on the pre-tour planning tab for the Switzerland tour it says "may wish to pack a swimsuit and perhaps a lightweight microfiber towel." Before we go out and buy towels I was wondering if anyone who has been on this tour can say whether they are actually worth bringing on trip.
Posted by
Kansas, United States
1077 posts
I have not been on the Switzerland tour but have been on several other RS tours and I always take my microfiber towel with me in my backpack. The reason is that it serves many purposes: I have used it as a regular towel when I needed an extra towel after a shower, I use it to roll up my clothes after sink washing to squeeze out water, as a blanket while on a plane or train, as a ground sheet for a picnic, folded up I've even used it as a pillow when needed. There are 3 sizes in the RS website store and I have found the largest one to be the most useful.
Posted by
Freedonia
14939 posts
If you need an extra towel, you can always ask for one at hotel reception. I've never heard of a hotel refusing a guest an extra towel.
I think the statement has more to do with going swimming in a lake when not near your hotel and having a towel available.
Posted by
Narberth, PA
1225 posts
I was on this tour last summer. Of the hotels we stayed at, the hotel in Lugano had a outdoor pool. I considered going in, but really, it was full of kids and not all that inviting. I believe the hotel in Bern may have had a pool, but there was no time even think about it. I did not bring an extra towel.
We did observe folks floating down the river in Bern. It looked like fun, so if you are staying an extra day, that would be something to consider.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32700 posts
We did observe folks floating down the river in Bern. It looked like fun, so if you are staying an extra day, that would be something to consider.
It would be a bit warmer and less adrenaline filled in Basel, BTW.
Posted by
2527 posts
Two travel towels are in my possession and rest comfortably at home accumulating no further air miles after trial trips.
Posted by
Cape Cod
144 posts
We just returned from the Best of Switzerland tour...it was wonderful. Pack light and after you are done packing take a few things out..I packed my bathsuit and a microfiber towel. I never used towel...The one hotel that had a very nice pool had towels. I thought we might use it to help get some of the water out of the clothes when we did sink laundry but we never used it then. I wanted to leave it behind several times but my husband said no he would carry in his bag.. the longer I am on any tour the less I want to carry around. I am determined next tour to pack even lighter. I packed my iPad but rarely used it.. this tour we met our travel buddies from our last tour (Village Italy) so much of free time we spent together and spent little time sitting around playing on iPad at night.
We both packed several sizes of zip loc bags and they were very useful... one black trash bag to line suitcase in case it rained as we walked to or from hotel. I hope you have Maisie as your tour guide we did and loved her.. she was great..but all the tour guides are or RS wouldnot have them.
Enjoy the trip.. in Murren do the North face trail hike.. it was our second trip to Murren and both times did the hike. Breakfast was wonderful at the Schilthorn..
If you arrive in Lucerne early and stay at Hotel Des Alpes ask for a room with water view and balcony we did and it was so worth the extra $$. We email way ahead and request the room.. We did Mt Pilates on our own before tour . It was wonderful ..so much to see and do in Lucerne.
Sue