Switzerland

1. If you feel the need to experience irresistible chocolates, cuckoo clocks, yodeling Heidis', humorless bankers, international bureaucracies and an orderly, precise country that works against a spectacular mountainous backdrop, Switzerland is the place to head for.

2. Switzerland may be neutral but it is certainly not flavorless. The fusion of German, French and Italian ingredients has formed a robust national culture, and the country's Alpine landscapes have enough zing to reinvigorate the most jaded traveler.

3. Languages spoken are German, French, Italian & Romansch- it would be an added advantage, if you know any these foreign languages.

4. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK and the USA do not require a visa. A maximum stay of three months applies.

5. Some basic information- Time: GMT/UTC plus one hour. Electricity: 220 volts, 50 Hz. Weights & measures: Metric.

6. You may be prone to Altitude sickness, sunburn and hypothermia (cold weather injury due to low temperature). So watch out!

7. Summers last roughly from June to September and offer the most pleasant climate for outdoor pursuits. Unfortunately, you won't be the only tourist during this period, so prices can be high, accommodation hard to find and the mainstream sights crowded. You will find fewer crowds in April-May and late-September-October.

8. If you're keen on winter sports, resorts in the Alps begin operating in late-November till April.

9. The main entry points for international flights are Zürich and Geneva. Basel, Bern and Lugarno airports also receive international flights.

10. Switzerland has a fully integrated and comprehensive public transport system incorporating trains, buses, boats and cable cars that will help you get around in comfort.

11. The Currency is Swiss franc.

12. Costs are higher in Switzerland than anywhere else in Europe.

13. All major travelers' cheques and credit cards are accepted and a commission is not charged for changing cash or cheques.

14. Tipping is rarely necessary, as hotels, restaurants and bars are required by law to include a 15% service charge. Even taxi fares normally have a service charge included.

15. There are dozens of ski resorts throughout the Alps. Hiking is the number-one activity in the country, with 50,000 kms of designated footpaths and regular refreshment stops en route. There are well-established mountaineering resorts that also offer paragliding and hang-gliding and hire out the gear.

16. Water-skiing, sailing and windsurfing are common on most lakes. Rafting is possible on many alpine rivers, including the Rhine.

17. Swiss folk culture includes yodeling, playing the alp horn and Swiss wrestling. However, do not indulge in any of these after a night in a Swiss tavern!

18. Swiss dishes borrow from the best of German and French cuisine. Cheeses form an important part of the Swiss diet and of course there are the famous Swiss chocolates!

19. If you plan to drive, remember that if you fail the driving test three times in Switzerland, you have to see a psychologist!

The Swiss have won more Nobel Prizes and registered more patents per capita than any other nation on earth. Interestingly enough, the cuckoo clock, which is usually credited to them was actually invented by the Germans!