Ep 11 Laax, Switzerland: Freestyle, Lifestyle & Greenstyle | Where to Next?

Some cities impress you.Zurich slows you down.In this Switzerland edition of Where to Next?, Sunila Patil is joined by Sandra Schmitter from Zurich Tourism at Hotel Opera, overlooking Lake Zurich. What follows is not just a travel guide, it’s an invitation to experience the rhythm of the city.They talk about:🏨 Where to stay? from classic elegance in Old Town to trendy Zurich West, boutique hideaways, lifestyle hotels, and even mountain-top views at Uetliberg. 🌊 Why staying near the lake changes your entire experience. 🚋 How Zurich’s seamless tram, train, and bus network makes exploring effortless with a Swiss Pass or Zurich Card. 🌆 The best sunset views,  from rooftop terraces to the highest building in the city.And then comes the food.From world-class vegetarian dining at Hiltl and Marktküche to fine vegetarian surprises at Neni, from legendary sausages at Sternen Grill to unforgettable pizzas at Piz, Zurich proves that it’s quietly one of Europe’s most exciting food cities.This episode isn’t about checking boxes.It’s about sitting by the water, tasting something new, and letting the city reveal itself.Because Zurich isn’t loud about its charm.It simply lets you discover it.

Mountains don’t just stand tall—they tell stories.In this episode of Where to Next?, Sunila Patil explores Mt. Titlis with local expert Sheila Hediger, uncovering layers beyond the postcard views. They talk about how Bollywood made this peak a dream for Indian travellers, why Titlis reinvents itself every year, and how a suspension bridge in the sky became Europe’s most thrilling walk.From the icy glow of glacier caves to the laughter around a Swiss lunch at the middle station, the mountain reveals a different mood at every stop. And for those who love quiet moments, Sheila shares the perfect timing to meet Titlis before the crowds arrive.This isn’t just a guide to a destination—it’s a conversation with a mountain.

Freestyle isn’t about tricks. It’s about freedom.In Episode 3 of Where to Next?, host Neil Patil sits down with Ivan Capaul, snowboard teacher and the heartbeat behind Freestyle Academy Laax, voted the best freestyle resort on the planet 10 times.Their conversation travels from Polynesian waves to 60s skate culture to modern snowboarding, showing how every freestyle sport speaks the same language: sideways stance, smooth transitions, and pure joy.Ivan breaks it down simply: • Adults can start at any age • Five days of lessons can change everything • Fear shrinks when you choose the right slope • Trampolines, airbags & skate parks make learning fun, not scaryLaax lives by three pillars- Freestyle, Lifestyle & Greenstyle, where pros train beside beginners, and families feel at home.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I too old to try snowboarding?”Ivan and Neil have the same answer:You’re exactly on time.

Think snowboarding is only for the fearless or the super-fit? Think again.In this episode of Where to Next?, our host Neil Patil sits down with professional snowboarder and entrepreneur Luca Baume for an honest, refreshing conversation about learning snowboarding as an adult. From choosing the right lessons and slopes to overcoming fear, respecting the mountain, and finding your own freestyle flow, Luca breaks it all down with real-world advice that’s especially relevant if you’re starting later in life.The episode also dives into the magic of night snowboarding under floodlights—a surreal, slightly intimidating experience that transforms the mountain and pushes you beyond self-doubt. What begins with hesitation slowly turns into confidence, excitement, and that unmistakable rush of trying something new.If you’ve ever stood at the top of a slope wondering, “Should I even try?”—this one’s for you. Snowboarding isn’t just a sport; it’s a mindset. And in this episode, Neil and Luca remind us that adventure doesn’t come with an age limit—just the courage to take that first run.

Where to Next? It is recorded on location in Laax, Switzerland, far from the usual studio setting. Host Neil is joined by Claude Bravi, Director and part of the Laax management team, to explore a destination that very few people in India truly know about.Laax sits in a scenic valley made up of three villages, Flims, Laax, and Falera, connected effortlessly by public transport, walking trails, and cycling paths. Located along the Rhine River and the iconic Glacier Express route, the region is easily accessible from Zurich or Milan, making it ideal for both short breaks and longer stays.We explore highlights like Lake Cauma (one of Switzerland’s most Instagrammable lakes), the Rhine Gorge (often called the Grand Canyon of Laax), and Sardona, a UNESCO World Heritage geological site revealing tectonic history millions of years old.Laax emerges as a year-round destination perfect to pair with busier Swiss cities like Lucerne or Interlaken, offering space, calm, adventure, and connection with nature.This is Switzerland beyond the obvious.A place you feel, not rush through.

What if your journey felt better than the destination? 🚆🇨🇭For the first time ever, Where to Next? leaves the studio behind and hops onto the world-famous Swiss trains where every window feels like a moving postcard and every ride feels like a luxury experience.In this special episode, Neil & Sunila take you through Switzerland the way it’s meant to be seen gliding past snow-dusted Alps, storybook towns, emerald lakes and engineering marvels that run with clockwork precision.From charming old cities to breathtaking alpine routes, this isn’t just a travel conversation it’s a journey in itself.And yes… this entire episode was filmed on board Switzerland’s iconic trains, making it one of the most scenic podcast episodes we’ve ever created.So sit back, press play, and let Switzerland roll by.🎧 Where to Next? by Veena World🌍 Travel. Explore. Celebrate Life.👉 Watch the full episode now on YouTube and experience why in Switzerland, even the commute becomes unforgettable.

Alaska isn’t a destination; it’s an experience that demands flexibility.One moment you’re panning for gold in Fairbanks, feeling like an explorer from the 1800s. Next, you’re soaking in Chena Hot Springs, watching the Northern Lights dance above you. You’ll ride trains past Denali, meet moose on hiking trails, fly over glaciers, and hear stories of husky dogs who once carried life-saving vaccines across frozen land.You’ll visit towns that only open in summer, discover that vegetables grow to giant sizes under 24-hour sunlight, and learn why this wild land was once called “Seward’s Folly.”From Anchorage, the gateway to Alaska, to Talkeetna, where community matters and legends live on, this episode is a reminder that some places don’t adapt to you… You adapt to them.Wild. Vast. Unforgettable.This is Alaska, told the Where to Next? way.Listen to the entire episode now!

The Ramayana has always lived in our stories, but what happens when you step into the places where it unfolded?In this deeply immersive episode of Where to Next?, Sunila takes us on the Ramayana Trail, a journey that moves across India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, where mythology quietly blends into geography, history, and everyday life.From Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, to Chitrakoot, Panchavati (Nashik), Hampi, Rameshwaram, and finally across the sea to Sri Lanka, this episode explores how an ancient epic continues to exist in real landscapes, temples you can enter, rivers that still flow, caves you can walk into, and cities that carry centuries of belief.Along the way, we uncover: • Why Nepal holds a key place in the Ramayana • How sacred architecture aligns with the movement of the sun • Places where exile, devotion, battle, and faith intersect • And why this trail isn’t just about religion, but about connection, culture, and continuityThis isn’t a lesson from a textbook. It’s a journey you can actually travel slowly, meaningfully, and with wonder.🎧 Listen to the full episode to experience the Ramayana beyond the pages.

Breakfast is never just a meal when you’re travelling, it’s culture, comfort, and sometimes the best story of the day.In this episode of Where to Next?, Sunila and Neil travel the world through morning plates from kaya toast and kopi in Singapore, to khachapuri shared with locals in Georgia, soulful ryokan breakfasts in Japan, and steaming bowls of pho in Vietnam.They debate when hotel breakfasts are worth waking up for, when stepping out leads to unforgettable discoveries, and why eggs and coffee somehow connect the entire world.If you’ve ever planned your day around your first meal, this episode is for you.

Ibiza is famously known as the global party capital, but Neil and Sunila explore if the island offers more than just sleepless nights. This episode examines how the destination functions as both an electric playground for new music and a serene Mediterranean escape.Beyond the vibrant day clubs and nightlife, the discussion reveals the "unknown" side of the island, where ancient forts and UNESCO World Heritage sites stand in stark contrast to the modern party scene. The hosts also unpack the diverse experiences available, from culinary delights like fresh Paella and farm-to-table dining to rejuvenating wellness practices like ice baths and sound healing.The episode also tackles essential travel questions, breaking down the reality of safety on the island, the feasibility of visiting with a toddler, and whether Ibiza truly works as a honeymoon destination. It is a complete look at an island that offers everything from adrenaline to zen.