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Destination of the Day

Switzerland

If you've ever ogled over photos of Switzerland's Alpine peaks, rolling meadows, and pristine lakes, you'll be happy to know that it's even more beautiful in person. The central European country is small compared to its neighbors, but it packs a lot into its 16,000 square miles, including 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than 1,500 glaciers, and at least that many lakes. Assuming you don't have a lifetime to explore the country, here are some of our top places to see in Switzerland.

Zurich

Switzerland's largest city is a stunner—at once historic and modern, cosmopolitan and bohemian. Divided by the Limmat River and wrapping around Lake Zurich's shores, Zurich offers some of Switzerland's best museums, Swiss and international dining, and stunning scenery. Plan to spend much of your time in the Altstadt, or Old Town, and enjoy at least one traditional meal in a restaurant housed in a former medieval guildhall.

Geneva

With the Jura Mountains to the north and the French Alps to the south, Switzerland's second-largest city offers stunning scenery on all sides. As the European headquarters of the United Nations and the home of the International Red Cross, Geneva acts as the diplomatic center of Switzerland and all of Europe. Visitors to Geneva will find a wealthy and cosmopolitan city, with an enticing mix of luxury shopping, 5-star hotels, and elegant parks.

Bern

The Swiss capital of Bern sits on a sharp bend in the River Aare in the western part of the country. Its Altstadt, or Old Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to so many well-preserved medieval buildings. But the undisputed star of the show is the Zytglogge, the fascinating astronomical clock that Einstein is said to have studied when developing his Theory of Relativity. Bern Minster has the tallest church spire in Switzerland and a stunning main portal. Those with more modern tastes can head to Zentrum Paul Klee, a museum dedicated to the country's most famous artist.

Vacation Like a Pro

If you plan to do a lot of travel within Switzerland, consider purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass, which grants the holder unlimited first- or second-class travel across the country's network of trains, buses, and boats, and most scenic railways. Plus, you'll get admission to more than 500 museums, as well as discounts on mountain excursions. However, if you just plan to visit a couple of places in the country, you can get by with individual train/transit tickets.

Elizabeth Heath
Contributing Writer

Your Packing List

You can figure on a summer wardrobe of T-shirts, shorts, and sturdy walking shoes or sandals.

You'll also want a couple of pairs of slacks and collared shirts, especially in cities where the dress is less casual.

For cooler days and evenings, toss is a sweater or two, some long-sleeved shirts, a light rain jacket, and an umbrella, plus warmer layers for higher elevations.

Don't forget a swimsuit, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

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Get Inspired

Antigua is renowned the world over for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters—it didn't get the moniker "the Land of 365 Beaches" for nothing, after all. Truly, you could spend your entire trip beach hopping from one sandy shoreline to the next, from the world-famous Half Moon Bay to the lesser-known—but equally stunning—Carlisle Bay Beach, where a lush rainforest abuts the coast. If you want to get out in the water, swim with the stingrays at the aptly named Stingray City, or snorkel around the Pillar of Hercules, with its limestone geological formations attracting an array of aquatic life, including turtles, moray eels, and barracuda.