Affordable Switzerland: Luxe for Less

INTERLAKEN

Known as the jumping off point for dozens of different Swiss adventures Interlaken is nestled between the two lakes of Brienz and Thun.

Interlaken is an outdoorsman's paradise -- with paragliding, hang gliding, river rafting, canoeing, sailing and wakeboarding, One of the most popular trips to take is to the top of Schilthorn. This stunning peak is almost ten-thousand-feet high and the set of where the James Bond movie, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," was filmed. It takes about a half-hour to reach the summit by cable car and the 360-degree view from the top is phenomenal. On the way up you'll go through the tiny village of Murren where the scenery is right out of a fairy tale.

• Top Hotel Spurge: The Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is a classic favorite with locals and international travelers.

• Don't Miss: Exploring the many hiking and skiing trails

LAUSANNE

This hip and happening Swiss city is known for its nightlife but if you want a quiet escape just head ten minutes up the hill into the Lavaux wine country that stretches from Lausanne to Montreaux.

Along the terraced hillside there are spectacular walking trails where you can spend the day weaving in and out of the different vineyards and discovering different old-world villages.

The Domaine du Daley is one of the most famous wineries known for making traditional Swiss Chasselas and Pinot Noir.

• Top Hotel Splurges: The Beau-Rivage Palace down by the lake and the Lausanne Palace & Spa that's in the heart of the city both offer great restaurants and beautiful surroundings.

• Don't Miss: A walk along Lake Geneva and visiting the Olympic Museum

To make sure you make the most of your trip the Swiss Tourism's website, myswitzerland.com, offers a long list of free resources to help plan your trip, including maps, updated information on hotel, restaurants, tour specials and transportation news.

For more insider information on exploring Switzerland you can go to Karen Schaler's Travel Therapy Web site at www.traveltherapytrips.com.