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Switzerland is a good place to visit at any time of the year, as the warm summers bring greenery to its diverse landscapes and the cool winters cake the Alps in snow, drawing the skiing crowd in from across the globe. Cultural attractions, art, socialising and enjoying nature are all important to this nation and it manages to blend multiple European experiences into one neat package. The country hosts many festivals throughout the year, so keep an eye out for upcoming events during 2013 and 2014.
You should be able to spend as little as an hour and a half on Switzerland flights if you're inbound from the UK. All flights to Geneva International Airport will put you just 15 minutes outside of the centre of the city with good travel links for getting further afield. Or if you are looking for flights to Zurich, the airport is only a 15-minute drive to central Zurich.
To find cheap flights to Switzerland, your best bet is to book as much in advance as possible. Compare online airfares for airlines such as easyJet, Iberia, Germanwings and Air Berlin. Finding a nearby departure airport shouldn't be an issue either, as most airports have routes flying to at least one Swiss city.
Towns and cities in Switzerland are generally easy to navigate thanks to the efficiency and availability of public transport options. Avoid getting fined by inspectors by ensuring you have the correct and valid ticket. Public transport in Switzerland can be fairly expensive compared to other destinations, so investigate getting a Swiss Travel Pass.
While hiring a car is an option for those that want to have more control, be prepared to pay expensive car hire rates. Furthermore, most Swiss cities have an abundance of parking meters, so finding free parking can be a bit tricky.
Switzerland is probably best-known for its natural beauty, with the Swiss Alps mountain range and its rolling, luscious hills. The most popular mountains in the Alps are Jungfrau and Eiger, which are near the villages of Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald in central Switzerland. Lauterbrunnen Valley is a great place to visit for some truly stunning photos and view; in the distance is the Jungfrau mountain face and waterfalls cascade down the sides of valley's cliff faces. The cutesy Swiss cabins will also provide you with an authentic Swiss experience.
Speaking of authentic Swiss experiences, here's a reminder of what products Switzerland is famous for. During your time in the country, be sure to eat Swiss cheese (why not have a fondue?), and Swiss chocolate and consider picking up a Swiss-made watch or army knife for a great souvenir! We almost forgot cow bells!
Lucerne has a lake upon which you can take a boat ride to enjoy the mountainous surroundings whilst the city itself is steeped in historic significance, with ancient timber bridges and wonderful monuments. Lausanne, in the south-east, has art galleries, fountains and lakes, plus great nightlife and is effortlessly cool, whilst Basel in the north shows off the more modern side of the nation in its architecture and culture.
Then there is of course Geneva, found at the southern end of the picturesque Lake Geneva. This cosmopolitan city is often on the world's stage and has a rich history. Make a beeline for the Jet d'Eau, one of the world's tallest fountains; litres upon litres of water are propelled 140 metres in the air! Or book in advance for a tour at CERN, the world-famous physics research laboratory.