Monday, May 14, 2012

Tips to travel around Geneva-the Global City

Who wouldn’t grab a chance to visit the Peace Capital of the world-Geneva? -Especially when you can get cheap airfare tickets on popular flight services like Swiss Air, Air Canada, United Airlines, Easy jet etc.

So get your bags packed and be ready for a serene holiday in a Swiss paradise called Geneva.

Geneva Travel Tips:
Advance Booking: Since Geneva hosts many conventions, congregations and exhibitions, always book your tickets 4 months in advance on a cheapest airline and nab cheap hotel prices.

When to visit Geneva: Book your cheap tickets to Geneva in the off season of July-August. In this mild and breezy climate, Lake Geneva is flooded with tourists enjoying water sports.

Getting around Geneva:
By foot: Geneva is a small city encompassing only 6 square miles and is great to explore on foot.

Geneva Transport Card: Geneva has an integrated Public Transport System called Transports Public Genevois. This TPG offers bus, rail, tram and moat boat services. Get the Geneva Transport Card for free at your hotel and travel for free in the TPG during your stay.

Taxis: Order taxis on phone or hail one on the street. The taxi fare is metered and includes a tip and a VAT. Except for minicab drivers, most speak English. Even limousines can be ordered on phone or through your hotel. Cars can also be hired for the airport, hotel or railway station.

Bikes: Biking is also an enjoyable experience in Geneva. Bikes can be hired form Cornavin railway station.

Language: Geneva is mainly a French speaking domain although English is widely spoken. So arm yourself with a French dictionary or brush up your French.

Money Matters: Swiss Francs or Euros have a good exchange rate. But Geneva is expensive. So be prepared to be shocked by prices at boutiques or restaurants which tend to charge you higher.

Clothing:  Packing for your cheap flights to Geneva depends upon the season of your visit. For a visit during September-April, pack warm clothes, jacket and umbrella. May-August requires light summer clothes and a cardigan for the breezy weather. Comfy walking shoes are a must for a stroll in Geneva. An umbrella will suit well to shield you from the mild drizzles.

If you plan to do a lot of wining and dining in Geneva, make sure you dress well as the Swiss people turn out smartly at public places.

Medications: Medicines are expensive in Geneva and are rarely obtained off the counter without a prescription. So carry your medication along.

Photo Equipment:  Arm yourself with photo-equipment ideal for shooting snow in ice- clad Geneva. Also carry a tripod as even museums permit flash-less photo shoots here.

Restaurants: All Geneva Re4stauranst charge 7.5% Vat and 15% compulsory service charge unless specified otherwise.

Shopping in Geneva:
Place de la Madeleine has daily book and clothes markets. Place de la Plainpalais has flea markets on Wednesday and Saturday. Thursdays are the days for curio shopping at the Place de la Fusterie.

As you alight from your flights to Geneva, ask for a Tax-free shopping cheque at the Geneva Airport and claim 7.5% Vat over 5000 Euros at Geneva Airport.

Nightlife in Geneva:
Most of the Geneva clubs have restaurant areas and Geneva restaurants double up as bars in the evening. For English style pubs, visit the precinct of Carouge.

There is no place like Geneva to enjoy a European holiday. So hurry and make your bookings in advance through Farebuzz.com to get the best of this global city.