Navigating Switzerland

Every year Swiss Rail comes up with a new set of perks to make rail travel and Swiss rail passes more valuable to the traveller. Plus, Switzerland has some of the most scenic rail routes on the planet. To see the latest enticements, read Swiss Train Travel 2006.

But the train isn't the only way to travel in Switzerland. Sure, there are rental cars to consider, but how about seeing it all from a balloon? I'm not talking about taking a lousy one hour balloon trip that leaves you wanting for more, but making ballooning the focus of your whole vacation. The US Hot Air Balloon Team has a couple of Swiss trips you might want to know about, plus one in France's Loire valley. Ballooning must be great. "To have fun, get high," I've heard people say. Plus, looking down on people is so in these days, isn't it? Try ballooning, all those people can't be wrong.

And finally, has Switzerland lost it's edge as one of Europe's must-see countries? Switzerland in Sound's Bob Zanotti asked me that question, and we discussed Switzerland as a travel destination via Skype. Listen to the podcast by heading over to Switzerland in Sound, click on "Travel Tips" in the left menu, and navigate to "James Martin on Switzerland - a critical view." Me, critical? Nah.