ABD - Norway or Italy/Switzerland for family trip

[Canadian Frank]

Debating on which ABD to choose between Norway and Italy/Switzerland (Magical Alpine) for a July trip next year. Family of 4 with 2 daughters age 12 and 9. We like cooler temperature and one of my daughter has a tree nut allergy and not sure which trip would be better for her for the food. Which would you choose and why?

 

[RebelHawk]

I have a trip report in my signature file for Norway but can't speak for the Magical Alpine trip. There was a guest on our Norway trip that had severe food allergies. They printed out lists of all allergies and symptoms in English and Norwegian to present to all the dining locations. If I recall correctly they were able to be accommodate to their dietary restrictions in all locations with the exception of one of the smaller venues. They had zero complaints regarding the alternative dining options.

 

[chuff88]

I also can't speak to Italy/Switzerland but did the Norway trip in 2022 and it was fantastic. It's a pretty active trip and when we were there in July the weather was still on the cooler side. There was a good mix of activities, and we felt like we really got to experience the natural beauty of Norway. If you like museums, an extra day is Oslo is nice to visit the Munch museum, which is in walking distance of the hotel.

 

[JRM815]

I, too, can't speak to the Italy/Switzerland adventure but did Norway in 2023. We did an adults only in early June. The weather was perfect (cool, but not too cool) and early in the season the waterfalls were absolutely amazing with the melting snow from the higher elevations. Norway was a bit more active (and had more opportunities for optional hikes) than other ABD trips we had done. We also added an extra day in Oslo (and wished we could have stayed for more.) We got 1-day Oslo Pass cards to get free public transport (busses, trollies, etc.) and free or discounted entry to museums and such. We spent a good portion of the day at the Norwegian Folk Museum, Wigeland Museum, and Wigeland Park. And there were several other places in Oslo we wanted to see but didn't have time.

 

[TeeKo]

Norway.
My family has done both of these ABDs (five total) We each rank Norway near the top and definitely all have Italy/Switzerland at the bottom. The kids were 8 and 15 for Alpine, I think 10 and 17 for Norway.
Norway is just STUNNING and we prefer the cooler climate. The activities were varied and fun.
It was so hot on the Alpine trip and not all the hotels have A/C which made for some uncomfortable nights.
My family doesn’t have any food allergies so can’t speak to that.

 

[DepartureD]

Norway.
My family has done both of these ABDs (five total) We each rank Norway near the top and definitely all have Italy/Switzerland at the bottom. The kids were 8 and 15 for Alpine, I think 10 and 17 for Norway.
Norway is just STUNNING and we prefer the cooler climate. The activities were varied and fun.
It was so hot on the Alpine trip and not all the hotels have A/C which made for some uncomfortable nights.
My family doesn’t have any food allergies so can’t speak to that.

Hello TeeKo - thank you for your input. Curious about your other top trips that you rank higher than Italy/Switzerland. We have done Norway and are trying to plan the next...and it was almost Italy/Switzerland! Any further rankings/info on your trips would be appreciated.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Not specific to the trip, but a friend of mine took her family to Italy over the holidays. Her daughter has a tree nut allergy and she didn’t realize until she got there that most of the chocolate was not “safe” for her kid. Perhaps something to look into if your kids are anything like mine?

 

[Donalyn]

I'd pick Norway, just due to the heat. (But I haven't been on either trip.)

When we were on our first one (the main Italy trip), another family was on their 8th one. I asked the mom which was their favorite and she said Norway.

My oldest DD also has food allergies - ABD has been very accommodating.

 

[ajw28]

We went this summer and I believe the only hotel that didn't have ac was in Zermatt and it's much cooler there. It was quite hot in Italy.

 

[TeeKo]

Hello TeeKo - thank you for your input. Curious about your other top trips that you rank higher than Italy/Switzerland. We have done Norway and are trying to plan the next...and it was almost Italy/Switzerland! Any further rankings/info on your trips would be appreciated.

Our 1st ABD was Scotland, DS 7 and DD14. They are now 18 and 25… so, it’s been a minute. Germany when kids were 9 and 16. Costa Rica when kids were 10 and 18.
So I’m not sure how much the itineraries have changed since our ABD travels. That being said, Italy/Switzerland was a little less active for the kids. The zip line In Switzerland was nothing compared to Costa Rica. Although I have a precious picture of my son zipping in front of the Matterhorn that sits out to this day.
Scotland holds a special place as it was our first ABD and also the very first itinerary which I think all the old timers would agree was the best iteration!
Costa Rica was super fun for the kids, much more relaxed vibe. It’s shorter than the European ABDs and we did it over a spring break.

As the kids got older, we transitioned to Thomson family (Canadian Rockies) and then private guided travel (Ireland, back to Costa Rica and Scotland) This past Christmas break, we traveled with Backroads (Palm Springs, Joshua Tree) for the first time and loved that.