Unforgettable Moments in Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

Moving countries during a pandemic isn’t an enviable task; however, it did come with a perk: a four-day break in Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne, at a 2018 Readers’ Choice Award-winning Bürgenstock hotel. I’d never been before, but I had a strange sense of déjà vu, possibly the result of flipping through too many magazine pages for the past 18 months, fantasizing about everything from the views through aeroplane windows to breathtaking landscapes. As we drove up 1,400ft, slowly gaining sight of the crystalline lake below and the majestic Alps ahead, I had one very specific thought: this is what I’ve missed.

Moments to Cherish

That moment you realize you’re in an extraordinarily beautiful place, and your entire holiday lies ahead of you. That moment you discover your favorite rosé on the menu. It’s those moments when the sky is postcard-blue with fluffy clouds and there’s a postcard in your hotel room, reminding you of cherished memories. Moreover, as I reflected on my packing choices, I noted that I brought four pairs of heels I would not wear and one new pair of trainers, which would undoubtedly result in blisters.

Then there was the moment I stumbled upon a quaint little shop in Lucerne, learning that cannabis products are legal in Switzerland. I found that the only sounds I could hear were the merry bells around the necks of grazing cows. I ordered sushi for the third time and felt a twinge of guilt for not trying the tomato fondue. However, hearing my partner tell a funny story for the third time made me laugh, courtesy of the rosé that had made me tipsy. In that moment, all I could think about was how incredibly fortunate I was to be in such a spectacular place with someone I love.

Yearning for Travel

This is what I have missed. This is what we have all missed these past unending, dismal, dark months. Although I’d never been to Lake Lucerne before, this trip encapsulated everything I have craved and dreamt about. The results of this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards showcase what you’ve been missing, highlighting the wonderful places you’ve longed to visit. As we approach the end of 2021, we are allowing ourselves to dream bigger and make plans. Therefore, think long and hard about what you’ve missed, and I hope that sooner rather than later, you find your own moment in the sunshine—pouring through fluffy clouds in a postcard-blue sky, with your heart full just thinking about how lucky you are.