT of COMMUNICATION Get travel ideas at IgoUgo.com Ready for Action? Ireland's ready for you! 1)Indonesia - Bali 2)Nevada - Reno 3)Nevada - Las Vegas 4)France - Paris 5)Texas - San Antonio 6)Minnesota - Brooklyn Center 7)Pacific Coastal 1-Night 8)Cruise to Nowhere 1-Night 9)Baja 2-Night 10)Pacific Coastal 3-Night 11)Cruise to Nowhere 2-Night 12)Baja 3-Night document.write(' + char(39) + ' ' + char(39) + '); document.write(' ');
Air Travel
Vacations by AirTravel.com - All Inclusive Resorts, Hedonism :: Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe and USA HOT LINKS Sandals Resorts -- Super Clubs Resorts Beaches Resorts -- ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTS -- Locate All-Inclusive Resorts -- OUR LOCATIONS CARIBBEAN Antigua Aruba Anguilla Bermuda Barbados Bonaire Cancun Curacao Tortola-B.V.I. Freeport-Bahamas Grand Cayman Grand Turk Georgetown/Exuma Eleuthera Grenada La Romana-Dr Marsh Harbour/Abaco Jamaica Nassau-Bahamas Puerto Plata Guadeloupe Punta Cana Puerto Vallarta Santo Domingo San Jose-Costa Rica San Juan St.Kitts/Nevis St Lucia St.Thomas/St.John St.Croix St.Martin/St.Maarten Tobago Turks And Caicos Virgin Gorda FLORIDA Daytona Beach Key West Ft Lauderdale Fort Myers Jacksonville Orlando-Fl Miami-Fl Melbourne-Fl Marathon-Fl Sarasota-Fl Tampa-Fl West Palm Beach-Fl HAWAII Honolulu Hilo-Hawaii Kona-Hawaii Lihue-Hawaii Lanai-Hawaii Molokai-Hi Kahului-Hawaii MEXICO Acapulco Cancun Cozumel-Mx Guadalajara-Mx Huatulco-Mx Mazatlan-Mx Mx City-Mx Merida Oaxaca Playa Blanca Mx SanJose Cabo-Mx Ixtapa-Mx Manzanillo LAS VEGAS Las Vegas-Nv NEW YORK New York City-Ny CALIFORNIA San Francisco-CA Los Angeles-CA Orange County-CA San Diego-CA EUROPE England London Cardiff/Wales York Birmingham Manchester Ireland Dublin Cork Killarney Waterford Scotland Edinburgh Glasgow France Paris Nice Lyon Cannes Austria Vienna Innsbruck Saltzburg Germany Berlin Munich Hamburg Frankfurt Heidelberg Greece Athens Mykonos Santorini Netherlands Amsterdam Hungary Budapest Italy Rome Florence Venice Naples Milan Genoa Sorrento Poland Warsaw Portugal Lisbon Porto Norway Olso Bergan Spain Madrid Barcelona Cordoba Granada Malaga Marbella Seville Valencia Sweden Stockholm Switzerland Geneva Lucerne Zurich Hotel Chains Super Clubs Resorts Beaches Resorts -- Beaches Resorts -- Club Med Resorts -- Couples Resorts Disney Resorts Divi Resorts Fairmont Resorts Four Seasons Hilton Resorts Holiday Inn Resorts Hyatt Resorts Marriott Resorts Occidental Resorts Radisson Resorts Ritz-Carlton Resorts Sheraton Resorts Sonesta Resorts Super Clubs Resorts Wyndham Resorts Fine Resorts Not in a Group We feature Caribbean Vacations, Disney Vacations, holidays at all-inclusive resorts like SuperClubs, Club Med, Paradisus,as well as other hotel properties in destinations like Aruba, Bermuda, Jamaica, Hawaii, Bahamas, St. Lucia, & Antigua. We are a full service vacation travel company, in business since 1983, offering packages at discount prices that are the best in the country! Our web site is simple to navigate. NO sponsor advertisements- just the best rates in the country with personalized service. Book with Confidence & Security We use an American Express wholly owned company. We are an award winning company recognized by SuperClubs, Grand Lido , Hedonism , Breezes, Couples, Melia, Wyndham and most other All-Inclusives Resorts throughout the Caribbean. We know All-Inclusive Resorts- we have been going to them for 20 years! Call us for our personal review and comparisons of your favorite. On SALE: View a complete list of our specials . Use these discount/value specials for your Honeymooon, a favorite All Inclusive Resort or make your Family Vacation more affordable. Specials We have a review on Couples Negril - 4 Stars includes DiscountUpgrade Coupon Couples Negril Brochure & Discount Coupon Click Here -- You can use the map to see many of our destinations or use the sidebar to the left to see all of our new destinations. We welcome your phone calls . -- -- -- Request Availability Start a Reservation Request Join Mailing List for Specials Company Information If you have any questions, Call us. Toll Free (800) 488-0951
European Vacation, Tour or
Europe Vacation, Europe Travel, Luxury Cruises in Europe, Europe Tours and Europe Hotel Guide Europe Vacation, Europe Travel, Luxury Cruises in Europe, Europe Tours Europe Vacation Guide: Romantic Europe Tours and Honeymoons Europe Luxury Vacations, Travel, Tours and Cruise Consultants Call 1 800 330 8820 to book your European Vacation, Tour or Cruise. Other Places in Europe Albania Andorra Austria Vacations Belarus Belgium Vacations Bosnia-Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Vacations Czech Republic Denmark Vacations England Vacations Estonia Finland Vacations France Vacations Georgia Germany Vacations Greece Vacations Hungary Vacations Iceland Ireland Vacations Italy Vacations Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Vacations Macedonia Monaco Vacations Netherlands Vacations Norway Vacations Poland Vacations Portugal Vacations Romania Vacations Russia Vacations Slovakia Slovenia Spain Vacations Sweden Vacations Switzerland Vacations Turkey Vacations Ukraine United Kingdom Vacations Wales Vacations Luxury Cruise Guides Luxury Cruises World Luxury Cruises European River Cruises Europe Cruises Mediterranean Guide Travel Agent Career Opportunities Europe Vacation, Travel and Luxury Cruise Guides In this section you will find great Europe luxury resorts and hotels . All-inclusive European vacations for every country. We also specialize Romantic European river cruises . You'll find fabulous h oneymoon destinations in the guide. Europe luxury y achting vacations. Europe cruises , Europe Ski Vacations . Europe g uided & escorted tours ---Plus tons of enjoyable maps , virtual tours and streaming videos---You will find everything here except the sunscreen. Europe-Travel We provide vacation accommodations in British and Irish castles, quaint village inns, classic country houses, French chateaux, Italian villas, German inns, Spanish paradors, Portuguese pousadas, Scandinavian country houses, and many more small, charming hotels throughout Europe. Travelwizard.com offers custom, premium class, personalized, Europe luxury travel related services, exclusive boutique vacation destinations and exotic tours designed specifically for the sophisticated traveler . Central Eastern & Western Europe Packages England-Ireland Vacation & Tour Packages France Vacation & Tour Packages Italy Vacation & Tour Packages Scandinavia & Russia Tour Packages Portugal Tour Packages Greece Luxury Tours Spain & Morocco Tour Packages Imagine people watching at a sidewalk cafe, viewing the world's most famous pieces of art or visiting historic sites like Vatican City, Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower or the Acropolis. We've been customizing European vacation itineraries for discriminating travelers for more than 20 years. European Villas, former European palaces, elegant European hotels and yachts are part of Europe's unique accommodations that provide the perfect base for exploring the character of Europe. Select exactly the components you want in your vacation. You choose your hotel, room category -from sea views to suites-, rental car, private transfers and customized European sightseeing tours. We do it all! Our Virtuoso European Travel and Cruise Consultants will create the European Vacation you have always dreamed of. Why Should You Use our Virtuoso Europe Luxury Vacation, Travel and Cruise Specialists ? We are Specialists in the Art of Travel. Described by Conde Nast Traveler as "one of the finest agencies...a reliable indicator of experience, knowledge, and industry clout." We are recommended by the Discovery Travel Channel, the Today Show, Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Fine Living TV, and the Neiman Marcus Awards Program. All of us at Travelwizard.com have a sincere passion for travel. We throughly enjoy our work, the exciting places we explore, the wonderful people we meet, and would be thrilled to share this passion with you! Europe vacations are by far the most popular for a number of reasons. The diversity of the European cultures, incredible history, romantic settings, fine cuisine, excellent yachting, water sports, skiing resorts, mountain climbing, bicycling tours, winery tours, you name it, Europe has it all! Vacationing in Europe is a great way to experience many countries, meet interesting people, try their wonderful cuisine, and see some of the finest art in the world. A paradise of sun, sea, rivers, mountains and lakes. A land of historic treasures from the world's ten greatest civilizations. The Mediterranean, Aegean, and the Black Seas, the French Riviera, the Italian Riviera all beckon you. Europe is a must! Travelwizard.com was picked by the NBC Today Show to orchestrate the perfect honeymoon destination for their "Throws a Wedding" show. We are very proud that the Today Show turned to Travelwizard.com to find the perfect honeymoon. Travelwizard.com's renowned South Pacific specialists designed the perfect honeymoon to Turtle Island, in Fiji that was chosen for the NBC Today Show. Click here for Europe Hotels and Luxury Villas Europe vacation destinations requires minimal planning, but offers a spectacular experience! A European vacation is perfectly suited for all lifestyles. Whether you want a romantic European vacation, a natural or adventurous experience by day, sleep in a luxurious hotel by night, racing along the Autobahn, taking wine tasting classes in Bordeaux or cooking classes in Tuscany, you'll find it all in Europe! Europe vacation cruising and Europe yachting and barge trips are becoming extremely popular, and a great way for families to enjoy Europe at its finest. Advance planning Europe vacation will save time and money; make a short list of places you want to see and activities you hope to undertake. Do a little research with this site and its links to the sites of individual countries. Apply for a passport if you don't have one. The process is not difficult. Details are found in the Planning Your Trip section for U.S. passports. When you know where you want to go, how much time you have and how much you can spend, consult with one of our travel consultants, especially if it's your first international trip. He or she can speed your planning, give you good ideas, and book your entire vacation. Consider buying travel packages for ease of purchase and to save money. These range from basic air-car-hotel packages for independent travelers to group tours and cruises. On a Europe vacation you don't have to worry about language. English is widely spoken far beyond Britain and Ireland. On much of the Continent it is the most widely spoken second language; most people working in tourism will speak English. Families with young children will find a warm welcome in Europe. Book Your Europe Vacation Submit a vacation planner to our Europe Travel Specialists Client Testimonials about our services Search Your Vacation, Tour or Cruise Luxury Europe Accommodations Europe Luxury Hotels European Hotels European Luxury Villas Europe Luxury Tours Virtuoso Scandinavia Luxury Vacation Virtuoso Europe Luxury Vacation Central Eastern & Western England & Ireland Tours Ireland Luxury Tours Monaco Luxury Tours Scandinavia Luxury Tours Russia Luxury Tours Greece Luxury Tours Portugal Tour Packages Spain & Morocco Tour Packages Escape to Europe Cruises France Luxury Tours Italy Luxury Tours Europe Train Vacations Europe River Cruises Eastern Europe Packages Europe Bike Vacations Europe Ski Vacations Europe Active Vacations Moderatly Priced Europe Tours England & Ireland Tours France Vacations Italy Tours Central & Eastern Europe Tours European River Cruises Europe Luxury Cruises Royal Caribbean Europe Cruises NCL Europe Cruises Crystal Cruises Northern Europe Virtuoso Luxury European Cruises Western Europe Cruises European River Cruises Luxury Cruises World Luxury Cruises Helpful Travel Links Other Helpful Travel Links Instant Passports in 24 hours Travelex Luxury Travel Insurance CSA Luxury Travel Insurance Travel Guard Insurance Travel Safety Expert Current Travel Warnings Travel Agent Career Opportunities Bookmark this page Full Service Luxury Europe Vacation Planner Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your luxury vacation with our full service Virtuoso Travel Consultants. We are recommended, authorized Virtuoso Vacation Specialists, and can arrange every little detail to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree cruise experience at no extra charge! You may call our Virtuoso Vacation Specialists, but first, we'd really appreciate it if you complete our "Luxury Vacation Planner" so we have all your requirements beforehand and are prepared to present you with all your options and up-to-the-minute specials. Thank you very much! Call 1- 800 -330 -8820 to book your Europe vacation . Full Service, Worldwide Luxury Europe Tour Vacation Planner Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your luxury tour vacation with our full service Virtuoso Luxury Tour Consultants. We can arrange every little detail of your tour vacation, including air, and pre-tour and post-tour arrangements to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree vacation experience at no extra charge! When you complete our "Luxury Tour Vacation Planner" our Europe Specialists will promptly call you, provide you with their direct toll free telephone number, all your options, and up-to-the-minute specials . Call 1- 800 -330 -8820 to book your Europe tour vacation . Full Service, Luxury Europe Cruise Vacation Planner Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your luxury cruise vacation with our full service Virtuoso Luxury Cruise Consultants. We can arrange every little detail of your cruise vacation, including air, excursions, and pre-cruise and post-cruise arrangements, to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree vacation experience at no extra charge! When you complete our " Luxury Cruise Vacation Planner" our Virtuoso--Specialists will promptly call you, provide you with their direct toll free telephone number, all your options, and up-to-the-minute specials . Call 1- 800 -330 -8820 to book your Europe luxury cruise . Regional Travel and Vacation Guides Africa Asia Australia Caribbean Islands Canada Central America Europe Fiji Islands Hawaiian Islands Indian Ocean Costa Rica Mexico Mediterranean Middle East New Zealand South America South Pacific Tahiti Islands United States Special Interest Vacations Corporate Vacations Adventure Travel Ski Vacations Culinary Vacations Small Ship Vacations Virtuoso Hotels Spa Vacations Private Jet Vacations Family Vacations Food and Wine Scuba Diving All-inclusive Vacations River Cruises Luxury Villas Luxury Tours Honeymoon Specials Wedding Vacations National Geographic Space Adventures Yacht Charters Golfing Vacations Active Vacations Biking Vacations Hiking Vacations Sports Travel Train Vacations ClubMed Vacations Luxury Cruise Destinations Luxury Cruises Cruise Vacations South Pacific/Tahiti Hawaiian Islands Scandinavia Alaska Cruises Caribbean Panama Canal Mexico Cruises Mediterranean West Europe Western British Isles/ Ireland Greek Isle/Aegean Bermuda Cruises Costa Rica South America River Amazon Antarctica Australia/New Zealand Bahamas Africa Southern Canarys/North Africa Far East/Orient Southeast Asia Trans-Atlantic Trans-Pacific Russia Europe East Coast Cruises India Cruises Israel/Egypt New England/Canada Red Sea/Suez Canal West Coast World Cruises Baltic/Russia Luxury Cruise Lines Crystal Cruises Radisson Seven Seas Windstar Cruises Clipper Cruises Silversea Cruises Oceania Cruises Am West Steamboat Princess Cruises European River Norwegian Cruise ResidenSea Holland America Line Sea Dream Yacht Club American Safari Travel Dynamics Seabourn Cruise Orient Express Royal Caribbean Orient Lines Star Clippers Cunard Line Costa Cruises Cruise West Celebrity Cruises National Geographic Hebridean Cruises MSC Cruises Lindblad Expeditions Peter Deilmann Viking River Cruises Swan Hellenic Delta Queen River Zegrahm Expeditions Disney Cruises Tauck Discovery French Waterways The Moorings Int'l Expeditions Carnival Cruise Great American River Journeys About Travel Wizard Advertising Info Privacy Contact Information Home We accept credit cards: During this time of price volatility in the Europe vacation travel, tour and cruise industry, please be advised the pricing can fluctuate within the same day. All of our promotions are subject to change without notice. As a result, prices will not be guaranteed until booked. State of California seller of travel License # 2061139-40 We are on the Better Business Bureau Honor Roll. Travel Agent Career Opportunities Contact Information Advertise with Travel Wizard 1998 TravelWizard.Com, Europe Vacation Dept. All rights reserved.
Switzerland Travel
Switzerland.....the land of aching muscles Switzerland......the land ofaching muscles! Join the Budget Travel Mailing List Disclaimer : This travelogue is based on my travel experience in 1995. Things have changed since I've been there. I write this only to let you know of MY experiences. We are all different, so what I observe and experience may be different for you. Please do not take everything I say too seriously or take offence at my opinions or observations. I do not pretend to be a professional travel writer or to know this destination extremely well. Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Getting Around Without a doubt the best way toget around Switzerland is by train - it is fast, convenient and every place isaccessible. If you plan on doing a moderate amount of train travel, I wouldrecommend that prior to arriving in Switzerland, you purchase the Swiss Card. Withthis card, you will receive 1 free transfer from any Swiss airport or border town to anycity or town in Switzerland + 1 free transfer from any Swiss city or town to any Swissairport or border town + 50% off all other rail, steamboat, bus and mountain excursions. Thesavings really add up. Depending on how you use your free transfers, the card may payfor itself right there. In Canada the pass costs approx. CA$ 160. In the US, it costsapprox. US$ 116. Links: Rail Europe or Swiss Bahn sites formore details. Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Geneva What to see and do: Geneva is a charming world class city withlots to offer travellers looking for history, architecture, shopping, and a lot more.Located on Lake Geneva, the city has been said to be the most peaceful in the world. It isno wonder when institutions like the Red Cross and League of Nations were born in Geneva.The city is home to the United Nations. Sights you may want to take in include: the St.Pierre Cathedral, the UN building, the Jet d'eau on Lake Geneva, and the Jardin Anglaiswhich has a huge clock made out of flowers and a fountain which is popular with the kidson a hot day. If you are there during the summer and don't feel like frolicking with thekids in the fountain there is a beach which, I gather from the lack of visible swimwear,is a nude beach. Walking around the old part of the city is interesting and veryenjoyable. Where to stay: Although there are quite a few youth hostels and budgetaccommodations (budget in Swiss terms), sometimes cheap people like me just stay at theairport. Links: The Budget Traveller's Guide to Sleeping inAirports Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Interlaken What to see and do: I could write a bookabout things to see and do in and around Interlaken. The options are really just too much.I spent a week in Interlaken and I still did not see or do everything. Things to see intown include the Casino (have to be 21 years of age - if you still look 16 like me,you will be carded) There are also bars and restaurants. Apparently there is a bowlingalley somewhere in town for you wild and crazy party-animals. The Berner Oberland (Switzerland actually) is a hikers dream. There are many signedpaths to follow. No matter where you are in the mountains, you can easily find your wayback. Here are just a few of the activities that I suggest: Since Interlaken is located in the middle of two lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, cruises are available. The Lake Brienz, the cleanest lake in Europe, is much more scenic than Thun, which has high cliffs and a few waterfalls. A round trip ticket in the Lake Thun costs SFR 22 (14 with Swiss Card). You can off as many times as you want. Hike from Lauterbrunnen up to Kleine Schedeige. I did it the other way around and it was really just too steep for anybody to go down. HIKING UP IS ALWAYS EASIER THAN COMING DOWN! The Trummelbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen is a waste of money. I think I paid SFR 10 to see the inside of the falls. There is no tour, all you are paying for is the privilege of seeing this. On the Lake Thun, the Beatushlen prehistoric caves has stalactites, waterfalls and an ancient cell of the St. Beatus monk. This is a good trip for a rainy day. From here you can hike along a path to the next village or town that proves to be interesting. Oberhofen has a huge castle-like place. I am not sure if there are tours or if people just like to take pictures of it. Take the steam boat from Interlaken to Iselwelt (SRF 5.20 or 2.60 with Swiss Card). Get off at Iselwelt and walk to Geissbach Falls. This is not a challenging walk, but is more leisurely. When you arrive at the foot of the falls, you will have the option of taking a cable car higher up or hiking up. Hike up!! The cable car is for lazy people. When you arrive at the hotel you will see that you have not made it to the top of the falls yet. Keep going. There are paths that meander through the falls. The Geissbach Falls are impressive! Where to stay: Although Balmer's Herberge is said to be one of the best hostels in Europe, that is really a personal choice. If you do not mind sharing two bathrooms with 50 other people, sharing your room with 50 other people and climbing three beds up to get to your bed on the top bunk, then Balmer's will make you very happy. If you are a light sleeper, there is no way you will be able to sleep with the constant chatter of drunk young backpackers wandering in at all hours of the night. In short, Balmer's is a PARTY hostel. Depending on when you go, the average guest age could very well be 18. Even if you stay somewhere else, you will probably return to Balmers several times during your stay. There is a store that sells everything you may need (not including groceries), a mini bar/restaurant for alcoholics, currency exchange and many day tours can be arranged. There are double rooms, but you have to be there early in the morning to grab those ones. After one sleepless night at Balmers, I stayed at the Hotel Beyeler/Heidi's Hostel. Don't ask me why it has two names. The owner told me that many Balmers refugees come to this place. It is not fancy, but it is an affordable roof over your head. The cheap travellers room is on the third floor and has three beds. If you get the single bed near the window, you better have extra blankets, because the window sometimes blows open and the cold mountain air may kill you. The room has a sink and there is a shared washroom in the hall. Oh, one more tip about this place. Bring your own WD-40. The door to this room is very loud!!! If you are travelling solo don't want to stay couped up in your room alone, let the owner know that you are willing to share if any other people are looking for a roommate. If anyone comes along, she will accommodate everybody. I don't think you will save any money, but it is good company. My roomies were one of the highlights of my trip. Contact: Heidi's Garni/Hotel Beyeler - 37 Bernastr (tel. 229 030) or if you are desparate, Balmer's Herberge 23-25 Hauptstr (tel 221 961). Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Grindelwald What to see and do: Grindelwald is smaller than Interlaken and not so infested with tourists. There is a lot to keep you busy for a few days at least. From town you can hike to the Upper Glacier or the Glacier Gorge. The hike to up to the top of the Upper Glacier is very challenging. No matter how fit you claim to be, you will be huffing and puffing a few times at least. And if you have big feet, it will probably take you twice as long to get to the top. The stairs are painfully narrow and small. I did the hike up First Mountain twice (once from Bort and the second from Grindelwald). The part from Grindelwald is very steep and tiring, so bring lots of water with you. To avoid the steep part, take the chair lift (the longest in Europe) to Bort, get off and hike up the rest of the way. The fresh air is revitalizing!!! Depending on the time of year you go, there might be snow at the top and lots of it. Here is the recipe to make your own slushie: take some hard fruit-flavoured candy with you, grab some snow (that is not yellow) and place both in your mouth. Yummy!!! When you get to the top, you will have a magnificent view of Eiger, Jungfrau and Mnch. Take one of those disposable panoramic cameras and snap away. If you think you are hearing a thunder storm approaching, it is just an avalanche. If the sound is more distant, you can probably turn around and see the avalanche on the other side of the valley. If it sounds really close, then I am afraid that you will be a fair bit of trouble!!! Where to stay: Lehmann's Herberge is a real Swiss chalet-like lodge. Rooms are wooden with red curtains, have nice, warm comforters, and a shared washroom for every two units. The washrooms are modern and have hot water. Many rooms overlook a valley, while a few others overlook a road. Lehmann's is VERY COMFORTABLE right off one of the main roads in town. 25-35 SFR per night - breakfast is included. There are some other youth hostels, but for comfort Lehmann's is the place to go! Contact: Lehmann's Herberge (tel. 531 141). The woman that runs the hostel does speak English. Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Costs You probably know that Switzerland is a very expensive place to visit. Here are a few extra tips when planning your Swiss vacation: When looking for accommodations it will cost you an extra bundle for a private washroom. Unless you are staying at a really nice hotel, most lower end hotels have a couple of shared washrooms per floor. Showers usually cost extra. Food is very expensive. I am from Canada and the cost of a loaf of bread was a shocking SFR 3.10. Four bananas cost SFR 2.05 and 6 pack of pop cost SFR 5.10. Luckily, I brought my own peanut butter and ate A LOT of peanut butter sandwiches!!! Transportation is reasonably priced if you have a Swiss Card, Pass or Eurail Card. And things like postcards aren't too bad in price! Clothing is expensive. A movie costs SFR 13. Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Hiking Unless you hike often and are use to the strain of hiking up/down steep mountains, start off easy. I ruined the whole trip for myself by starting big. The result was that I could barely walk for a few days and I had to put plastic Pepsi bottles full of HOT water on my legs at night. Although I was able to do some great hiking, I could have done more if I didn't start of thinking I was superwoman. This is not to say that I do not exercise at all, because I do everyday. I just don't hike up and down mountains everyday. Please sign my guest book! [ HOME ] This travelogue is based on the travel experiences of Donna McSherry