International flights into Switzerland usually arrive at either Geneva or Zurich airports. Geneva is the second most populous city in Switzerland. It is also a global city, a financial center, and a worldwide center for diplomacy. As I looked around I could pick out people from Japan, China, India, Italy, France, Germany and many other countries. Listening to them speak was a real treat … a melody of languages. Both of these airports are very convenient to traveling to Zermatt, Switzerland, a gateway to the Matterhorn. But don’t miss taking a little time to visit the azure blue lakes; Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne with their castles. Then it’s on to the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most famous mountain of 14,692 feet; the mountain that movies have been made about. It is located in the Penninie Alps on the border of Switzerland and Italy. In German “matte” means “meadow” and “horn” means “peak.” It is the tenth highest peak in Switzerland.
There were seven of us, four adults with three children, in our Honda Odyssey making our way towards the Swiss Alps. The morning was sunny with a few white billowy cumulus clouds making their way lazily across the wide expanse of blue. The road was very straight most of the time with a few curves intermingled. Looking out the window, we saw green fields dotted here and there with acres of yellow flowers that looked like sunflowers. The beauty took my breath away. It was so picturesque, just like in the travel magazines I had seen.
Off in the distance, I could see mountains rising up from the green plains we had been traveling through. At last I could see them … the Swiss Alps. This was the home of Heidi, my favorite childhood novel. I can still remember some of her adventures. Her grandfather lived here and cared for her in these wondrous mountains. The Heidi book is among the best known works of Swiss literature and well worth reading to your children.
As we drove into Zermatt, a beautiful, little tourist town at the foot of the Alps, we parked our car on the outskirts and walked from there. No cars or big tour buses allowed in the village. The train stops here and goes no further. This is one of the great ski and climbing centers in the world. This deep valley is nestled between two steep, sculptured mountains. The air is crisp and clean with an Alpine flavor. Summer flowers drape themselves from each building along the way. Its cobblestone streets and pathways take you back in time to a simpler way of life. It is beautiful. It is exhilarating. It is special to be here; to see this great mountain and walk the cobblestone streets of Zermatt.
The Matterhorn is truly a magnificent mountain. A dream comes true, just to be here.
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Germany
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Are you in for a new adventure? Then visit the colorful cities of Germany with amazing architecture, fabulous shopping and endless nightlife. It is considered the land of a thousand possibilities because there’s always something happening in this county. It is known for its medieval villages, traditional wine villages and friendly festivals. Castles, palaces and abbeys that have colorful and meaningful histories are also abundant in this country. It is the perfect place for fun & sport, wellness & relaxation.
Germany’s natural landscapes offer a number of options for possible activities that you would want for an unforgettable holiday. The scenery along its long sandy beaches on the coasts and lake shores, enchanting lowland plains, extensive ranges of hills and the high peaks of the Alps are perfectly beautiful. Whether you want to explore it leisurely, or you want a relaxing break, or you want to engage in a sports activity, this is the place for you.
Most people prefer to visit this country during the months of May and September when the weather is most likely sunny. This is also the peak season for vacations in Germany. A lot of activities are popular in this season, especially outdoor events such as hiking, cycling and swimming. Most festivals also occur during this time. March to May and October to early November are the months when there are fewer tourists. During the months of April and May, the weather can be mild and sunny. But during November and early March, the skies are mostly gloomy. During this time, more people travel to Germany for the purpose of skiing in the Bavarian Alps. Places that you will want to see in Germany include Bavaria, Berlin and Brandenburg, Frankfurt am Main, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland.
Germany is full of traditions and festivals, that happen all year around. One of the most popular festivals takes place in a two-week period and is celebrated through late September and early October. It is known as the Oktoberfest and it takes place in Munich. Breweries prepare beers especially for Oktoberfest. And lots of people go to the city just to try these delicious beers made for the occasion.
The amount of money you will need depends largely on what kind of traveler you are, the activities you want to engage in, the specific places you want to visit, and the time or season you’re visiting, are some of the factors you should consider when you decide to travel to the beautiful country. Although Germany is a fairly inexpensive country, consider these factors to determine how much you are ready to spend for your vacation.
Have a wonderful time in Germany.