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Jana & Brett | Aplins in the Alps

When things DON'T go as planned...

Published 4 months ago • 2 min read

Happy New Year, Reader!

We hope that the first few days of 2024 have brought you an abundance of joy!

For us, we've enjoyed some walks where we watch our breath puff in the cold air, clean food (and minimal sugar after the holidays), fresh-outta-the-box board games, and an eagerness to get back to work (we have a lot of big projects for the next few months!).

However, things don't always go as planned...

For example:

  • We planned to have dinner with friends on New Years Eve...but we got sick and had to cancel. (Thankfully, we're on the mend!)
  • We planned to update all of our Guides in December...but it's still a work in progress. (Coming soon, we promise!)
  • We planned to sweep the floors this morning...but they're still speckled with dust. (Yours, too?)

You can probably relate.

  • I planned to plan our vacation sooner...but life got busy between my job and kids.
  • I planned to saved more money...but it's so easy to spend on what's right in front of me (I'm looking at you, Chick-fil-A).
  • "I planned to (fill in the blank)...but (fill in the blank)."

Can we be a lil rebellious?! Let's NOT fill in those blanks when it comes to your 2024 Swiss vacation!

We're going to help you start planning N-O-W!

Bookmark our 14 Favorite Things to do in the Jungfrau Region!

Can't-miss viewpoint. Must-see waterfall. Scenic picnic spot. Fave train ride. And more of our favorites!

Or read about 'em on our blog.


Did you know...

Switzerland is great to visit all year round!

If you're coming in the winter, the Alps are a playground for snow sports. But don't overlook the cities either!

  • Bern is the federal and political capital. It boasts a long pedestrian street and a bear sanctuary.
  • Basel is the industrial center, and its historic buildings are characterized by red stones.
  • Lausanne houses the Supreme Court and Olympic Museum.
  • Geneva is ultra international and hosts the United Nations.
  • Zurich is the largest city and economic hub.

Bonus Tip

When we stay in cities, we use HotelCard to find a hotel!

It's a membership that provides hotel discounts in Switzerland — and the sooner you book, the more money you can save!

For example, in December we saved 125 CHF on a 2-night stay in Basel, and only paid 100 CHF per night in Zurich!


Behind the Scenes

A brief look at our lives behind the camera and computer.

SIPPING: Our fave detox cranberry lemonade. This is our go-to drink after eating out on vacation or indulging in sugary holiday treats.

CELEBRATING: Brett's 3rd Italian birthday! 3 years ago he gained Italian citizenship through marriage. Read our story here.

PLAYING: Patchwork and Azul (board games that we got for Christmas)

FILMING: Switzerland Things To Know (Tips for First Timers!)

ICYMI: Our first video of 2024 is live! Our Top 14 Things To Do In The Jungfrau Region

Jana & Brett | Aplins in the Alps

If you love traveling Europe, getting off-the-beaten path, meeting locals, or having foodie experiences (especially coffee and gelato), then you're in the right place! We're Jana and Brett, a travel couple exploring Europe. Since we got married 10 years ago, we've spent more than 2.5 years adventuring in Europe. But we aren't your average travelers... —Dual USA and Italian citizens —30 European countries...and counting! —We didn't sell everything to travel (we still own our home in Tennessee!) —Both work online (Brett: business operations and consulting. Jana: SEO copywriting and content editing.) Get to know us better by joining our newsletter, binging our YouTube videos, or browsing our blog! When we're not traveling, you will find us hanging out with friends, hosting dinner parties, or playing strategic board games.

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