Chyna Brown, 23, travelled solo from London, UK, to Basel, Switzerland, and due to its close proximity to the borders of Germany and France she was able to country hop into all three countries – in the space of less than 24 hours
A savvy woman has revealed how she managed to visit three countries in a single day for a mere £33, all without boarding a single flight.
Chyna Brown, from Hampshire, embarked on a solo adventure from London to Basel, Switzerland, and thanks to the city’s unique location, she hopped across the borders into Germany and France in less than a day.
The 23-year-old flew from London Gatwick to Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, taking just one hour and 40 minutes. Once there, she purchased a tram ticket for only 10.70 CHF (£9.93) and spent May 30 soaking up the culture of all three nations.
She strolled along the Rhine in Switzerland before hopping on a 12-minute tram ride to Weil am Rhein Dreiländerbrücke in Germany, where she visited the Three Countries Bridge, offering views of each country.
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Crossing over to Huningue in France, Chyna encountered charming French bistros dishing out escargot. Her total spend for the day was just £33.17, and she found the city very pedestrian-friendly.
Chyna, who works as a social media manager, said: “I flew into Basel Airport which was actually in France but I was staying in Switzerland. When I was researching things to do there I came across it on TikTok and online and thought it looked fun and a good way to experience different cultures.
“I got the number eight tram from Feldbergstrasse towards Bahnhof which takes you into Germany essentially. As soon as you step off into Germany and walk over to France there are such distinct differences with the architecture – you know you’re in a different country. It looks completely different which is really nice.”
Chyna was house-sitting via an application called TrustedHousesitters – where individuals can locate house and pet sitters globally – whilst in Basel, meaning she avoided paying for lodging during her maiden solo adventure.
She dedicated her early afternoon to exploring Switzerland, wandering through the retail quarter, town hall and historic centre.
She described: “I walked along the Rhine river – it was a beautiful sunny day so people were sat along the river and some were in little boats. I then took a 12-minute tram from Feldbergstrasse to Weil am Rhein Dreliänderbrücke.
“It takes you across the border and before it stops border control came on to check everyone’s passports and ID. I didn’t have my passport on me I had my driver’s licence – I didn’t think about it I don’t know why I should have had it on me. The guy said it wasn’t a valid ID in Germany so next time to bring it.
“I walked to the three countries bridge – Dreiländerbrücke – which crosses the Rhine river and it connects that German town with the French village Huningue. You can see all three countries from that bridge. Pricing wise I’ve seen videos that some people drive 10 minutes to Germany for food shopping at Aldi because it’s cheaper.”
Chyna concluded her day back at her accommodation by 6.30pm.
Her day’s itinerary included:
Enjoying lunch at her apartment.
At 1:35pm, she took a tram to Bankverein for 10.70 CHF (£9.93) and strolled down Freie Strasse, the oldest shopping street in Basel.
By 2:05pm, she indulged in a white chocolate and raspberry cinnamon roll from CINNAMOOD for 6.90CHF (£6.40) and browsed through shops like Søstrene Grene, Mango, Tally WeiJL, and various gift shops.
At 2:30pm, she visited Basel Town/city hall, which offers free entry, and noted that on Saturdays you can take a short guided tour inside for 10CHF (£9.28).
At 2:45pm, she meandered through the old town towards the cathedral, taking in the charming side streets.
Then at 3pm, she paused at Museum Bistro Rollerhof for an iced coffee priced at 5.90 CHF (£5.47), enjoying views of the Basler Münster (cathedral).
Finally, at 3:30pm, she explored the Basler Münster, which is free to enter, and recommended checking the closing time for the terrace to enjoy views of the city.
3:45pm – Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Rhine river, find a bench to watch people in boats and canoes.
4pm – Visit an organic wholefoods store.
4:10pm – Treat yourself to matcha and vegan ice cream at Enila icecream for 12.50 CHF (£11.60).
4:20pm – Hop on the number 8 tram from Feldbergstrasse to Weil am Rhein Dreliänderbrücke.
4:33pm – Alight from the tram in Germany and explore the surroundings – there’s a mall and a large park.
4:45pm – Visit the Three Countries Bridge – see Germany to your left, Switzerland straight ahead and France to your right.
4:50pm – Stroll across the bridge to arrive in Hunningue, France.
5:40pm – Return to Germany for tram 8 from Weil am Rhein Grenze back to Basel Claraplatz – a 15-minute journey with the ticket included in the day pass. Do some food shopping at Migros and Aldi before continuing on the tram home – spent 18.65CHF (£17.30).
7pm – Arrive back at the apartment.
Total spend for the day is 35.75 CHF (£33.17), excluding the 18.65CHF spent on food shopping (£17.30).