There are few experiences in life as awe-inspiring as watching the northern lights dance across the sky- and there is no better place to witness this natural wonder than Alaska. With its wide-open landscapes, dark winter skies, and prime aurora-viewing locations, Alaska offers one of the most magical front-row seats to the show. In this Alaska bucket list guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to chase the aurora borealis- from the best times to go and where to watch, to tips for maximizing your chances of seeing this bucket list spectacle. 

Things to Know

Best Time to Visit

The best time for witnessing the northern lights is during the winter months, from late September through early April. This is when the nights are longest and the skies are darkest- ideal conditions for aurora viewing. The heart of the winter, especially between December and March, tends to offer the most reliable activity, along with the added bonus of the snowy landscapes that make the experience even more magical. 

I suggest staying 4-5 nights. If you stay in Fairbanks for a minimum of 3 nights and are actively out seeking every night, you have a 90% chance of catching the show. The more time you give yourself, the more you can plan around weather which could bring in some clouds. Clear skies are a must for this adventure.

What to pack for Alaska

Where to stay in Fairbanks

Hampton Inn

Hotel in Fairbanks with free breakfast and airport shuttle service

check pricing

Hyatt Place

Hotel in Fairbanks with free breakfast and airport shuttle service

check pricing

Springhill Suites

Riverfront hotel with free breakfast and airport shuttle service

Check Pricing

You will need a rental car for this trip. I strongly advise a 4×4 as your nightly excursions will take you well outside of town to escape the light pollution. 

You will need a few tools to assist in your aurora hunt. First, download My Aurora Forecast & Alerts on your phone. This app offers information such as the likelihood of visibility, details about solar winds, and a list of best locations to view from “right now”. Forecasts for the next hour and several hours will help you to plan your evenings. 

Next, check the Aurora Tracker on the Explore Fairbanks website. This combines the same data from the app that comes from the Geophysical Institute along with weather in six locations, the amount of darkness, and 3 days of predictions. 

Between these 2 tools, you will have a pretty good idea of your chances for seeing the northern lights and where to go. 

Viewing Locations

When to Hunt

The optimal window for viewing is between 10pm and 3am. For the best chances of seeing the magical lights, you should pull an all-nighter. If this isn’t your cup of tea (it was not mine!), then you should use the tracking app and website to get a good idea of future activity. 

For example, around dinner time I would check the app and see what the chances of activity looked like. Then we formulated a plan of attack. This allowed us to go to bed and rest for a few hours, set an alarm for around midnight and then hit the road for our chase. We stayed out for a few hours, then returned back to the hotel to catch a few more hours of sleep before waking up and doing day time activities. 

Other options include guided tours that can take much of the guesswork out of the evening for you. Take a look at these great tours.

Ice Fishing

This unique Alaskan adventure combines the serenity of winter with the thrill of catching fish beneath the frozen surface. Our guided fish was set up in a cozy cabin with the fishing holes pre-drilled waiting for us to reel in Arctic char, rainbow trout, or silver salmon. The guide prepared reindeer sausage and cooked our fish for us on the iron stove. 

What made this a truly special night was fishing under the glow of the northern lights. It was a peaceful, almost surreal experience that blended outdoor adventure with the raw beauty of Alaska’s winter wilderness. 

Although this is a bucket list item, this trip is far more than just checking an item off the list- it’s stepping into a world where nature puts on a show like no other. Whether you’re an adventurer, a photographer, or simply someone in search of magic, witnessing the aurora borealis is a soul-stirring experience. Bundle up, head north, and let the lights lead the way- you won’t regret it. 

Have you visited Alaska to see the Northern Lights? What was your favorite experience?

For more awesome winter escapes, check out this post about Banff!

The post Alaska Bucket List Guide; See the Northern Lights appeared first on Boujee on Any Budget Travel.

It became very clear last year with two hikes that straight-up punched me in the soul: Oeschinensee in Switzerland and Delta Lake in the Tetons. I’ve always been a rewards-driven hiker (if there’s no jaw-dropping view at the top, why am I sweating like this?), but those two? They didn’t just deliver—they redefined what I chase.

It smacked me right in the face.

Everything I’ve ever thought was truly beautiful… comes from nature.

The way a mama bison leads her baby across the plains. The roar of a waterfall as it crashes into a hidden pool. The stillness of a glacier lake that looks Photoshopped in real life. The tail of a humpback whale flicking into the air like a final bow before disappearing into the sea.

I’ve been lucky to live in places like Montana and Malaysia. I’ve seen more wildlife than most people dream of. Living in locations where bears on your property or monkeys trying to get in your kitchen window are commonplace, didn’t stunt my love for animals, instead it has driven me to see more, to find more. Moose, bear, elk, humpback whales, blue whales, lions, elephants…  I need to see them. All of them. (Yes, I’m that tourist. The one who thinks surely one of these animals wants to come home with me.)

Here’s the thing: no resort, no luxury hotel, no cocktail with a little umbrella gives me the same feeling as watching the sky turn gold over a mountain ridge. Or hearing nothing but wind and waves. Or locking eyes with a creature that didn’t know I existed until that very moment and somehow feeling deeply connected anyway.

This is why I travel. The raw, the wild, the real. Nature doesn’t need filters. It is the magic.

So, I thought I’d show you a few moments that left me breathless—not just because of the view (though, hello, stunning), but because they reminded me just how wild and wonderful this world really is. These are the kinds of experiences I plan my trips around. And yes, if you’re anything like me—a sucker for a good view, a little adrenaline, or an up-close wildlife encounter—I’ll drop a few guided tours or hike recs along the way.

Oeschinensee, Switzerland– Bucket List Hike

This hike started with a cable car and ended with me audibly gasping…repeatedly. I’ve seen clear lakes before, but nothing—and I mean nothing—prepared me for this glacier-fed showstopper. The trail winds through alpine meadows, forest paths, and ends at a lake so vibrant it looks fake. 

Want to see this view for yourself?
This really is a DIY type hike. AllTrails app is sufficient for you to see the trail and distance. But even that is not needed as it’s pretty clearly marked. 

Tip: Bring a picnic and take the boat ride across the lake if it’s running (spring and summer months). And don’t forget to turn around on the hike—some of the best views are behind you.

Delta Lake, Wyoming– Epic Mountain Trail

This is one of those hikes that makes you question your life choices halfway through… and then makes you want to weep when you reach the top. Unmarked trail. Boulder fields. Zero signage. 1000% worth it.

Ready to test your hiking skills?
I am unaware of any guided hikes for this one. AllTrails has excellent information. Download the hike while you are in service and GPS will follow you. The trail DOES seem to disappear right before your very eyes a few times, but the marked trail on the app is accurate. 

Tip: Don’t start this late in the day. And don’t wear white shoes. Just… trust me.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia – Nature as Therapy

If you ever want to see what it looks like when the earth throws herself a going-out party, go to Shenandoah in the fall. Blazing reds, electric oranges, golden yellows—all piled on top of each other in a never-ending mountain cascade. Every overlook was a masterpiece. Every trail felt like walking through a living flame. The air was cool, the crunch underfoot was oddly therapeutic, and for a minute, I fully believed I was in a Hallmark movie. Minus the small-town drama and token pup.

Want to catch the color show yourself?
Plan your visit during peak foliage season in Shenandoah- use the GUIDEALONG app for fascinating information about the park and the best photo spots. AllTrails is perfect for choosing which hikes you’d like to do. My favorite hike was Rose River Trail. 

Tip: Weekdays are your friend—this place gets packed when the leaves do their thing. And bring layers—it may look warm, but autumn likes to keep you guessing.

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee– Raw Natural Beauty

I’ve seen photos. I’ve scrolled past the postcards. But nothing compares to standing on a ridge in the Smokies and seeing that soft, layered blue stretch out in every direction. It’s like the mountains are stacking themselves toward infinity—each one fading a little more into the mist. The air smelled like pine and old earth, and the trail was just quiet enough to let me hear my own heartbeat. Gatlinburg might be the gateway, but once you’re deep in it? You feel like you’ve stepped into a living watercolor.

Want to hike into the heart of the Smokies?
Try the Alum Cave Trail or Clingmans Dome for sweeping views and that iconic Blue Ridge haze you just have to see to believe. Again. AllTrails is your BFF here.

Tip: Hike early to beat the crowds and catch the light hitting those blue layers just right. And don’t rush—these are the kind of views you sit with.

Divide,Colorado– Close-up Animal Experience

We didn’t just see wolves—we sat with them. At a sanctuary tucked into the Colorado wilderness, I had the chance to spend real, sacred time with animals that most people only see in storybooks or documentaries. They’re bigger than you think. Quieter, too. And when one locks eyes with you? It’s like they’re looking straight through the noise and into your soul. It wasn’t scary. It was grounding. Humbling. Like nature reminding me, you’re part of this too.

Want to feel the presence of the wild up close?
Check out the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center for a chance to interact with wolves in a protected, ethical setting. You’ll learn, you’ll feel, and you’ll leave forever changed.

Tip: Don’t wear perfume or scented lotion and no natural fibers like wool—the wolves are curious (and their noses are no joke). Come with an open heart—this is not your average tourist stop. It’s an experience you’ll carry with you.

Fairbanks, Alaska– Travel for Peace, not Places

I’d seen photos. I’d read the blogs. But actually witnessing the sky above Fairbanks explode into color was jaw-dropping. The aurora swirled and shimmered like it had a soul—green, purple, even hints of pink, dancing overhead in complete silence. It didn’t feel real. It felt like a dream layered on top of the night sky. I just stood there, half frozen (lies, I was mostly frozen), fully speechless, wondering how we ever look at screens when this exists.

Want to chase the aurora without the guesswork?
Try these Fairbanks Northern Lights tours with pros who track the conditions and know all the best viewing spots—plus, they’ll keep you warm and caffeinated while you wait for the show.

Northern Lights Viewing at Murphy Dome

Best Northern Lights Aurora Adventure FREE Portraits

Tip: Dress like your life depends on it—because it kinda does. Layers, hand warmers, and a thermos of something hot will be your best friends.

South Lake Tahoe, California– Hiking for the View

You know those stock photos of impossibly clear water, massive boulders, and someone floating like they don’t have a single worry in the world? Yeah—this was that. Paddleboarding in South Lake Tahoe felt like skimming across glass. The water was so clear I could see straight to the bottom, and the boulders? Literal car-sized giants resting under the surface. But my favorite part of this trip was the hike to a very secluded beach. Not another soul was with us. Check out the Rubicon Point Lighthouse Trail! 

Want to paddle like a pro in paradise?
This guided paddleboard tour on Lake Tahoe will get you out on the water, no guesswork required—and they’ll even point out the best hidden coves and photo spots.

Tip: Get out early to beat the crowds and wind. And wear a strap on your sunglasses unless you want to gift them to the lake gods.

I’ve stayed in stunning hotels. I’ve checked off bucket list cities. But the moments that have truly moved me—the ones that still take up space in my chest—didn’t come with room service or five-star ratings. They came from the wild. From golden sunrises on mountaintops and the hush of snow-white dunes. From locking eyes with a wolf, paddling over glacier-fed lakes, crying under an eclipse, and standing completely still while the world lit itself on fire in fall.

Nature doesn’t ask for attention. She just demands it. And once you start noticing her—really noticing her—nothing else ever shines quite the same. This is why I travel. This is why I hike, paddle, fly, float, and stand in the silence. Because everything I find beautiful… comes from her.

What’s the wildest or most beautiful moment you’ve experienced in nature? I’d love to hear what took your breath away.

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The post Why I Travel; How Nature Became My Travel Itinerary appeared first on Boujee on Any Budget Travel.

If you’ve ever tried to plan a national park trip and almost passed out from the hotel prices, welcome to the club. Yellowstone and Grand Teton are absolutely stunning—but the lodging options inside or near the parks? Not so budget friendly. That’s why we based ourselves in Idaho for this trip—and spoiler: I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Yes, it meant longer drives to the parks, but the views were beautiful, the mornings were peaceful, and the savings were totally worth it. Here’s how we pulled off a national park getaway without maxing out the travel fund.

Why We Stayed in Idaho

We found a cozy spot in Driggs, Idaho (Victor is another great option nearby), and saved hundreds, if not thousands, compared to staying in Jackson, WY or inside the parks. The trade-off? A scenic hour(ish)-long drive to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. But honestly, the drive was part of the experience. Mornings meant mountain views, wildflowers, and coffee-fueled anticipation. Even the grocery stores in Idaho were more affordable—we stocked up on snacks, trail fuel, and lunch supplies before each park day.

Teton Creek Resort

2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with laundry and hot tub

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Cobble Creek Townhouse

3 bedroom, 2 bath townhome with laundry

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Mountain Modern Retreat

2 bedroom, 2 bath home with laundry

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If the savings on the accommodations isn’t enough to sell you on the location, check out the wildlife that was seen from these scenic drives. For us, this is all part of the experience in these 2 parks.

Our Yellowstone Game Plan

Yellowstone is huge. Like “you need multiple days if you want to see it all” huge. But if you’re short on time (or just don’t want to spend your whole trip in the car), you can hit the highlights in one solid day. This is another trip that I strongly advise using the GuideAlong app. Ranger Rick (that’s what we call him) is a wonderful tour guide and lets you know so much useful information about the park and some cool pull offs that won’t add too much time to your day.

Here’s what we focused on:

• Old Faithful – Classic for a reason. Check eruption times online and time your stop if short on time. Personally, I always enjoy browsing the ranger station, hotel, and gift shop so we tend to spend a few hours in the area.

*There is a short hike to an elevated viewing location. Not only is this a cool spot to watch Old Faithful erupt, but it gives a great overview of this basin. While we waited for Old Faithful, we saw 2 other geysers erupt!

• Grand Prismatic Spring – The colors are unreal. Get there early for fewer crowds but from experience, the better photos come in the afternoon as the temps rise- burning off the fog and the steam from the spring is less. This stop is always my favorite. The view never gets old. There is also a short hike to an elevated viewing location that is an absolute must here. The boardwalk stop is still a must, but for this iconic view, you’ll need to climb a bit.

• Yellowstone Falls + Artist Point – One of the most iconic views in the park. Jaw dropping magic. That is the easiest way to describe this whole area. There are numerous stops for you to see these falls- from right on top of them to off in the distance. I’d suggest seeing them all.

*Plan your route around the park’s loop system, pack your own food to avoid long concession lines, and always allow extra time—bison traffic jams are real.

Day 1 in Grand Teton National Park

Compared to Yellowstone, Grand Teton feels like the quiet little sister—with dramatic peaks and alpine lakes that’ll have your camera working overtime. You can do the main loop in a day, stopping at highlights like:

• Jenny Lake
• Snake River Overlook
• Schwabacher Landing

Our second day in the Tetons had one major focus: Delta Lake.

Delta Lake: A Hike That Excited Me… and Then Blew My Mind

This hike is not for beginners—but it is worth every single scramble.

The first half is along the popular Amphitheater Lake Trail, and it feels pretty standard. But after a while, you veer off into unmarked territory. There’s no signage. No maintained trail. Just word-of-mouth directions, rock cairns (when you’re lucky), and the occasional “are we sure this is the way?” moment. Even with All Trails in my back pocket, this was still a guessing game hike!

There are boulder fields. There are steep scrambles. At one point I used both hands and knees.

But then… you get there.

A surreal turquoise lake, tucked into a glacial bowl, completely quiet and untouched. It felt like something out of a movie. Delta Lake was the highlight of our trip—and if you’re up for the challenge, I highly recommend it. (Just do your research, bring plenty of water, and download an offline trail map before you go.)

Where to Eat (and Recover) After All That Hiking

We worked up an appetite every single day, and thankfully, there’s no shortage of great food—on both sides of the mountains.

• Jackson, WY – Trendy and a little boujee. If you’re splurging, this is the place. We had a delicious lunch at Roadhouse Brewing Co.

• Teton Village – Great après-hike vibes and solid food with a view. Bonus: gondola rides in summer!

• Victor & Driggs, ID – Underrated gems. Cheaper, cozier, and full of charm. Perfect for grabbing breakfast before the parks or dinner after a long day. *Bonus, pick a condo with a hot tub- you’ll need it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a Yellowstone and Grand Teton getaway but don’t want to spend a small fortune—Idaho is the secret weapon. Our long weekend was full of unforgettable moments, and we did it on our terms: scenic drives, epic hikes, good food, and no financial regret. With the temperatures rising down south, many of us are looking for an escape into the mountains and this trip will certainly check that box!

Next time someone tells you a national park trip has to cost a fortune, send them this blog. Then go book your flight, lace up your boots, and get ready to scramble your way to one of the most beautiful lakes you’ve ever seen.

Have you been to these parks? What was your favorite sight or activity?

Want to see more epic hikes? Check out my trip to Moab!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

The post Yellowstone and Grand Teton; an Extended Weekend Itinerary appeared first on Boujee on Any Budget Travel.

There is something truly magical about Banff in the winter. Snow-covered peaks, frozen lakes, and charming streets dusted with fresh powder make it a dream destination for winter lovers. Whether you crave epic skiing and snowshoeing or you prefer to cozy up by the fire with a drink in your hand, this Winter Wonderland Adventures in Banff guide will cover everything you need to plan your getaway. 

Banff offers the perfect mix of outdoor thrills and relaxation. Get ready to embrace the beauty of the Canadian Rockies in all of their frosty glory! 

Things to Know about Winter in Banff

Weather in Banff

Banff in the winter is nothing short of a breathtaking winter wonderland, but with its beauty comes some seriously extreme cold. Average winter temperatures are -19 C so whether you’re planning to hit the slopes or explore the stunning frozen landscapes, dressing properly is essential for both comfort and safety. 

What to Pack for Banff

Insulated Winter Coat

Snow Pants

Thermal Base Layers

Mid-Layers

Sunglasses, Lip Balm, Sunscreen, Moisturizer

Beanie

Insulated, Waterproof boots/Thermal Socks

Hand Warmers

Winter Gloves

Daypack and Water Bottle

Neck Gaiter or Scarf

Where to Stay in Banff

Personally, I think the best places to stay are in Downtown Banff specifically because it will allow you the freedom to easily explore the town on any given day. However, staying in town can be a bit more costly than staying a few miles down the road. On our trip to Banff, we stayed at the Juniper Hotel. This offered a beautiful, elevated view over Banff for a slight savings in cost as it was a 5-minute drive outside of the downtown area. Here are some options for accommodations. 

Lake Louise Inn

Family Friendly Inn located in Lake Louise

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Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Lakefront Luxury Hotel with 3 restaurants and a full-service spa

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Juniper Hotel

Art Deco Hotel with 24-hour front desk and restaurant

check prices

Banff Ptarmigan Inn

Downtown Banff Hotel with 2 hot tubs

check prices

Where to Eat in Banff

From cozy apres-ski meals to gourmet dining with stunning mountain views to a quick bite before your next adventure, Banff has something for everyone. Here are a few of my favorite places that we found.

The Maple Leaf

Seafood/Steakhouse

Serving Alberta beef and bison and award-winning Canadian wines

What to Do in Banff in the Winter

Banff really is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground after all, there is something to do in Banff anytime of the year. During the peak summer months, the options are endless with hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, rock climbing and much more. In the winter months there is a magical world that awaits. It is like stepping through the wardrobe of Narnia into a Winter Wonderland where you have skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing and more. Here are a few of the adventures we took.

Visit Lake Louise

Lake Louise is one of the most breathtaking destinations in Banff National Park, known for its turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop.

In the winter, the lake transforms into a magical frozen wonderland. It is perfect for ice skating, snowshoeing, and skiing at the nearby Lake Loise Ski Resort.

Take a guided tour from Banff and test your skills with snowshoeing!

Visit Cave & Basin National Historic Site

This is the birthplace of Canada’s national parks system. The thermal mineral springs were discovered in 1883 and this led to the creation of Banff National Park, the first national park in Canada.

Lake Minnewanka

This scenic drive winds through towering peaks, frozen forests, and wide-open valleys. There is no shortage of stunning photo opportunities along the way. Once you arrive, the lake’s thick ice allows for exploration surrounded by mountains, basically creating the postcard-perfect winter scene.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Winter wonderland adventures in Banff are undoubtedly magical. From exploring canyons and icy lakes to ice climbing and dog sledding, there is no shortage of unforgettable experiences. Pack your warmest layers, embrace the chill, and get ready to make memories in this bucket list destination.

Have you been to Banff in the winter? What other adventures have you tried?

Check out these other hiking trips.

Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Switzerland ranks at the top of the list of most expensive places to travel. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t experience this beautiful country without breaking the bank. With a little planning and some travel tips, you can see some of the most amazing landscapes on this planet. 

Travel Tip#1:

The best way to visit Switzerland without breaking the bank is to plan your stay during the shoulder seasons. Switzerland has 2 peak seasons- summer and winter. Tourists flock to the Alps during both seasons for skiing or hiking. Not only are attractions more crowded during these times, but the costs skyrocket. Look for mid April- late May and October-November. Be aware that in the mountains, many places close down for a few weeks between the end of ski season and reopening for spring. This is when the workers get to take their holidays and when repairs and maintenance can be done to the public transportation. 

How To Get There

Depending on your starting location, this could be the largest portion of your budget. Flights from Europe and Asia are reasonable in cost. Flights from Australia or the US can be somewhat painful, particularly if you choose to travel in peak season. Off peak economy flights can range between $700-$900 round trip per person. If you play the points game with your credit cards, my suggestion is to use points for an economy ticket. I regularly see them for 20,000-45,000 points. This is a great way to visit Switzerland without breaking the bank.

There are two international airports in Switzerland- Zurich and Geneva. For the purposes of this guide, we will be flying into Geneva. 

Where To Stay

Selecting a budget friendly hotel in Geneva is quite easy. We stayed at The New Midi and it offered everything that we needed for our short stay in this city. The benefit of staying in a hotel versus an Airbnb is that hotels will provide you with a free transport card. This gives you access to free travel on buses, boats, trams, etc. 

Here are a few budget-friendly selections near train stations: 

• Hotel St Gervais Geneva
• Hotel De Geneve
• Rhodania Boutique Hôtel
• Hotel Cristal
• Admiral Hotel

Travel Tip #2:

Renting a car is not necessary. Not even in the slightest. The public transportation system in Switzerland runs as well as their timepieces. There is a user-friendly app that will allow you to get anywhere you need to go. The cost of point-to-point tickets is reasonable. Like other transportation modes, you have options of upgrading classes as well. 

Where To Eat

Geneva has a HEAVY French influence considering its proximity to the border. There are so many wonderful food options here that it is almost impossible to narrow down a list. Since this is about keeping things under budget, I recommend checking out Migros, the grocery store. You will be AMAZED at the prepared food options inside this store. There are multiple stories and what can really only be described as a food court on one of them. We popped into this store on numerous stops for wraps, soups, salads, and of course- desserts. 

Now a trip like this would not be complete without a nice meal so you should budget for one boujee meal in this Michelin star saturated market. We opted to have dinner at a mid-range restaurant that gave a private fondue making class prior to our meal. 

Here are some options for mouthwatering pieces of art:

• F.P. Journe – Le Restaurant
• L’Arabesque
• TOSCA

Moving On To The Alps

This is as easy as buying a train ticket on your app and hopping on. Cost is about 28chf and the duration is 3 hours. You will enjoy every second of this ride as the views, no matter what side of the train you are on, will keep you occupied. 

Bernese Oberland

This area is where you can explore Grindelwald, Interlaken, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, Brienz, and more. You will want to buy a specific pass for this area- the B.O. Pass as it will give you access to local trains, trams, buses, funiculars, lifts, etc. Once you arrive in this area you should not need to spend any additional money on travel unless you choose to explore outside of the covered area.

However, there is SO MUCH to do here that it’s certainly not necessary. This pass comes in 3, 4, 6, 8 and 10-day options. If your stay in Switzerland takes you to other locations outside of this area, you should consider purchasing the half fare card. Buying this card first will make every other ticket purchase half off. Although public transportation is inexpensive, if you are going to many different cities, it does add up quickly and can break the bank. The half fare card will help keep those costs down. 

Where To Stay

You can find some very reasonably priced stays here. Remember that you will spend little time indoors, so the accommodations need good bedding and bathroom. We chose to stay in an Airbnb so that we could get groceries and handle breakfast and snacks. However, we did choose to splurge a little on the cost of our stay as we picked Wengen as our home base. This village is a car free town, a little more remote than Interlaken, therefore, slightly higher in cost but still didn’t break the bank.  

Here are some options for your stay in the Bernese Oberland area: 

• City Center Union 2 Apartment
• Helene Apt. Hella
• Chalet Marie Rosa
• Historic Hotel Steinbock
• Holiday apartment Grindelwald

Where To Eat

Coop is the local grocer, and they have excellent food options. You could easily spend $30 per day or less per person and be quite happy with your choices. Daily, there are freshly made pre-packaged options that you can grab and go- take with you on a hike, bring back to the apartment for dinner, or just to finish off the day with dessert. 

We explored numerous villages and towns in the Bernese Oberland area and much of that exploration included popping into quaint mom & pop restaurants for a snack or cup of coffee. Meat and cheese boards or personal sized hand tossed pizzas were often our go-to. You can’t go wrong with stopping at ANY restaurant in any of these villages.

Things To Do

Hiking, biking, skiing, sightseeing, boating, photography, paragliding, strolling the promenade, people watching, eating, drinking, shopping. It is a long list for a large area and there is no way you can see or do it all without staying for a few months. So you will want to pick your top few activities and make sure to knock one or two off the list each day. We did a few hikes, a lot of trains, trams, and funiculars and explored my bucket list villages of Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Grindelwald. We strolled the streets of Interlaken for some shopping and spent more time drinking on patios than I care to admit. 

There is plenty to do here that costs nothing once you have the BO Pass. 99% of your time is spent admiring the green alpine meadows and snowy sheer cliffs. This is quite literally exploring Switzerland without breaking the bank.

Make Your Way Back Toward The Airport

We opted to stop in Montreux for our return. This city is located on the east side of Lake Lemon whereas Geneva is located on the west side. This was a splurge stop for our trip. The hotel, Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, Autograph Collection, was midrange pricing and the food was 5 star. You can absolutely still experience Montreux with much more reasonable accommodations and meals. 

Here are some budget friendly choices:

• Castel View
• Hotel Parc & Lac
• Astra Hotel Vevey
• J5 Hotels Helvetie Montreux
• The Freddie Mercury Hotel

Things To Do

Take the train 10 minutes down the lakeshore to visit Lavaux Vineyards. This is a UNESCO site and worth the many steps you will take to explore the area. Nothing like the view of beautiful vineyards, crystal clear blue water, and mountains all in the same frame. 

Take a train to Gruyere, a medieval town where gruyere cheese is made. Take a tour of the factory and catch a glimpse of local farmers bringing in today’s milk haul. We had fondue for lunch as it seemed fitting to indulge in more cheese. 

Train To Airport

From Montreux you can take the train to the Geneva airport.

Final Thought

It is absolutely possible to enjoy 10 days in Switzerland without breaking the bank. Is it easy to skip on some of the splurges? No, no it’s not. But I would rather have made this trip without the extras that we tossed in that racked up the bill, than to not take it at all. If Eric said he wanted to return but wanted us to cut the budget in half, I could easily do that, and I WOULD do that. Switzerland has certainly locked in its place as one of the most expensive countries to visit, but it has also locked in its place in my heart.

Click here for more unforgettable trips to Europe.

Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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