Are you ready for a virtual trip to Switzerland? Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a special armchair travel activity designed for aged care through this magical country!

Imagine wandering through old towns with cobblestone streets and ancient castles. Picture yourself strolling by peaceful lakes, their clear waters reflecting the stunning scenery around them. Think about indulging in delicious Swiss chocolate in a cute café or hopping on a scenic train ride through the mountains. Sounds dreamy, right?

But what if you can’t exactly hop on a plane and explore it yourself, for seniors in aged care travel is often a bit out of reach. Well, don’t worry, fellow adventurer! Because today, we’re embarking on a whirlwind armchair adventure to Switzerland!

Welcome to our full guide for activities coordinators who wish to host Armchair Travel in their facility.

Planning the Experience:

Pick a Date & Promote the Session for Optimal Attendance: First things first, let’s pick a date that works best for everyone! Also, spread the word beforehand using eye-catching posters or flyers around the facility or neighborhood. You can even make a casual announcement, drumming up some excitement with a friendly, “Are you ready to explore the wonders of Switzerland?” Here’s an invitation card you can print at the bottom of this page!

Arrange a Cozy Space with a Large TV for the Event: Make your place feel like a fancy place for kings and queens! Find a good spot and put comfy chairs around a big TV, like a small movie place. Imagine you’re in a warm Swiss house, getting ready to explore beautiful lakes and big castles.

Print Passports and Boarding Passes to Add a Playful Touch: To enhance the excitement, print out customized boarding passes and passports. Seniors will love to have that printed passport in their hands and see the stamp as you put it in.

Get Creative with Decorations—Consider Bunting Flags, Fabric Awnings, and More: Let’s awaken your inner artist! Hang up vibrant bunting flags and drape fabric awnings to make a joyful setting. Imagine Swiss flags, cowbells, and stunning views of mountains! Add pictures of famous Swiss spots like Matterhorn or Lake Geneva to complete the Swiss vibe.

Enlist Your Chef to Prepare Swiss Snacks Like Swiss Chocolate and the Rösti (Crunchy Swiss Potato Pancakes): No journey to Switzerland is truly satisfying without savoring its delightful treats! Rally your chef or a helpful friend to prepare some authentic Swiss snacks. Indulge in the richness of Swiss chocolate, with its velvety texture and irresistible sweetness. And don’t forget about rosti, a classic Swiss dish made from grated potatoes, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These mouthwatering delights will whisk you away to the heart of Switzerland, satisfying your cravings and leaving you longing for more.

Switzerland Session Program:

Printable A4 version of this step-by-step program is found in our premium membership download at the bottom of this page.

Follow our Step-by-Step Sample program for a successful Armchair Travel event:

1. Welcome

Set the atmosphere with Swiss Folk Music as guests arrive. As they walk through the door, let’s give them a warm welcome and have a staff hand them the passport with their names already on it.

Seat residents comfortably. Have a staff member go around to each table and glue the stamps into the passports. (Stamps provided in our printable kit) To spice things up, dress the volunteers and the staff as airplane/ship crew for a more realistic experience!

Duration: 5 – 15 minutes

2. Introduction

Engage residents by asking what they know about Switzerland. Ask them basic questions such as the color of the flag, nationality and the national anthem, the continent, famous personalities, and other general knowledge about Switzerland.

Duration: 20 – 30 minutes

3. Refreshments

How about serving some refreshing Swiss apple juice or, for those who like it, a small glass of Swiss herbal tea? Let’s make sure our seniors enjoy the complete Swiss experience! And, of course, we’ll make sure there are plenty of tasty non-alcoholic options for them to choose from.

Duration: 5 – 10 minutes

4. Quiz & Trivia

Conduct a Swiss Quiz and share interesting trivia. You can implement the quiz provided or customize your quiz based on the level of your beloved seniors.

Duration: 30 – 40 minutes

5. Show some captivating videos of Switzerland

This can be shown on the big TV or projector screen during the travel experience. Explore the 10 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland and the enchanting Highlands. Ready your minds and travel with your imagination!

Duration: 15 minutes

6. Dancing Demonstration

Introduce Swiss Folk dancing by presenting the videos below:

You may also get your seniors engaged in vibing the Swiss Folk dance by listening to Swiss music

Duration: 30 minutes

7. Share Experiences

Invite residents who’ve visited Switzerland to share their memories. Form a big circle and let every one of them speak and share their core experiences with Switzerland. You can formulate your own or use the provided template for a more organized sharing.

• My most memorable experience in Switzerland is/are _____
• What I like about Switzerland is/are _____
• What makes Switzerland unique is ______
• The people from Switzerland are _______
• If I get the chance to travel back to Switzerland again, I would ______

Duration: 10 – 15 minutes

8. The Beauty of Switzerland

Watch short, engaging videos covering Switzerland’s cities, railways, and Swiss chocolate. Enjoy the beauty of Switzerland from every angle and perspective.

Duration: 10 minutes

9. Culinary Delights

Treat your residents to a delightful taste of Switzerland! Our chef has crafted a menu brimming with flavorful dishes inspired by Swiss tradition. You can try cooking two or three of these recipes. Watch these recipe videos for inspiration!

Duration: 20 – 30 minutes

10. Closing

Discuss the next travel destination and express gratitude, or you may extend the session with additional activities or conclude with a Swiss Theme Day event.

Duration: 10 minutes or less

Extending the Experience:
Switzerland Fun Facts

• Present about the famous Swiss Chocolate and how it is made.
• Show them ten interesting facts about Switzerland.

Embark on this Armchair Travel to Switzerland, an immersive journey lasting hours or more. Whether you stop there or extend it into an all-day Swiss Theme Day, the aim is to create memorable experiences and happy travels!