We’ve had an incredible year of travel — one of the best I can remember. From Iceland to Japan, a few cruises, intermittent locums to Montana and West Virginia, and now, a week in Switzerland to cap off a family wedding trip in New York. It’s been a year of movement, reflection, and above all, intentional time with family — which, if you know me, is something I never take for granted.
Switzerland had always been on our list, but this time the stars aligned. We found a great deal on Swiss Air — just $500 per round-trip ticket — and decided to go for it. Though airfare was affordable, everything else in Switzerland made up for it: lodging, food, and local travel quickly added up. Compared to Japan and Iceland (where flights were expensive but in-country costs were relatively modest), Switzerland was the reverse. A beautiful country, no doubt — but not one to explore without some budget awareness.
Geneva: Jet Lag and Moroccan Feasts
We landed in Geneva on a red-eye, around 9 a.m. local time. Our goal: push through the fatigue and reset our clocks. Easier said than done. After a short train ride from the airport, we checked into the Hotel Royal in Geneva — just one stop away. Pro tip: don’t exchange money at the airport like I did (lesson learned).
By the time we dropped off our bags and set out to explore, it was midday. Our first meal? Moroccan food — rich, flavorful, and exactly what we needed. The ambiance and culture already felt different in the best way. But after that satisfying lunch, jet lag took over. Despite our best intentions, we all crashed for a long nap. The day didn’t go exactly as planned, but we rallied in the evening to explore Geneva by ferry and foot, soaking in the lakeside charm and enjoying a memorable Turkish dinner.
Zermatt: A Booking Mishap Turns Into a Hidden Gem
The next morning, we set off for Zermatt — a stunning alpine village about 3–4 hours by train. Swiss trains are exceptional: clean, efficient, and scenic. We used the Swiss Travel Pass (we opted for the flexible 4-day version), which allowed unlimited travel on selected days. It’s an excellent value if you’re hopping between cities, but note that special mountain trains often require separate tickets.
Now, here’s where our plans hit a snag: we discovered our hotel was on the other side of the mountain — a 7-hour detour by train. An honest mistake from my wife, who had booked through a hotel app. Fortunately, after a brief moment of panic and a family “huddle,” we found a last-minute four-bedroom Airbnb just a short walk from the Zermatt train station. A stroke of luck. Everyone had their own room, and we all breathed a sigh of relief.
To our surprise, it was Swiss National Day — think food and wine festival meets alpine village charm. We spent the afternoon and evening strolling the festive streets, sampling local dishes, and simply being present. That kind of serendipity is what makes travel special.
The Matterhorn Hike: Beauty, Exhaustion, and Edge-of-the-Cliff Moments
The next day was dedicated to hiking. I’m a hiker at heart, and this was a must-do. We took a cogwheel train (not included in the Swiss Pass) up the mountain near the Matterhorn and planned to hike back down. What I thought would be a 3-hour descent turned into 6–7 hours. It started great — the kids loved it — but by hour five, we were all running on fumes. Parts of the trail were steep and narrow, and I found myself gripping my boys’ hands tighter than usual. It was breathtaking and humbling — beauty paired with a real sense of responsibility and care.
We ended the day with a well-earned dinner and a night of rest before heading to Interlaken.
Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Paragliding in the Alps
Clouds canceled our original plan to paraglide in Zermatt, but the skies cleared for us in Interlaken. Four of us — myself included — finally got the chance to paraglide for the first time. It’s a surreal experience: one moment you’re running off a mountain, the next you’re floating in silence above the valley. The boys were old enough to ride but scared.. (minimum age: 7) hopefully next time they’ll join.
We also visited Lauterbrunnen — the famed “valley of waterfalls.” A Swiss fondue lunch and a long walk through alpine beauty made for a perfect afternoon. Later, we made our way to Grindelwald, a family-friendly mountain resort area with everything from cliff walks to mountain tricycles. My girls and I did a mountain tricycle ride — exhilarating and slightly terrifying. One wrong turn and… well, it keeps you sharp.
Final Stops: Bern and Back to Geneva
Our last day included a visit to Bern, Switzerland’s capital. We explored historic churches, walked through cobblestone streets, and had an unexpectedly great Thai meal. Then back to Geneva for one final sleep before flying home.
Reflections: Switzerland vs. Everywhere Else
In just one week, we barely scratched the surface of what Switzerland offers. And while the views were jaw-dropping and the memories priceless, the price tag was steep. If you’re torn between Switzerland and Iceland, for instance, I’d say: Iceland gives you comparable natural beauty at a fraction of the cost if you go at a less busy time period.
And then there’s the people. I hesitate to generalize, but my experience was this: if Japan wins the award for kindest people, Switzerland might be on the other end of the spectrum. It wasn’t hostile, just… indifferent, and at times a bit cold. Others might feel differently, but that was our perception.
Still, we had a phenomenal time. The trip wasn’t about luxury or leisure — it was about time. Time with the people I care about most. As someone balancing the roles of oncologist, entrepreneur, husband, and dad, these weeks are precious. And while I love travel, by day five, I usually start itching to get back — to work, to projects, to building and caring and creating.
Balance Is the Real Destination
This year has been special — maybe the most balanced I’ve ever had. More trips, more family time, and still plenty of progress in work and life. We’re wrapping up projects, onboarding new tenants, renovating properties, and launching a franchise within months. And yet, I’ve never felt more aligned — living fully in both spheres.
I’ll be transitioning into a new full-time role in December, and I’ll share more about that soon. But for now, I’ll hold onto this trip and all that it reminded me of — that when we prioritize our own health and family, we’re far better at taking care of others.
Let me know if you’re planning a trip to Switzerland. I’m happy to share tips while the memories are still fresh.
“At the end of the day, this second shift is about more than just work—it’s about building a life with purpose. I believe in the power of showing up fully across every spoke of life—career, family, health, finances, intellect, spirituality, and joy. This space is where I reflect, recalibrate, and keep striving for that delicate, worthwhile balance. I write not just to document the journey, but to remind myself—and maybe you too—that it’s okay to want more, to give more, and to grow through every season.” — st