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Are you planning a vacation to Switzerland? On the Holidays to Switzerland travel podcast you'll get practical tips and advice from Swiss travel experts to help you plan your dream trip to Switzerland. Your host, Carolyn Schönafinger, the founder of HolidaysToSwitzerland.com and a Swiss travel expert, shares the best places to visit in Switzerland based on her experiences, along with all the Swiss travel tips she has gathered over 30 years and on dozens of visits, for planning a trip to Swit ...
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Most memorable journeys

Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis

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This podcast is all about stories, past experiences, and anecdotes from my trips and adventures. Because of my work as a tour guide for 11 and a conference interpreter for 15 years after that, I was able to travel the world and meet so many amazing people on the way. I will be hosting some of them on this podcast and together with my guests, we will talk about our most memorable journeys. Let me entertain you, remind you of a past holiday or activate your wanderlust. Let me remind you that l ...
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Looking for a FUN adventure for your next vacation? Active Travel Adventures curates multi-day world wide adventure travel holidays for reasonably fit folks who love to hike, bike, paddle or otherwise stay active for a more immersive experience when they vacation and explore our planet and its people. These are all adventures that YOU can do, especially if you train (I'm 64, so if I can do it, so can YOU!). It's easy to find the right adventure for you: We cover mild adventures like cycling ...
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Travel, at its best, changes the way we see the world. Join us each week as we dig into stories from people who took a trip—and came home transformed. Travel Tales by AFAR is your ticket to the world, no passport required. Find more inspiration at afar.com/traveltales.
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Wondering what are the most popular apps in Switzerland for tourists? In this episode, I share four handy Switzerland apps that you’ll want to download before you travel to Switzerland. I discuss why the SBB Mobile app is essential for every visitor - even those who are renting a car, and why the MeteoSwiss app is my preferred Switzerland weather a…
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Buenos Aires, Argentina, playing a key role at a luxury tour operator and an award-winning venture. Later, Sarah co-founded a pioneering travel company for several years, trailblazing a pathway for female business owners and women in travel. Most recently, Sarah held an executive position at a leading travel tech firm in California and worked hand-…
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Are you planning your first trip to Switzerland and feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this episode, I’m joined by Swiss expert Kathrin Spinnler to unpack everything you need to know to make your Swiss vacation smooth and unforgettable. We’ll explore the history of Switzerland, the four official languages, and what makes thi…
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Although many people in Switzerland have a high income, most of them aren’t making the most of their finances. They are so-called HENRYS: High earners, not rich yet. They often: Inflate their lifestyle to fit their salary Forget that some bills are more unpredictable in Switzerland than in other countries Take out too much insurance Lose a lot of m…
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Bert terHart left Victoria, BC, on October 27, 2019, with the goal of emulating solo navigators who travelled half a century or more ago—without electronic charts, or GPS. Thus, he passed the five great southern capes going east using only a sextant, paper charts, pencil and log tables—a feat previously accomplished by eight single-handing sailors …
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Best Travel Podcasts for 2025 Learn about the 25 Best Travel Podcasts for the new year on one of my most popular shows of the year! In this brief episode, you'll get a quick low down on the winning shows to see if you should add the show to your rotation. See the COMPLETE LIST HERE Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you wil…
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Wondering what to pack for Switzerland? In this episode I share seven items that are always in my suitcase when I travel to Switzerland. My list of essential things to pack for Switzerland includes a few items that you may not have considered but will be very useful. Join me to learn why I always pack a travel plug adapter for Switzerland, what I u…
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We’ve been chatting to some of your Eurovision favourites in Amsterdam at Het Grote Songfestivalfeest, where dozens of acts come together for a huge party in the Ziggo Dome. From the class of 2024, we catch up with Croatia’s Baby Lasagna, Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil from Ukraine, and Ireland’s Bambie Thug. Steve also welcomes Australia’s Guy Sebasti…
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Planning a trip to Switzerland in 2025? In this episode, I'm sharing my top 10 essential Switzerland travel tips to help you make the most of your Swiss adventure. From booking strategies for the busy FIFA Women's Euro 2025 season to insider advice on avoiding tourist crowds, I'll walk you through everything you need to know. You'll learn why secur…
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Best Adventure Travel Vacations I've traveled the world over the last eight years, mostly going on active adventure holidays. On today's show, I talk about the very best adventures I taken on all seven continents. On each adventure, we hike, bike and/or paddle as we explore new cultures and landscapes. Each of these adventures have been covered in …
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Looking for unique ways to explore Lucerne? In this episode, I chat with Roberto Riccardi about an innovative way to discover Swiss hidden gems - cargo e-bike tours! Based in Lucerne, Roberto's company Loop Tours offers a sustainable and enjoyable way to explore beyond the typical tourist spots in both Lucerne and Interlaken. Wondering about Switze…
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Many expats struggle with dating in Switzerland. But the process doesn’t have to be difficult or painful. If you’re a successful professional living in Switzerland, you might: Feel that you’re too busy to date Avoid dating because you think you’ll move away again Worry about interacting with locals due to language and cultural barriers But many Swi…
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Yellowstone and Teton National Park Adventures Hike, bike and paddle on two of America's most popular national parks: Yellowstone and Grand Teton in northwest Wyoming! One today's show, you will hear what you'd see and do, you'll learn about the landscape and wildlife, and details about our guest Irene's trip with my long-time affiliate Active Adve…
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Switzerland is full of stunning landscapes, iconic trains, and must-see destinations, but figuring out how to get around can be overwhelming. The Swiss Travel Pass is a popular option for travelers, but is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it? In this episode, I chat with Swiss public transport expert Andy Nef about the many Swiss Travel Pass benefits an…
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He calls himself a fairly normal guy from Pittsburgh that strayed a long way from home. He has been a mentor of tech founders for 30 years, and a father of kids for 11. The similarities are remarkable. His day job has been to help create over 1,100 jobs while founding, financing, building and exiting three digital media companies. Prior to that, he…
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UK's BEST Walking Holidays - Self Guided Hiking Vacations Walk the charming countryside of England, Scotland or Wales in the United Kingdom on one of these fantastic long distance paths! Your holiday will be self-guided, so you walk at your own pace on your own timetable, stopping to savor a tea break or grabbing a meal or a pint at the pub. Your l…
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How do you manage stress when you’re traveling during the holidays? And is it better to book with points or cash during some of the busiest travel days of the year? Believe it or not, it’s almost time to book your holiday travel, and our friends at NerdWallet have some tips for traveling stress-free. In this special episode of NerdWallet’s Smart Mo…
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We’re celebrating the 2024 Junior Eurovision Song Contest final in Madrid! Steve is joined by the three Spanish hosts of this year’s final: Ruth Lorenzo, Marc Clotet and Melani Garcia. Ruth talks about her own experience at Eurovision after she came 10th in 2014 with her song Dancing In The Rain. Marc is a well known actor and model in his home cou…
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If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable Swiss getaway, look no further than the Montreux Riviera. In this episode, I chat with Martina Fuhrer from Montreux Riviera Tourism to uncover what makes this Swiss gem so special. Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux is known for its stunning views, rich culture, and unique attractions. Martina give…
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Dating in Switzerland can be confusing, especially for new expats. But there are plenty of singles looking to settle down. You just need to know where to find them. You might encounter various roadblocks when dating in Switzerland: · Finding people to date · Confidently approaching locals · Cultural differences · Understanding local dating faux pas…
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Great (and Affordable) Travel Gifts They'll Actually WANT! Check out these 26 affordable and practical travel gifts your loved ones will actually enjoy and use! You'll probably pick out a few for yourself, like I did:) See photos and see complete SHOW NOTES HERE. 26 Travel Gift Ideas - 2024 Note that these are Amazon links and at no additional cost…
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Valentinos started an online Greek tutoring business while he was studying in the UK and has been running it for many years. However, he comes from a bee-keeping family. Since 1983, they have been working professionally in the bee-keeping sector. Over all these years, thanks to their hard work and a love of bees, they have managed to build strong r…
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Traveling through Switzerland is made easier with the Berner Oberland Pass, and today’s episode is all about making the most of it. I’m joined by Jana Amacher, who manages the Berner Oberland Pass. She updates us on the new features for 2025, including the extension of the pass’s availability throughout the year. Jana explains the added benefits, s…
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Thales Panagides graduated with an MBA in Entrepreneurship in 1998. He spent weeks searching for a job in the financial district of New York City and realized Wall Street wasn’t the right fit for a Cypriot who spent most of his summers on the beach. Uncertain about his future and how to leverage his business degree, he decided to visit his cousin i…
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Vietnam and Cambodia : Saigon to Angkor Wat Cycling Holiday An incredible way to explore Vietnam and Cambodia is by bike! On today's show, we take a fully guided cycling vacation to see some of the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia, but since we explore by bike, we get a more authentic experience with the local people with the bonus of avoiding ma…
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Planning a trip to Interlaken but worried about the weather? Don’t worry—there’s still plenty to do! In this episode, I’m joined by Renato Julier, a Swiss tourism expert, to share all the fun things to do in Interlaken, even if the sun isn’t shining. From discovering magical waterfalls and exploring hidden caves to making your own Swiss chocolate a…
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Life is a journey and we all have our stories. Sharing those stories helps others be brave enough to break their own silences. Let's be kind to ourselves, each other and make this world a better place. He has a desire for self development, mental health awareness and a budding passion to learn more about himself and others in order to make himself …
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We speak to Daniel Shalom, the founder of Rigby AG, about the role of staffing companies in the Swiss job market and how recruiters can help expats find a suitable role. Daniel describes the difference between contracts, projects, and permanent placements. Then, he talks about the reasons why so many businesses work with a recruitment company and h…
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At just 21 years old, historian and author Schmidt has established himself as a dedicated truth-seeker. Since penning his 8-part educational series "History Bites" at age 12, Schmidt has made it his mission to inspire young minds and uncover the stories that shaped America. With a number of exclusive interviews with household names such as Bob Shap…
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Unspoiled Sri Lanka 9 Day Cycling Adventure See the Best of Sri Lanka on this nine day bicycling adventure travel tour. Ride through little touristed villages (the people will come out to wave at you with big smiles that you are visiting their country), magnificent tea plantations, lush national parks and along pristine coastline. Also take one of …
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Hiking in Switzerland is a dream for many, with the country offering a diverse range of trails suitable for all abilities. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, understanding what to expect and how to prepare can make all the difference. In this episode, I am joined by seasoned Swiss hiking expert Tanya Deans from Swiss Family Fun. You…
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When Cole Sjoholm was asked, "Would you go?" his answer transformed his life in ways he never imagined. In 2023, he embarked on an extraordinary journey, setting foot on all seven continents in just one year—solo. From the vibrant cities of Europe to the icy expanses of Antarctica, and from the sun-drenched landscapes of Australia to the bustling s…
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I met Costa at the Cyprus Diaspora Forum (Thank you Paul Lambis) and started following him on social media. I am fascinated by his zest for life and how he enjoys everything he does whether it’s traveling the world, exploring Cyprus or dancing Salsa with his wife Anna. Costa was born in Melbourne, Australia, and moved to Cyprus as an adult. In Aust…
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How to Walk or Bike the El Camino de Santiago in Spain Kit interviews Umberto di Venosa, founder of Follow the Camino, a tour company focused entirely on assisting 'pilgrims' plan and execute their Camino journey. Umberto gives us expert insight on what you need to think about when planning your El Camino. These can also be applied to any long dist…
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Switzerland in winter is truly magical, and one of the best ways to experience it is by train. With snow-covered landscapes, festive Christmas markets, and world-renowned ski resorts, a winter trip to Switzerland offers something for everyone. But planning a trip can be overwhelming—especially if you’re trying to figure out how to see it all. That'…
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Becky Lukovic is a 20 year veteran in the travel industry. She started On the Go Travel Company in Indiana in 2001 after an “aha” moment in Sorrento, Italy. Standing on a bridge overlooking the sparkling Bay of Naples, Becky realized planning independent and culture-centric travel was her passion. In the next 20 years, she would use that passion to…
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No plan. No luggage. Five weeks in India. Joe Diaz and Greg Sullivan, dreamed up Afar on a beach in Goa more than 15 years ago. In this candid episode from our sister podcast, Unpacked, they reflect on what they’ve learned by helping people travel deeper. From the spontaneous trips that honed the company’s values to how they’ve helped shape the tra…
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Neil Laird is a multiple Emmy-nominated director of historical films for Discovery, BBC, PBS, History Channel, National Geographic, and many other networks. He has produced over 100 programs around the globe that feature crumbling Egyptian tombs, lost Mayan cities, and mysterious shipwrecks at the bottom of the sea. He is a TV producer turned novel…
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We speak to Pragati Siddhanti, the founder of the popular blog My Swiss Story, about how expats can get set up and build a successful career in Switzerland. Pragati shares how she came to Switzerland over eight years ago and has since worked as a technology leader in large, international companies, set up her blog and community, and become a guest …
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Classic Bucket List Alps trek of the tour du Mont Blanc circuit through three countries: Italy, France and Switzerland. The Mont Blanc Trek is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the world! This adventure is the perfect combination of challenge, great food, culture and company. An absolutely wonderful vacation! On today's show, I go in de…
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Planning a trip to Zermatt, Switzerland? This picturesque alpine town, nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, is a dream destination for many. Whether you're drawn by the majestic mountain peaks, the charming car-free village, or the endless outdoor activities, Zermatt offers something for everyone. In this episode, I’m thrilled to sit down …
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Elisa is a mother of 5 sons which she brought up mostly on her own and lived in Texas, Miami, Canada, France. She overcame extreme challenges and create a life that she loves. In May 2016, she founded#happy2succeed, intending to bring awareness and wellbeing to body and mind. She inspires and and empowers women globally to discover their hidden pow…
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Basel has been announced as the host city of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025! To celebrate, Steve’s been speaking to some of the people who were in the room when Nemo wrote The Code, bringing the contest back to Switzerland. At a songwriting camp in Malta, he chats to Nemo’s bestie Teya (Austria 2023), as well as the song’s co-writers Linda Dale a…
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Not only can you swim in the rivers of Bern and Basel— but thousands of locals regularly take the plunge. From a morning commute to a relaxing weekend escape, discover how rivers are at the heart of everyday Swiss life. In this episode of Travel Tales by Afar, Bonnie Tsui, author of Why We Swim, follows the currents of Switzerland's alpine rivers i…
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