Planning a DIY Trip to France, Switzerland, and Italy: Is It Actually That Hard?
Are you planning your first big Europe trip? Thinking that visiting France, Switzerland, and Italy all in one go sounds like a massive challenge? Don't stress—a DIY trip to these bucket-list destinations is totally achievable!
We used to be just as hesitant, debating whether to book a tour or go solo. As first-timers, we were worried about everything: getting lost, missing trains, unexpected costs, and just the general hassle. But eventually, we decided to push past the fear, planned everything in detail, and had the time of our lives. Here is our personal experience and a detailed itinerary for our first trip as a couple!
1. Visa – The First Hurdle
- Timing: Apply at least 3 months before your departure.
- Our Situation: We’re freelancers and hadn’t traveled much abroad before, so our profile wasn't exactly "strong." We decided to hire a visa agency to increase our chances of success. It worked—we got our visas approved in just 7 days!
2. Flight Tickets – The Key to Savings
- Outbound: We flew with China Eastern Airlines with a layover in Shanghai. Pro tip: you can get a free 24-hour transit visa to explore the city! A day pass for the trains is only about 18 RMB. The airport even offers free tours if you're interested.
- Inbound: We flew with Singapore Airlines with a 7-hour stopover. You can join their free city tours, but make sure to book early!
3. Accommodation – A Lifesaver for Newbies
Honest advice: If you're a first-timer, booking homestays hosted by fellow Vietnamese expats is a game-changer. It’s safer, and it's so much easier to ask for local tips and navigation advice.
- France: We stayed at Linh Tuan DO’s place, just a 30-minute train ride from the Louvre. Clean, private bathroom, kitchen access, and a huge garden. Only €60/night for two.
- Switzerland: We stayed with Cô Nhàn, who has lived in Switzerland for over 40 years—she’s basically a walking travel guide. She helped us plan everything from A to Z. It was 110 CHF/night for two (breakfast included).
- Milan: We stayed at Anh Thơm’s place, near the Duomo (about 12km out). He even helped us map out a side trip to Verona! €80/night for two (breakfast included).
The best part? All three hosts were super supportive even before we got our visas. We were constantly messaging them for advice while planning. Huge thanks to Linh, Cô Nhàn, and Anh Thơm!
4. Transportation – Staying Flexible on a Budget
- France: Stayed for 4 days and bought the Navigo Week Pass (€36.60 including the card). It covers unlimited public transport in zones 1-5 and includes the RER train from the airport. The pass is valid for 10 years, which is super convenient.
- Switzerland: Used the Saver Day Pass (52 CHF/day). It’s cheaper than the Swiss Travel Pass if you aren’t planning on visiting many museums or mountain peaks. Cô Nhàn helped us grab these at a discount.
- Milan: Just bought single tickets (€2.20 each) for getting around the center. Remember to have a contactless card or digital wallet ready to tap on the metro/bus.
5. The Itinerary
France:
- Day 1: Opera Garnier (book in advance) → The Louvre → Tuileries Garden → Eiffel Tower at night (catch the sparkling lights).
- Day 2: Montmartre → Palace of Versailles (get tickets from Linh—cheaper and no queue). Spend the whole day there and pack your own snacks!
- Day 3: Eiffel Tower (best photo spots: Rue de l'Université, Avenue de New York, Passerelle Debilly) → Cafe de Flore → Arc de Triomphe → Seine River Cruise.
- Day 4: Alexander III Bridge → Luxembourg Garden → Eiffel Tower. (If you have time, visit the village of Moret-sur-Loing—it's in zone 5 and you can get there with your pass).
Switzerland:
- Day 1: Iseltwald → Murren → Gimmelwald → Lauterbrunnen → Grindelwald.
- Day 2: Oeschinensee Lake → Bern. Buy return cable car tickets. Spend half a day at the lake and half in the city.
- Day 3: Lake Lucerne → Rigi Kulm → Lucerne Old Town.
Milan:
- Day 1: Duomo and exploring the city center.
- Day 2: Verona – The city of Romeo and Juliet.
- Day 3: Milan Centrale station area → Airport.
6. Handy Tips for a Smoother Trip
- "Ask and you shall receive": Don't be afraid to ask locals if you get lost.
- Early bird gets the worm: Hit the tourist spots before 7 AM to avoid the massive crowds.
- Apps to download:
- France/Milan: Google Maps, Google Translate, Trainline.
- Switzerland: SBB Mobile (better than Google Maps), SNCF Connect.
- Swiss train note: Always carry your passport for checks. Double-check your platform and carriage numbers.
- Payments: Pay for accommodation and tickets in advance. Carry a bit of cash, but mostly use your card.
- Safety (anti-theft): Use simple-looking bags, stay alert at airports/stations, keep valuables in your suitcase, and use a cross-body money belt for your cash and passport.
7. How to Snag Cheap Flights
- Use Skyscanner and Google Flights, and set up price alerts.
- Try to book on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or early in the week.
- Be extra careful with the name order when booking with airlines like China Eastern.
We hope these tips help you feel confident planning your own European adventure. Have an amazing trip and make some incredible memories!
Reference: https://blog.dulichdau.com/kinh-nghiem-du-lich-phap-thuy-si-y-tu-tuc/
