Travel to Switzerland

There are direct flights to Switzerland from a huge variety of UK airports, including London Luton, Leeds Bradford and Manchester. Prices are a snip, particularly if you travel on carriers such as easyJet and bmibaby. Flying to the capital city of Bern is more expensive, but chances are you'll be wanting to go to either Geneva or Zurich anyway.

Making the most of your holiday in Switzerland will be a doddle thanks to the country's sophisticated and smooth-running public transport system. Trains are swift and reliable, and there are a variety of discount deals and multi-use cards available. It's worth checking online to learn which one is best for you, as you can get more than 50% off the initial price. Some trains are attractions in themselves, for example, the Glacier Express is one of the most celebrated railways in the world, taking passengers through valleys and gorges, affording breathtaking views of Switzerland's iconic grandeur.

Of course, car rental in Switzerland is easily available too, but make sure that the "vignette" has been paid for - this is the road tax that must be paid in order to use the motorways.

The country has a reputation as a playground for the wealthy, but that doesn't mean you can't get good deals on hotels in Switzerland. It's just a matter of planning ahead, comparing different options online and seeing if any discounts are available. Steer clear of the uber-exclusive resorts and skiing hotspots if you want to keep prices down on your accommodation.

By being a savvy tourist you can cut costs throughout your Swiss holiday. For example, don't splurge on cable cars all the time - go for a fun hike up the mountain, if possible. Avoid the swanky tourist-centric restaurants and eat at cosier bistros instead, where the food is likely to be heartier and more traditional anyway. You'll see that even in Switzerland you can have a great holiday without breaking the bank.

• Geneva
• Sion
• Zurich
• Verbier
• Zermatt
• Berne
• Basel
• Interlaken
• Lausanne
• Davos
• Klosters