Switzerland on a shoestring

Getting around
A trip to Switzerland won’t be complete without exploring the Alps or lakes, so invest in a Swiss Pass: It offers unlimited access to trains, buses and boats. The minimum is four days, with a second class pass at about CHF272 (S$373); the longest would be a month, at around CHF607 (S$832). Travellers below age 26 get a better package – the Swiss Youth Pass costs 25 per cent less.

The Swiss train system also partners with ski resorts, zoos and hotels to offer discounts. But you have to buy the tickets at your local Swiss train station before you depart.

Zurich recently became the world's most expensive city, but don’t let it daunt you. It’s just probably worth getting a ZurichCARD, which is available at service centres in the airport or train station. It gives you 24-hour (CHF24 or S$33) or 72-hour (CHF48 or S$66) unlimited second-class travel by tram, bus, rail, boat and cable car; free entrance to many of Zürich's museums; and significant discounts on guided tours and other attractions.

Where to stay
Most travellers find that the bulk of their budget goes to accommodations. This time, though, why not try hospitality exchange programmes such as Couchsurfing to save cash?

Another option is to choose a base for the duration of your stay and do day trips – most of the sights in Switzerland are within three hours of each other. Websites such as HomeAway.com and AirBnB.com have affordable apartment and home rentals. For example, a studio flat in Geneva for two people (or more, if you don’t mind the squeeze) could cost as little as CHF40 (S$55) a night. Do note that some advertised prices may not include cleaning fees, costs for additional guests, or AirBnB booking fees.

If you don’t suffer from allergies, you can sleep for as cheap as CHF20 (S$28) a night… on straw! Schlaf im Stroh provides a unique experience for visitors at bed-and-breakfast farms. Just remember that you’ll need your own sleeping bag.

Finally, consider going against the normal "tide" of travellers. Zurich has a lot of business travellers, so hotels would want to fill their beds during the weekends, which means low rates. The opposite is true for ski resorts and holiday destinations, however; they are often full on weekends but will probably have better rates during the week.

Cheap eats
Eating out can quickly drain your budget, so whenever you can, try to prepare your own food. Local supermarkets are a treat in themselves, with crusty fresh baguettes; mouth-watering arrays of cheese; cheap, good bottles of wine; and of course, amazing Swiss chocolate. Plus, many stores will add 25 to 50 per cent discounts to perishable items after 5 pm, so you can snatch up a few bargains for dinner! Also pack food for any boat tours or train journeys, as on-board meals are often pricey.

If you don’t fancy preparing food yourself, another cheap option is to eat at grocery store restaurants – Coop, Migros and Manor  have buffet restaurants open during store hours. Migros serves hearty, healthy meals between CHF10 to CHF15 (S$14 to S$21) and offers free WiFi.

But if you really want to eat out, do it at lunchtime, as most restaurants offer lunch specials. Or if you are on a tight schedule, just pick up a Swiss specialty on-the-go, such as pretzels and freshly cooked crepes, from roadside vendors.

Last but not least, fill water bottles from the tap or from a public fountain. Swiss tap water is unbeatable, and will save you a fortune on bottled water.

Things to do
We can think of no better way to see Switzerland on the cheap than to go hiking.

Pass through picturesque villages and clear lakes with the stunning Alps as your destination or backdrop. There are over 62,000 kilometres of well-maintained hiking trails in Switzerland; you’ll find the most famous in Grindelwald, where you can expect commanding views. Switzerland also has 1,484 lakes and 140 glaciers, which you can discover for free.

Grindelwald is a great base for skiing in winter. But if you intend to hit the slopes, be warned: Skiing trips can really add up. Then again, there are a few simple tricks to keep prices down when you can. On flights by SWISS Airlines, the first set of ski/winter sports equipment is free of charge. Or stash high-energy snacks in your ski jacket before you troop to the pistes or paths. They will keep you going and help you avoid the steep prices of the ski huts.

By following these tips and planning in advance, you should be able to enjoy all the spectacular sites in Switzerland without breaking the bank.