Switzerland, often called the paradise of the world, attracts with its beauty visible in films and social networks, but high expenses can be an obstacle for travelers. In this regard, a complete estimate of expenses for a 21-day trip to Switzerland was presented in a viral video on social media.
Travel creators Prikriti Arora and Ashish Kumar published the details of their trip, reporting that the total cost of the trip for two amounted to about 7.5 lakh rupees. These costs covered accommodation, transport, food, excursions, and other minor expenses, which, according to the author, may make middle-class people reconsider their plans.
According to the couple, accommodation accounted for the largest share of the budget. They spent an average of 17,000 rupees per night. Over 21 days, they stayed in six different places, including Airbnbs, guest houses (home exchange), and one hotel.
For travel, the couple purchased a 15-day flexible Swiss Travel Pass costing 110,700 rupees, which allowed them to use trains, buses, and boats, and also provided discounts on gondolas and other activities. Additionally, they upgraded their class of service on the Bernina Express, which cost them approximately 18,000 rupees.
About 97,300 rupees was spent on various events and experiences during the trip. Their itinerary included activities such as alpine coaster rides, Grindelwald First activities, and bicycle tours in Interlaken.
The couple spent 148,000 rupees on food. Instead of constantly visiting restaurants, they preferred to buy groceries and ready-made meals. Despite this approach, the total food expense for three weeks amounted to 148,000 rupees. In total, all these expenses resulted in a total sum of 7.5 lakh rupees for the three-week trip.
The couple also shared tips for those who want to visit Switzerland with fewer expenses. They advised using guest houses instead of expensive hotels, avoiding frequent restaurant visits, and buying groceries at supermarkets. It is also recommended to choose a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare card depending on needs, carry a reusable bottle for use at free water fountains, and choose stores like Lidl or Migros M Budget for more budget-friendly purchases.
After publishing the detailed estimate, users on social media reacted differently. One user jokingly wrote that they would have to sell a kidney. Another shared their experience living and working in Geneva for about six months and managed to travel throughout Switzerland thanks to pre-purchased cheap weekend and holiday tickets, saving about 25 lakh rupees upon return. A third commenter compared this amount to the monthly salary in Switzerland, noting that 7.5 lakh rupees is equivalent to approximately 6,390 Swiss francs.