Hi everyone!

I will be in Geneva from September 2010 to August 2011 for my masters. Making good use of the opportunity, I will be coming with family a little earlier in September before classes begin and try and see Zurich, Bern, Loussane, and Geneva. Annecey is on the radar but not fitting the itinerary.

I wanted to know if Swiss Pass for trains is a good investment. Also, I want to know if it cover all local transports as well. Plus, can someone explain how the pass works? These seem to be of two kinds - valid for a number of days consecutively or valid for no. of days of actual travel within the maximum validity period. am I right?

Do trains between Zurich - Geneva, Geneva - Bern - Zurich have reservations or is it free seating. As in, get the pass validated and take the available seat. 

Further, on my trip from Zurich - Geneva, I will have a lot of luggage. Is there sufficient space in the compartments for large bags. Large as in really large, assuming international traveler coming for a year.

Answers and / or any other suggestions would be great.