Published in the Sunday Sakal on 27 October, 2024
For both of us, tourism is an energy tonic. Traveling around different countries invigorates us. I have worked in the cruise industry, where I travelled extensively, yet I still love journeying with my family. Through my job, I have visited 55 countries, while my wife has explored 30. Together, we have also covered 12 states in India. I find joy in revisiting countries I’ve seen before with my wife—now, I can truly experience these places as a tourist.
When we began our travels as a family, we decided to start in Europe. Living in Nashik, we book our trips exclusively through Veena World's sales partners here. Our approach has been to explore one continent at a time. So far, we have seen Western Europe, Scandinavia, and the Baltic region with Veena World. The highlight of our travels has been Switzerland, which we consider a paradise on earth with its stunning nature, pleasant climate, and the people who carefully preserve it. Our visit to Paris also left a lasting impression; its rich blend of history, cleanliness, and discipline was unforgettable.
My wife, Seema, is a talented cook who shares her skills through videos on YouTube. Her passion for cooking fuels our love for exploring the world’s diverse cuisines. Our travels inspired her so much that after a visit to Greece, she took special classes to learn how to make Greek salad and 'Mozize' cake. Personally, I enjoy collecting souvenirs from every place we visit, including miniature monuments, plates, magnets, and wall paintings. Even after all our journeys in Germany, we’re still on the lookout for an authentic 'cuckoo clock'—we are sure we will return to find it.
Winter Wonderland in Switzerland With Veena World Customized Holidays
Switzerland is a country renowned for many reasons, from delicious cheese and chocolate to exquisite watches. But when I think of a Swiss holiday, the Alps instantly come to mind. Winter is a spectacular season to enjoy this enchanting mountain range.
The Swiss Alps boast world-famous resorts like Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Davos, offering skiing slopes for all levels. A must-have experience in Switzerland is the ‘Glacier Express’. As the name suggests, this iconic train journey provides unforgettable views of glaciers, green pastures, mountain streams, and breath-taking valleys. Covering over 291 bridges, it connects St. Moritz and Zermatt, making for a scenic and memorable journey.
One of Switzerland's natural attractions is its thermal spas. Who wouldn’t love a soothing dip in naturally heated, mineral-rich waters? It’s an especially unique experience to soak in outdoor thermal pools surrounded by snowy peaks in winter. At Leukerbad Thermal Spa, you can enjoy this rejuvenating experience. ‘Mineralbad Rigi Kaltbad’ is another exceptional thermal spa option. Despite its German name ‘Kaltbad’, which means ‘cold bath’, the mineral-rich water here reaches a comfortable 35°C. For a wellness holiday, Zurich, the cultural capital of Switzerland, offers relaxation at ‘Thermalbad & Spa’.
A truly romantic experience to have in Switzerland is a stay at ‘Igloo Village’ at over 8,900 feet. You will never forget a night spent in cosy thermal mats and sleeping bags, surrounded by snow, with the majestic Matterhorn in view. Another thrilling adventure here is ‘husky dog sledding’. In Engadin, St. Moritz, and Zermatt, you can enjoy this unique experience of a dog sled ride through the snow-covered landscapes.
A journey to the ‘Top of Europe’, better known as the ‘Jungfrau’, is an essential Swiss experience. The destination is spectacular, but the journey itself is just as beautiful. At over 11,000 feet, you can visit the Ice Palace, explore ice tunnels carved into the glacier, and take in breath-taking panoramic views from the observation deck.
No Swiss winter holiday is complete without a visit to the festive Christmas markets. The traditional markets in Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Montreux are a delight, where you can savour Swiss treats and shop for unique handicrafts.
A winter holiday in Switzerland is truly a treasure trove of experiences—from ice skating to ice fishing. So, plan your trip to this winter wonderland, and let Veena World’s customized holiday team guide you every step of the way!
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