My husband and I are looking forward to our RS Switzerland Tour in June! I’m trying to formulate my “capsule wardrobe” to fit everything into a carry-on. Should I pack more long pants than shorts, and a mix of long-sleeve and short-sleeve tops? Thanks for any advice!
Posted by
anyplace picturesque
32 posts
Haven't been to Switzerland in Summer since the mid-90s and Europe has had a few consecutive hot Summers recently. Personally though I'd still go with the same general wardrobe...light-weight pants (or longish skirt) and long-sleeved tops. Hot or not there's lots of UV, and my skin objects to gobs of sunscreen. I'd also pack a light-weight puffer for high altitudes. I recall making a mountain drive where we stopped mid-way up for a photo-op and had to dig out our coats!
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
3198 posts
I was on the Switzerland tour last June, and I agree with the above suggestion by GPB.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
This is very helpful! Thanks so much!
Posted by
West Michigan
567 posts
If your skin is Irish like mine, bring a lightweight hat with a brim. Lot of UV. I don't bring a coat, just a couple of heavy shirts.
Posted by
San Diego, California
6826 posts
Look at your itinerary. The Swiss cities get quite warm in the summer. However, it will be cold (maybe rainy) at altitude. How many days will you spend in the cities ? How many days in the Alps? I was caught off guard a few summers ago when I didn't have one short sleeve top. So layers are the best option. A packable down jacket works well in the mountains, and do have rain gear.
Enjoy this great tour- we thought it was one of the best! Safe travels!
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Thank you, TravelerGuy and Pat!
Posted by
Chicago
4041 posts
Reiterating all the great advice already given: Puffer coat. Raincoat. Sun hat. Sunscreen.
I’ve been twice in June—June 2022 and June 2024. It can be cool up in the mountains in the early morning. And then when that sun comes out, it gets warm. And that sun is HOT up in the mountains. I think one day it was in the 60s, but felt more like the 80s with the sun at that elevation. I was so sunburned. That was the day I said I have to get a hat before I return. I hate it! I look like I’m on a safari. But it sure does help.
I’m 52 and don’t wear shorts anymore. I have pants similar to these that I like:
https://www.eddiebauer.com/products/womens-sightscape-horizon-jogger-21651219
And I like to have a pair of jeans. Plan on long and short sleeve shirts. Then do a final check of the weather the day before. If it’s trending cool, take more long sleave. It it’s trending warmer, take more short sleave. Don’t be alarmed if you see lots of the rain in the forecast. There is always rain predicted for my trips, and I have rarely had any rain.
I like meteo swiss for weather:
https://www.meteoswiss.admin.ch/#tab=forecast-map
Last time I was there, I had 3 different weather apps, and none of them were very accurate. So, be prepared for everything.
June is a great time to go. Wildflowers will be everywhere.
Enjoy the tour!
P.S. I also take this umbrella on all my trips.
https://davekny.com/products/the-davek-mini
It think it was $50 when I bought it and now it’s $65. So it’s expensive, but I love it. It fits in my day bag and when it’s wet, it fits right in my raincoat pocket.
Not everyone likes umbrellas. I’m pro umbrella. If it’s pouring rain, I don’t want my pants and shoes to get all wet.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Carrie, thank you for your thoughtful, detailed suggestions!