Exploring the Quirky Side of Switzerland with Crai Bower

Switzerland is famous for precision watches, world-class skiing, and secretive banking—but there's a stranger, more fascinating side to this small, landlocked country that most travelers overlook. This episode digs into the Switzerland that doesn't make it into the guidebooks—like a carnival where crowds are rewarded with root vegetables, and  a train called "Express" that takes its time on purpose. Host Angie Orth is joined by award-winning travel writer Crai Bower, who recently covered the country for Westways and AAA Explorer magazines. This journalist's eye for the offbeat will have you looking at Switzerland in a new way. You'll hear how Switzerland's four official languages and cultural influences shape each city's personality, why the country is more budget-friendly than its reputation suggests, and which experiences make it worth visiting year-round.What You’ll Learn:05:53 The Swiss museums worth adding to your itinerary09:03 What makes the Glacier Express one of the world's great train journeys 12:23 The folklore and mythology rooted in Switzerland's Alpine landscape20:31 Inside Basel Fasnacht: a three-day carnival unlike anything else in Europe26:43 Why Switzerland is one of the easiest countries to navigate without a carConnect with Crai Bower:InstagramWhat’s the quirkiest thing you’ve experienced in Switzerland? Tell us in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises