Best thing about Zurich? It’s easy to be anywhere else

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In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, I traveled to 10 countries and the travel paid for itself. My friend called me a jerk “super spreader”, but pandemic or not, I wasn’t about to stop life for anyone. Not to mention, as an avid traveler, I knew that this would be the perfect time for seeing the world as I would never have a chance to see it again: empty. That year of adventure and travel was incredible, but how did I manage to do that, most people asked? Well I live in Zurich: the home of world class transportation and easy access to everywhere.  Let’s talk travel, weekend recharges and letting your travel pay for itself.

If you have lived in Zurich for some time, you will be quick to acknowledge its beauty and perfection, but don’t you sometimes get that feeling of, “I need to mix it up”? When I lived in California a get-away to a new culture meant several hours of travel or perhaps a quick trip to Mexico. The amazingly underrated luxury of being located in Zurich; however, is that you are just ninety minutes away from more than ten countries and those same countries are accessible by train, fast train, car and by bicycle. Yes, bike. Last year I met a Google guy who frequently cycled to nearby countries. The point is that a change of scenery is always nearby and if you come from a big city, you are going to want to pay attention to these details.

And speaking of details here are some tips I have for exploring Europe:

Half Tax (Halbtax)

The SBB half tax pays for itself not only on the railway, but also around town on car rentals, bike rentals and even entry to some venues.

Google Flights
I’ve mentioned this tip in an article before, but Google Flights is one of my favorite tools for travel. If you ever find yourself in the mood for spontaneous travel, just set your budget, your departure city and click “Search.” Google Flight will show you all flights for your chosen dates within your budget and then it’s up to you to pick your poison. Google’s omipotent powers allows it to show you in real time, which are the flight prices of all offering companies, if prices are high or low and how you should expect prices to change over time. Google Flights has been a best friend to me.

Travel Credit Card
Owning a travel credit card was advice that I got from a financial education book and it has really paid off for the frequency of my travel. As long as you maintain a zero balance, you constantly collect points, receive VIP benefits at hotels, receive free luggage benefits and even entry to some business class lounges depending on the card. When managed properly this card will be a gift that keeps on giving.

Loyalty Programs
Hyatt World is one of my favorite loyalty programs, not particularly because there are so many benefits, but because I find a Hyatt hotel in almost any town I visit, so I collect points and loyalty benefits every time I travel. Even if Hyatt World may not be your program of choice, find a program that you like and patronize.

Camps

I haven’t tried this one yet and that’s because all of them were booked when I tried. Camping, or “glamping” seems like a great way to connect with nature, an economical way to get away and it also looks fun.

Airbnb - Let travel pay for itself
Many of us go away on an extended vacation for the summer, but do you rent your home to guests while you travel? I’ve done this for years and you know what? It pays the home’s expense, pays for your vacation AND typically leaves you with money in your account after all expenses are accounted for.
                                                                                 
Enjoy a little clip of our family travel to Italy this year and then one of my trips from the pandemic to Egypt.