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	<title>Switzerland Blog :: Business &#38; Economy &#187; Switzerland Travel</title>
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		<title>10 Ski Resorts in Switzerland</title>
		<link>http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/10-ski-resorts-in-switzerland/</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 30 May 2011 07:26:47 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Switzerland Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Best Destination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ski Resorts]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/?p=87</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Switzerland is an amazing ski country defined by the majestic Swiss Alps. The winter months offer the opportunity for novice and experts skiers alike to carve up some of the finest white powder on Earth! Listed below is a breakdown of Switzerlands top 10 resorts and places to ski. These 10 locations not only represent [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Switzerland is an amazing ski country defined by the majestic Swiss Alps. The winter months offer the opportunity for novice and experts skiers alike to carve up some of the finest white powder on Earth!</p>
<p>Listed below is a breakdown of Switzerlands top 10 resorts and places to ski. These 10 locations not only represent Switzerland&#8217;s best, but are also some of the most sought after locations in the world!</p>
<p>10. Arosa &#8211; Located in the Eastern section of Switzerland, Arosa is a summer and winter resort. Full of tradition and history, Arosa creates an experience that cannot be fully digested without an extend stay. So how are the slopes? Arosa has over 50 miles of pristine terrain for you to fully immerse in. The air is especially pure and the slope drop offs will challenge even the most experienced skiers. Nature lovers will also enjoy the relative isolation of Arosa as compared to some of the other resorts on this list</p>
<p>9. Gstaad/Saanenland- Looking for a ski resort where you can gain some experience without be subjected to extremely difficult courses? If so, then Gstadd might be the place for you. Their courses attract mostly beginners and intermediate skiers because the slopes aren&#8217;t as insane as some of the other locations in Switzerland.The only drawback for me is Gstaad is a bit on the pricey side. Swank hotels, trendy shops, and upscale restaurants are a common sight throughout. However, if money is not an obstacle, you will be pleased to know that the Gstadd/Saanenland area is one of the largest ski resorts in the Alps.</p>
<p>8. Murren &#8211; Murren is truly a picturesque sight to see. Located on a high cliff in Lauterbrunnen Valley over 5,400 ft. in the air, this mountain village can only be reached by cable car. With some of the best hiking and sledding trails in all of Switzerland, you will not have a problem finding things to do when the snow isn&#8217;t at it&#8217;s best (Summer Months). However, during peak snow season you will find that Murren offers some of the best snow and slopes around, attracting more advanced skiers.</p>
<p>7. Davos/Klosters &#8211; Davos is located in East Switzerland on the Landwasser River. The popularity of Davos has tailed off a bit from its heyday and the village is a bit rundown. Klosters offers a better alternative and brings in many skiers from The Netherlands and UK. This region offers ample slopes for the less experienced skier. There are many things to do, incudling superb hiking trails and mesmerizing restaurants located high in the sky.</p>
<p>6. Laax/Films/Falera &#8211; This area offers a wide range of summer sports. Skiing and snowboarding competitions are held through the winter months. Combinded, the Laax/Films/Falera area occupies over 130 sq. miles of prime skiing opportunities. The Vorab Glacier and Crap Sogn Gion attract much of the cross country skiing crowd while Foppa and Nagens represent an awesome downhill alternative for beginner and intermediate skiers. The lodging accommodations are reasonable and isn&#8217;t as pretentious as say Gstaad. If crowds aren&#8217;t your thing be sure to book your trip during the weekdays, the locals take advantage of the prime snow conditions during the weekends.</p>
<p>5. Saas-Fee &#8211; Saas-Fee is located in southwest Switzerland, next to Zermatt, and is home to the highest mountain in all of Switzerland, The Dom. What attracts many visitors to Saas-Fee is the amount of glacial activity. Glaciers of the Dom and the Allalinhorn allow for year-round sports activities, including summer skiing in some locations. With a wide range of blue rating slopes, Saas-Fee brings in much of the intermediate and advanced enthusiast. Don&#8217;t be intimidated,however. There are also many slopes and schools of training for beginners.</p>
<p>4. GrindelwaldNext on my list is Grindelwald, which lies in the valley of Bernese Oberland, located very close to the middle of Swizterland. With over 120 miles of prime ski slopes, Grindelwald skiers have many different areas to choose from, most choose the Kleine Scheidegg for a fine sking experience. What sets this location apart from the others are the slopes accesabile only by helicopter. Griendwald has some of the best helicopter skiing in the world! In addition, you will be amazed to find that Grindelwald is a hub for activity. If you ever get tired of the slopes, (highley unlikely) Grindelwald is filled with museums, top notch golf courses, and a wide array of other adventure sports.</p>
<p>3. St. Moritz- Want to experience a resort full of rich history, world class lodging, and 300+ days of sunshine? If so, then St. Moritz is the place for you! Located in the far south east corner of Switzerland, St. Moritz is one of the most famous destinations in Switzerland. Beginners will enjoy the area of Corviglia where you will experience relatively easy slopes while advanced skiers will soak up the mind-numbing bliss of Pontresina. The view is said to be majestic. However, as with many of the other higher end resorts in Switzerland, be prepared to spend a bit of money!</p>
<p>2. Verbier &#8211; The runner up on my list of top places to ski in Switzerland is Verbier. As one of the more popular Swiss resorts in the Alps, the slopes can get a bit crowded during peak season. The slopes stay in pristine condition during the Spring months and make for a wonderful alternative to the sometimes overcrowded winter. The wide assortments of unique and challeneging courses suits both beginners and advanced skiers. Tortin has consistently been rated as a top draw for experts while the numerous ski training locations in Verbier create a fun atmosphere for the beginner. In addition, superb hotels, dining, sporting activities, and night life make Verbier one of the world&#8217;s top ski destinations and tourist attractions.</p>
<p>1. Zermatt &#8211; Heard of Zermatt? If you haven&#8217;t heard about Switzerland&#8217;s greatest ski resort, you have now! Skiing is a year round event in Zermatt. Enjoy the Sunegga and Gornergrat regions during the winter months and make your way over to the Theodul Glacier for a fine intermediate adventure during the warmer summer months. With great snow, a wide array of obstacles and challenges, and some of the cleanest,freshest air in the world, Zermatt caters to just about everyone. In addition to incredible skiing, Zermatt features some of the most beautiful, natural ice skating rinks and many other adventure sporting activities such as climbing and paragliding. The world famous Matterhorn draws locals and tourists alike to scale this magnificent mountain. Nature lovers will appreciate the car-free resort with unbelieveable natural hiking trails. To visit Zermatt is said to have a Zen-like feel and this is why Zermatt is my top place to ski in Switzerland!</p>
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		<title>Travel Trends &#8211; Switzerland</title>
		<link>http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/travel-trends-switzerland-2/</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Apr 2011 03:06:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Switzerland Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Historic Houses]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lucerne]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zurich]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/?p=83</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many people only visualize ski slopes when they hear Switzerland; however this country has much to offer beyond the slopes in the urban cities of Zurich, Lucerne and Lausanne. These cities offer wonderful and interesting art, colorful old towns and beautiful waterfront settings worthy of a visit on your way to the slopes. Zurich is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Many people only visualize ski slopes when they hear Switzerland; however this country has much to offer beyond the slopes in the urban cities of Zurich, Lucerne and Lausanne. These cities offer wonderful and interesting art, colorful old towns and beautiful waterfront settings worthy of a visit on your way to the slopes.</p>
<p>Zurich is located in the north and is Switzerland&#8217;s largest city and a major transportation hub. Like most Swiss cities, Zurich visitors and residents alike enjoy a huge body of water, Lake Zurich, provides the opportunity for romantic walks, bike rides and cruises. A great way to see the town is on a riverboat which functions similar to a city bus.</p>
<p>Known as one of Europe&#8217;s most &#8220;fountainous&#8221; cities, Zurich is sprinkled with more than 1200 fountains, a stream of cafes and streets with a colorful ambiance. One of the city&#8217;s art treasures is a set of Chagall stained-glass windows depicting Bible scenes located in the Fraumunster Church in the center of Zurich.</p>
<p>There is no better way to enjoy a beautiful sunny afternoon than to stroll through Backer Park which is considered to be one of the most beautiful and lush in all of Zurich. Once you have had your fill of the outdoors, head to the very interesting Indianermuseum where you can trace the history of the Native American culture. For a different type of culture, go over to Langstrasse, Zurich&#8217;s red light district. As dusk falls, it is great to stop for a drink at Long Street Bar or get in a few laughs at Volkshaus Zurich comedy club.</p>
<p>An hour south of Zurich lays the beautiful city of Lucerne. A covered, medieval Chapel Bridge forms the centrepiece of the city&#8217;s townscape and is considered to be one of the oldest, covered wooden bridges in Europe. Approximately 100 colorful paintings, some replicas and some dating from the 17th century, hang under the bridge&#8217;s rafters, showing scenes from Lucerne&#8217;s history. Swans often cluster near the bridge and locals will tell you the swans arrived in the 17th century as a gift from Louis XIV in appreciation for the protection the Swiss Guards provided him.</p>
<p>Historic houses are decorated with frescoes which line the numerous picturesque town squares such as &#8216;Weinmarkt&#8217; square.</p>
<p>Picasso fans will want to see Lucerne&#8217;s Rosengart Collection which showcases several dozen black-and-white candid photographs of the artist. Here you will see Picasso in the bathtub, getting a haircut, playing dress-up and horsing around with children.</p>
<p>Lucerne is a city of town squares and churches. The Jesuit church dating from the 17th century is regarded as Switzerland&#8217;s first sacral Baroque building and the twin towers of the Hofkirche form an integral part of the townscape. The figure of a dying lion which was chiselled from rock in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guards killed during an attack on the Tuileries in 1792, is one of the best-known monuments in Switzerland.</p>
<p>Tradition and modern life stand side-by-side with ease in Lucerne, as the town has also earned a reputation for itself with innovative design. The futuristic Culture and Convention Centre, the KKL, designed by leading French architect Jean Nouvel, is one of the architectural highlights of the town. The Center is also a landmark of Lucerne and a venue for a wide variety of cultural events throughout the year.</p>
<p>Lucerne is the ideal starting point for many excursions to the highlights of central Switzerland. A trip up one of Lucerne&#8217;s regional mountains, the Pilatus or the Rigi &#8211; the queen of mountains &#8211; is a must. But excursions up onto the Stanserhorn, or a steamship cruise on Lake Lucerne with its many bends and arms are worthy experiences.</p>
<p>The Wilhelm Tell Express originates in Lucerne and ferries its passengers to the foot of the Gotthard pass via Lake Lucerne and then continues by rail into Ticino, south of the Alpine ridge. The &#8220;cherry road&#8221; leads from Lucerne through the landscape of cheery trees.</p>
<p>Lausanne is perched elegantly above Lake Geneva and has been home to the International Olympic Committee since 1915. The museum here displays a colorful history of the games complete with a century of ceremonial torches and medals. The evolution of sports equipment is evident here containing Carl Lewis&#8217; track shoes and Sonia Henie&#8217;s ice skates.</p>
<p>Lausanne&#8217;s city centre spans several hilltops, linked by bridges spanning deep, river less gorges. Place St. Francois dominates the hilltop district known as the Bourg, formerly the wealthiest part of the city and still known for its upscale markets and boutiques. To the north the hill of The Old Town, crowned by the Cathedral, dominates the city. Expansion during the nineteenth century broadened the city scope to the east and west. The pedestrian walking zone lies north of the train station and provides great entertainment for shoppers and locals alike.</p>
<p>The waterfront area is the happy domain of commoners, office workers and roller skaters. The locals nicknamed their town the San Francisco of Switzerland for all its hills as it seems to be a trek each direction.</p>
<p>If you are a shopper, items to purchase in Switzerland may include pottery, watches, crystal, embroidered items, wood carvings, clocks (including cuckoos), Swiss army knives, liquors (Williamine, the best thing that can be done with a pear), lace, textiles, folklore souvenirs (such as music boxes), cowbells, cheese, antiques, stainless-steel cutlery, ski equipment and clothing, leather goods, shoes and of course chocolates!</p>
<p>Whether you enjoy displays of modern art or wish to explore Old World charm, the cities of Switzerland seem to have it all. While most people come to enjoy, explore and ski the alpine peaks, there is more to this country to be found in its glorious urban areas.</p>
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		<title>Switzerland Travel Guides</title>
		<link>http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/switzerland-travel-guides/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 15 Jan 2011 07:11:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Switzerland Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aremild And Winters Cold]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Landlocked Country In Central Europe]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Switzerland is a landlocked country in central Europe. It is bordered by France, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Italy. It is Europe&#8217;s most mountainous country with the Alps in the middle and south and the Jura in the north-west. The climate varies greatly, depending on altitude and relief, but in general summers aremild and winters cold [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/switzerland-slide-01.jpg"><img src="http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/switzerland-slide-01-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="switzerland-slide-01" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-78" /></a></p>
<p>Switzerland is a landlocked country in central Europe. It is bordered by France, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Italy. It is Europe&#8217;s most mountainous country with the Alps in the middle and south and the Jura in the north-west.<br />
The climate varies greatly, depending on altitude and relief, but in general summers aremild and winters cold with heavy snowfall.<br />
Manufacturing of specialised products is important. Other industries produce chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles and food products. Banking and tourism are important activities.<br />
The population of about 7.000.000 live in an area of about 42.000 square kilometers. Languages spoken are German, French, Italian and Romansch.<br />
The capital of Switzerland is Bern.</p>
<p>      .Reference resource: <a href="http://www.europe-travel-guides.com/switzerland-travel-guides.html">Click Here</a>.</p>
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		<title>Switzerland Tours</title>
		<link>http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/switzerland-tours/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Jan 2011 08:25:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Switzerland Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[First-Hand Experience]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-Guided Tours]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Self-guided tours If you&#8217;re somebody who thinks that researching and planning is half the fun, you&#8217;re probably not interested in a customized or pre-arranged tour. But self-guided tours offer a lot of advantages to many people. You may want to travel on your own to Switzerland, but just don&#8217;t have the time or first-hand experience [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Self-guided tours<br />
If you&#8217;re somebody who thinks that researching and planning is half the fun, you&#8217;re probably not interested in a customized or pre-arranged tour. But self-guided tours offer a lot of advantages to many people. You may want to travel on your own to Switzerland, but just don&#8217;t have the time or first-hand experience needed to put together a good itinerary. Or maybe you&#8217;ve looked at joining a guided tour, but have restrictive travel dates that don&#8217;t match up, or a budget that won&#8217;t quite stretch that thin. A self-guided tour is a good compromise between doing it yourself or doing a group tour. Luxury hotels have their perks&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/phb_hameau_pool.jpg"><img src="http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/phb_hameau_pool-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-72" /></a></p>
<p>On our self-guided tours, you pick the dates, destinations, class of hotel, and as many or as few details as you like. If you want more guidance, tell us what you&#8217;re looking for and we&#8217;ll set up a proposal for something we think you&#8217;ll like. It&#8217;s a great way to get out and see Switzerland on your own, but with the assurance of know that you have the trip you want without the hassles of setting it up. </p>
<p>      .Reference resource: <a href="http://www.alpinetraveler.com/switzerland_tours.html">Click Here.</a></p>
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		<title>Places to Visit in Switzerland</title>
		<link>http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/places-to-visit-in-switzerland/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2010 04:09:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Switzerland Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Switzerland Vacation]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Do you have the mood to travel to a country with dramatic landscapes? How about a French, German, or Italian that is fascinating with unique cultures? Alternatively, you just want to hike along trails with breathtaking vistas. On the other hand, pamper yourself in the lap of luxury. Today we going to talk about Switzerland [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Do you have the mood to travel to a country with dramatic landscapes? How about a French, German, or Italian that is fascinating with unique cultures? Alternatively, you just want to hike along trails with breathtaking vistas. On the other hand, pamper yourself in the lap of luxury. Today we going to talk about Switzerland .When you are in Switzerland, you can take your pick from among any of these wonderful offerings. Switzerland offers great opportunities for the tourists to enjoy its great beauty, historical and cultural landmarks and many more great attractions this great country has to offer. No matter if you visit Switzerland in summer or winter you can do anything your mind conceives.</p>
<p>Listed below you will find Top 10 places every traveler coming to Switzerland should see.</p>
<p>1. Basel is a great vacation destination to embark on in Switzerland. The city of Basel if divided into 2 major areas called Great Basel and Little Basel that are separated by the Rhine River. They are connected by 6 big bridges. This beautiful city is home to many pharmaceutical companies. Despite the changes of the modern civilization, Basel still possesses the aura of the middle ages with the plethora of beautiful historical buildings and structures. Basel is best explored by the railroad system or ferries that will let you enjoy its ancient beauty from the water.</p>
<p>2. Bern, the capital of Switzerland is definitely worth seeing since it is a place where Einstein concluded his greatest mathematic formulas, the birthplace of chocolate bar Toblerone and finally the place where Emmental (Swiss) cheese was invented. Apart from that, Bern is simply a stunning place to see beautiful towers, sandstone buildings and gorgeous fountains. Do not miss swimming in the river Aare with its crystal clear water that is especially refreshing in the summer after you have visited Bern&#8217;s multiple historical and cultural landmarks.</p>
<p>3. Zermatt located at the foot of Matterhorn is a unique destination for any visitor to Switzerland. Where else can you go skiing in the summer? Zermatt offers multiple glacier skiing possibilities, hiking trails, cable cars and many more attractions. Zermatt ski resort could be easily explored by foot to admire its beautiful old streets, charming restaurants and plenty of shopping.</p>
<p>4. Geneva is a beautiful nature&#8217;s oasis that is also an international stage for hosting many important gatherings. Geneva is also a place with many head offices of major world organizations. Jet D&#8217;Eau is the absolute tallest fountain in the world that is a signature symbol of Geneva. Check out the Natural History Museum, Horology Museum and multiple cathedrals and rose gardens that will make you vacation in Geneva unforgettable.</p>
<p>5. Zurich is the financial, cultural and historical center of Switzerland and simply must be included when you visit Switzerland. Zurich is home to the largest selection of museums and art galleries. The Opera House is considered one of the central points to attract world class performers and trendsetters of the music world. The Old Town of Zurich is a collection of the most spectacular shops, high end dining places with old European flair.</p>
<p>6. Lucerne is a true symbol of Switzerland combining stunning picture worthy views completed with incredible historic significance. Downtown Lucerne is a perfect medieval setting with brick paved street, historical buildings and a myriad of hotels, restaurants and shops. The most famous attraction of this picturesque village is to take a tour along the Chapel Bridge laid over the river Reuss.</p>
<p>7. Lake Lugano is a spectacular area in Switzerland well known for its mild climate and a plethora of things to do for even the most demanding tourist. When Mediterranean climate and beautiful natural majesty is mixed with Swiss practicality, the result is always a breathtaking place to visit during your vacation. You will have plenty of opportunities to explore Lake Lugano area up to the mountains or down to the multiple Italian style villages with endless selection of shopping, entertainment and restaurants.</p>
<p>8. Altdorf is a capital of canton Uri in Switzerland and has rich historical and cultural influence mostly connected to William Tell story. The story takes its roots to the beginning of the 14th century when William Tell, an expert shot with a crossbow, killed Gessler the new ruler of Altdorf who was widely known for his tyranny and brutality. The assassination subsequently led to a rebellion and struggle that resulted in the formation of Swiss Confederation.</p>
<p>9. St Gallen metropolis has a charming old Europe atmosphere to it with the most sought after attraction, Baroque Cathedral with its famous Abbey Library which was made a UNESCO world heritage in 1983. St Gallen is a scholarly town with its main focus on economic sciences. Take a picturesque bike path to lead you to the gorgeous Lake Constance.</p>
<p>10. Chatteau de Chillon is simply a must see attraction while visiting Lake Geneva area. This stunning medieval castle could be reached by walking, riding a bus, biking or by boat to fully admire its strict beauty. This 13th century building is considered one of the best preserved castles in the world. It&#8217;s strategically protected by the mountains from one side and cold waters of Lake Geneva from the other making unnoticed attack virtually impossible. Take a personally guided tour to lead you through grand upstairs bedrooms, kitchen, and the Great Hall of the Count. Finally take steep downstairs to visit the dungeon that had imprisoned Francois Bonivard and feel its menacing atmosphere of the medieval times. Chatteau de Chillon should not be missed when you visit Switzerland.</p>
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		<title>The Costa Rica of Europe, Switzerland? Ecotourism And Tourism</title>
		<link>http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/the-costa-rica-of-europe-switzerland-ecotourism-and-tourism/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 07:30:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Switzerland Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wildlife]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[&#8220;The Switzerland of Central America.&#8221; That is how some travel writers describe Costa Rica. But, is that comparison accurate? Surely, the little Latin American country is not in the same economic league as Switzerland. I mean its per capita income is less than twenty percent of its European counterpart. One is a First World Country; [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&#8220;The Switzerland of Central America.&#8221; That is how some travel writers describe Costa Rica.</p>
<p>But, is that comparison accurate?</p>
<p>Surely, the little Latin American country is not in the same economic league as Switzerland. I mean its per capita income is less than twenty percent of its European counterpart. One is a First World Country; the other not even close.</p>
<p>Now, if the measure of wealth, Switzerland will never want to become an European Costa Rica. On the other hand, is that the only measure?</p>
<p>What comes to mind for most people are two things when comparing these countries. Each is tiny and has magnificent mountains and scenery. </p>
<p>But, the world might be better off when the day comes that Switzerland can be known as the &#8220;Costa Rica of Europe.&#8221;</p>
<p>For my money, Costa Rica is far wealthier. Here is my case.</p>
<p>It starts with vision.</p>
<p>There was a time when both countries had abundant wildlife. Switzerland had magnificent lynx, wolf packs, and european bears, chamois, and deer but the predators were killed off to make way for progress. In 1904, the last luckless bear, perhaps one that unwittingly trespassed into the country, was destroyed.</p>
<p>Somewhere, it is Said: &#8220;And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. &#8221;</p>
<p>But, apparently, good is a relative term. There simply was not room enough in this bucolic country for all of God&#8217;s creatures and Man.</p>
<p>Some might say that Switzerland lacked vision back then. So, today, a vacationer can enjoy great chocolate and trains that run on time but not the thrill of wilderness.</p>
<p>Costa Rica could have emulated Switzerland but took a radically different approach. You see, while Switzerland is now almost devoid of animals, little Costa Rica is bursting at the seams. Just the size of West Virginia, so small it can be driven from the Nicaragua border to Panama in a few hours, Costa Rica has nearly twenty percent of all animal and plant species on earth.</p>
<p>All in all, somewhere between 500,000 and a million species of animals and plants, including more than 2,000 different kinds of orchids exist in<br />
the Land of Pura Vida!</p>
<p>One of every five kinds of plant on earth calls Costa Rica home. A startling fifth of every kind of animal in the world is found in Costa Rica. The African continent has a lot of different kinds of butterflies but Costa Rica has more: more than South Africa, more than Namibia, Mozambique,Tanzania, more than all of the countries combined in Africa. There are nearly as many species of birds in Costa Rica as in the entire 48 continental states. 35% of all whale and porpoise species are in its waters and all but one of the species of turtles nest on its beaches.Of course, there was a time when several Central American countries were like Costa Rica. Verdant forests traversing the Caribbean to the Pacific. Mountains, jungles, beaches, and waters filled with life. Wild, remote, extraordinary diversity of life, Tropical Eden.Easy pickings. Real temptation. One after the other, countries from Mexico to South America chose exploitation. Quick gain, quick wealth. The great forests were slashed and burned, north to south, east to west, coast to coast, under the illusion that unfettered development would bring prosperity. Unfortunately, it perpetuated grinding poverty to most except huge landowners, many of which were huge multinational businesses.</p>
<p>Wildlife was terribly exploited. Manificent tropical birds were brought to the edge of extinction for the American and European pet trades. The<br />
great cats were slaughtered for their hides. Great caravans of mules and horses carried off hundreds of millions of turtle eggs each year until some beaches went from more than 100,000 nests a year to just two. Sea turtles were mercilessly slaughtered so that a portion of their shell could be sent to Japan and Italy as a decoration on expensive shoes or knick knacks in American tourist shops.</p>
<p>While its neighbors were burning their forests and destroying their natural heritage, Costa Rica elected to restore its jungles. In place of<br />
exploitation, it set its sights on sustainability. Within the last 30 years or so, and despite a per capita income just a fraction of Switzerland or other </p>
<p>First World countries it has:</p>
<p>a. Become one of the most stable countries in the Western Hemisphere and a world class tourist destination. You see, it learned that ecotourism in Costa Rica brings a lot of money along with it. Turtles, birds, orchids are worth far more alive and sustained than dead or caged;<br />
b. Set aside more than a quarter of the country as parks, reserves, and refuges. No other country has even come close;<br />
c. Announced that by 2021 it will be the world&#8217;s first carbon neutral country (something the wealthy Swiss will not commit to doing);<br />
d. Created the world&#8217;s largest green sea turtle preserve on its Caribbean Coast and the world&#8217;s largest olive ridley sea turtle preserve on its Pacific Coast;<br />
e. Risen to the very top of the world&#8217;s &#8220;Happy Index&#8221;, a measure of a country&#8217;s health, satisfaction with life, and devotion to preservation and development of sustainable resources;<br />
f. Planted so many trees that its forests have grown more than 20%, resulting in the return of wildlife not seen in decades.</p>
<p>Which brings us back to Switzerland and the issue of defining wealth.</p>
<p>Imagine the day when a Swiss hiker hears of a wolf&#8217;s howl in the night. or sees the first bear track in more than a century. Whether he or she is financially well off or not, there will be a chill up a spine.</p>
<p>A year later, will that person remember how much money he or she had that day? No</p>
<p>Will the hiker still remember the sight or sound of wilderness? Absolutely.</p>
<p>So, what will that be worth? The answer is obvious: priceless.</p>
<p>So, which country is the wealthiest? For my vote: Costa Rica.</p>
<p>Maybe the time will come when Switzerland will be called &#8220;The Costa Rica of Europe&#8221; if it takes to heart the lessons the little Latin American<br />
country has to offer about real wealth.</p>
<p>It only requires vision.</p>
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		<title>Switzerland Tourist Attractions</title>
		<link>http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/switzerland-tourist-attractions/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/switzerland-tourist-attractions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:33:03 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Switzerland Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Park]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Switzerland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tourist Attractions]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Switzerland is known as The Land of the Alps, and rightfully so. Bordered by France, Germany, Italy and Austria, Switzerland offers the most breathtaking views of the panoramic Alps. Though small, it is also one of the richest countries in the world, which is why there is no wonder many tourists dream of a Swiss [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Switzerland is known as The Land of the Alps, and rightfully so. Bordered by France, Germany, Italy and Austria, Switzerland offers the most breathtaking views of the panoramic Alps. Though small, it is also one of the richest countries in the world, which is why there is no wonder many tourists dream of a Swiss vacation. There are plenty of Switzerland tourist attractions, too, although there are five you should definitely stop to see.</p>
<p>The Chillon Castle is located on the shore of Lake Geneva, the Chillon Castle is one of the most famous castles in Switzerland. Consisting of 100 buildings, it dates back to the 11th century and is the former residence of the Savoy nobility. It also has three courtyards and four great halls which offer magnificent views of the lake beyond. Although there are many beautiful ski resorts in Switzerland, Zermatt stands out as one of the top Switzerland tourist attractions because it is located at the foot of the Matterhorn, the most famous peak of the Swiss Alps. Even if you&#8217;re not into skiing, you can still enjoy the view while dining at a gourmet restaurant or shopping around the town.</p>
<p>Geneva Jet D&#8217;eau fountain in the heart of one of Switzerland&#8217;s major cities is one of the tallest fountains in the world, projecting water up to 140 meters high. Built in 1891, it is also considered one of the symbols of the city of Geneva. While in Geneva, you might want to see other tourist spots, too, particularly the museums. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum is one of the most popular museums in Switzerland, and is definitely worth a visit, along with the Cathedral de St. Pierre and other historical buildings. Although you cannot pitch a tent and spend the night at Swiss National Park, you can certainly appreciate the different views of the Alps as you go hiking, which is why it is one of the Switzerland tourist attractions worth seeing. It is also Switzerland&#8217;s only national park, covering almost half the area of the entire country.</p>
<p>Swiss Transport Museum is located in Lucerne, the Swiss Transport Museum is home to an exhibit of locomotives, ships, aircraft, automobile and other modes of transport and communication. It also houses an extensive collection of the works of Hans Erni, a Swiss painter and sculptor. You&#8217;re sure to enjoy the Planetarium and the IMAX theatre, too. Indeed, Switzerland has many sights waiting to be discovered. Aside from visiting Switzerland tourist attractions, don&#8217;t forget to immerse yourself in the country&#8217;s rich culture, too by participating in festivals or simply mingling with the Swiss. You&#8217;re sure to have a wonderful time and many golden memories to take home with you.</p>
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		<title>A Trip To Switzerland</title>
		<link>http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/a-trip-to-switzerland/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/a-trip-to-switzerland/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2009 07:19:10 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Switzerland Travel]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[A trip to Switzerland is in your future and maybe you are wondering how to spend your time. There are so many things to see and do in this country. Hiking is one of the most exciting things to do in Switzerland. Once the snow melts the Swiss Alps become extremely crowded but you can [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A trip to Switzerland is in your future and maybe you are wondering how to spend your time. There are so many things to see and do in this country. Hiking is one of the most exciting things to do in Switzerland. Once the snow melts the Swiss Alps become extremely crowded but you can not imagine the beauty until you have experienced it, crowded or not. If you are looking for something a little less crowded you can always find more isolated areas where you can hike in peace.</p>
<p>There are many regional celebrations in Switzerland. You can check online sites before you travel and find out which celebrations will be in progress during your visit.</p>
<p>Dining in this country is a culinary thrill. German, French and Italian foods are on the menus depending on which region you are in. You can enjoy many diverse foods including cultural choices.</p>
<p>While you won’t be able to find many bargains while shopping in Switzerland you will find some really fantastic treasures. Look for clocks, watches and Swiss army knives. The chocolate made in Switzerland is outstanding as are the linens and cottons. You will also find beautiful Swiss decoupage items, music boxes and pottery.</p>
<p>Spectacular skiing is available in Switzerland. The scenery is outstanding and the slopes are literally out-of-this world. It doesn’t matter what your skiing ability is, you will be able to find a place to enjoy this sport.</p>
<p>There are spectator sports galore in Switzerland. The sports are traditional and some are quite unusual.</p>
<p>You will not run out of fantastic things to do in Switzerland before you run out of time!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Vacations in Switzerland</title>
		<link>http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/vacations-in-switzerland/</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:16:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Switzerland Travel]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Most of the hugely popular destinations effectively fulfill all the requirements of vacationers. One such immensely popular holiday destination is Switzerland. It is regarded as the paradise for honeymoon couples. Love Birds would be able to spend some lifetime moments in the astounding magnificence of snow-white Alps. Switzerland is known for one of the most [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Most of the hugely popular destinations effectively fulfill all the requirements of vacationers. One such immensely popular holiday destination is Switzerland. It is regarded as the paradise for honeymoon couples. Love Birds would be able to spend some lifetime moments in the astounding magnificence of snow-white Alps. Switzerland is known for one of the most beautiful climates. For those who are adventurous by nature, then plan your Switzerland trip from July to September. These periods are best for skiing in Alps. To make things easier for skiing lovers, Switzerland also offers skiing resorts, such as Nordik Skiing or Alpine Skiing.</p>
<p>For shoppers, Bahnhofstrasse is a great place to shop. Other key highlights of Switzerland vacations are The Opera House, Swiss National Museum, Great Church and Gothic cathedral.</p>
<p>Make your Switzerland vacations more enjoyable by the lip smacking delicacies. Don&#8217;t miss the world famous sauces used in the mouth-watering dishes of Switzerland. Another popular delicacy is the popular Swiss chocolates.</p>
<p>If you are worried about the accommodation facilities in Switzerland, then you need not bother. Vacationers are provided with wide range of options and one can choose in accordance with his/her pocket. For instance, you can go for luxury hotels, deluxe hotels or the pocket friendly apartments. Switzerland hotels are mainly categorized as historic hotels, golf hotels, wellness hotels etc. Various hotels in Switzerland are also known for providing user-friendly online reservation services.</p>
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		<title>The Wonderful Trip to Switzerland</title>
		<link>http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/the-wonderful-trip-to-switzerland/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/the-wonderful-trip-to-switzerland/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:26:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Switzerland Travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bestswitzerland.com/blog/?p=20</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A trip to Switzerland is in your future and maybe you are wondering how to spend your time. There are so many things to see and do in this country. Hiking is one of the most exciting things to do in Switzerland. Once the snow melts the Swiss Alps become extremely crowded but you can [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A trip to Switzerland is in your future and maybe you are wondering how to spend your time. There are so many things to see and do in this country. Hiking is one of the most exciting things to do in Switzerland. Once the snow melts the Swiss Alps become extremely crowded but you can not imagine the beauty until you have experienced it, crowded or not. If you are looking for something a little less crowded you can always find more isolated areas where you can hike in peace.</p>
<p>There are many regional celebrations in Switzerland. You can check online sites before you travel and find out which celebrations will be in progress during your visit. Get a real feel for the country, the people and the culture by attending one of these events. Dining in this country is a culinary thrill. German, French and Italian foods are on the menus depending on which region you are in. You can enjoy many diverse foods including cultural choices. You will have quite the time experiencing unique foods in fantastic settings.</p>
<p>While you won’t be able to find many bargains while shopping in Switzerland you will find some really fantastic treasures. Look for clocks, watches and Swiss army knives. The chocolate made in Switzerland is outstanding as are the linens and cottons. You will also find beautiful Swiss decoupage items, music boxes and pottery.</p>
<p>Spectacular skiing is available in Switzerland. The scenery is outstanding and the slopes are literally out-of-this world. It doesn’t matter what your skiing ability is, you will be able to find a place to enjoy this sport. You may even enjoy spending some time watching others ski. Don&#8217;t forget to pack your camera! There are spectator sports galore in Switzerland. The sports are traditional and some are quite unusual.</p>
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