GETTING READY

When my daughter got a summer internship in Geneva, I was excited to have an excuse to travel and explore Switzerland at the end of her work experience. We decided to add Croatia to our trip, as well. I booked my tickets using miles through United Airlines (30,000 miles). At the Tom Bradley International Terminal I was able to go through the TSA checkpoint and once inside the terminal I used my priority pass membership (free membership with your Chase Reserve Credit card) to get $28 credit at PF Chang’s. I also stopped at the KAL Lounge with the priority pass membership. I flew on Lufthansa from Los Angeles to Frankfurt, with a connecting flight to Geneva. I was able to pay $115 to upgrade to a seat with greater legroom. This was a bargain. Even when the person in front of me reclined all the way back I was not able to touch his seat with my legs completely outstretched. I use the website www.seatguru.com to help me decide which seats to choose for my flights. Be aware that if you are connecting in Frankfurt you will have to go through security again to get to your new gate if it is in a different terminal (at least I had to). The line for security was very long and moved slowly. I had a 1½-hour layover and I got to the gate 5 minutes before boarding (and that was with me running through 2 terminals).

When I arrived in Geneva I went through customs, got my luggage, and then proceeded out to where the Uber drivers pick up (exit door 5 and walk across the way to the first parking lot). My Uber arrived within a few minutes, so it worked out perfectly. We spent the first couple of days walking around Geneva. We purchased an all-day bus pass for $8.00, which also included a boat ride on Lake Geneva. Once you purchase your bus ticket you just hold onto it. You do not need to show it to anyone unless they come up and ask you for it. We walked around Old Town and had a lovely dinner at the Spaghetti Factory. We sat outside and it was lovely but be aware that smoking cigarettes outside is normal here, so if that is going to bother you, you may want to dine inside.