Planning a trip to the Alps may be easier than you think. Here are steps to making your dream vacation come true.
1. Plan Your Vacation
The planning stage is often fun and rewarding. If you have been putting in overtime hours or thinking a lot about accounts receivable financing for your business, spending some time planning a getaway can offer a much-needed mental break.
Decide which part of the Alps you want to visit and the attractions to see when you arrive. Choose a city where you begin and end your trip.
Some cities with budget-friendly flight connections are:
- Munich
- Salzburg
- Venice
- Zurich
- Basel
Starting and ending your trip in the same city keeps down the cost of a rental car. You can also book a round-trip flight and save money that way, too.
2. Choose Your Season
You may think of winter right away when you imagine the Alps. After all, this mountainous region is perfect for skiing, hiking and staying in snow-covered lodges.
Many tourists visit in the colder months so that they can enjoy snow-related attractions. Skiing and snowboarding are activities you may wish to schedule. Hiking in the winter takes place at lower elevations or on prepared trails. City sightseeing is a popular winter activity, too.
Summertime is a chance to see the Alps in a different way. In the warmer months, daylight abounds. Hiking trails are open, and high-elevation roads are passable. You can spend your time outdoors bike riding, paragliding or shopping. The Alps are filled with color in the summer: green pastures, blooming flowers and gorgeous sunsets await you.
You can enjoy the Alps with fewer tourists and mild temperatures in the spring and fall. Because there aren't as many visitors, it's good to check with any particular attractions you want to see and make sure they are open.
3. Give Yourself Time
Don't try to hurry through your road trip — after all, you're on vacation and visiting a fantastic place. The Alps stretch across eight countries, and this is your chance to see a lot on your journey. Plan to get out and hike for an up-close view of this amazing region.
Also, the road conditions can vary and create delays. Wet, slippery or icy roads can slow you down. Allow for extra travel time if it's raining or snowing.
4. Plan Your Lodging
If you want to stay up-close and personal with the natural surroundings of the Alps, try to avoid large cities and big hotels. Here are some options for lodging:
- Camping: There are lots of campsites in the Alps. They are inexpensive, well-furnished with amenities and close to attractions.
- Gasthof: These cozy, family-run lodges are an excellent option to make you feel at home with a hot meal.
- Resorts: A luxurious, extravagant (and costly) option, an Alpine resort is a fantastic way to pamper yourself.
- Mountain huts: If you want to choose this family-run option, book early as they tend to be popular.
5. Avoid Mistakes
While things don't always go as planned on a vacation, you can still take advice from others who have made errors. Here are things you shouldn't do on your Alps vacation:
- Plan too much: Whatever activities are on your itinerary, you need to have adequate time to enjoy them. Scheduling things too close together can stress you out. Don't overbook your vacation.
- Skip the sunscreen: The sun can be harsh, especially if you spend most of your day outdoors. Don't ruin your trip with a bad sunburn.
- Forget to stay hydrated: You can quickly become dehydrated outdoors, even in the winter months. Skiing, hiking and walking can be strenuous and deplete your reserves. Be sure to drink plenty of water.
- Eat the wrong foods: Trying new cuisine is fun, but be sure not to overload on rich foods. Consume more calories than usual, though, to replenish your stores when hiking and skiing.
A trip to the Alps can be a fantastic experience. Have fun planning your trip, and enjoy the journey.
