Hi! My husband & I have traveled to 7 countries in Europe just the two of us, but added a new member to our family earlier this year. We are planning a trip in mid-September and our baby will be 8 months old (yes, realize this is considered last minute, but we've already looked into flights and hotels and it's totally feasible). We're between Switzerland & Portugal--both places would be new to us. For those who have traveled with kids, what would your recommendation be? Will we find one country to be easier or more family friendly than the other?
Posted by
Portsmouth
5262 posts
I see no particular reason to favour one over the other but it depends on your plans. If your intention was to hike in Switzerland then that means carrying the child. If you're going to be using a pushchair (stroller) for much of the time then consider where you're going to be and the types of surfaces you'll be traversing (cobblestones vs flat concrete).
Your child will remember nothing and be interested in little so just focus on doing what you would do if it was just the two of you but with the addition of all the stuff that comes with an 8 month old!
If it was me, I'd opt for Portugal for the food and prices.
Posted by
New York, NY
1582 posts
ck1 - Switzerland is ideal for kids. The mountains, the lakes, alpine air, chocolate / cheese factories, cows with cowbells grazing in the meadows, scenic lake boat rides, cable cars and the high speed trains are what kids love to experience. Switzerland should be your destination with the kids. I am sure the kids will love to do a toboggan run up in the mountains. See links below,
Posted by
11156 posts
Since your child is s baby, I think Portugal would be easier for you than taking trains and hiking in Switzerland. The people in Portugal are so warm and kind too.
Posted by
Paris
6898 posts
Yes, with a baby I echo Portugal. It will be less awkward to eat out with a baby, too, as restaurants are typically more casual in Portugal.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Just because you’re in Switzerland doesn’t mean you have to “hike”...
You’ll find no place in all of Europe that’s as squeaky clean as Switzerland not to mention the lowest crime rate around. The scenery is drop dead amazing and the public transport will zip you around wherever you may want to go.
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
Portugal. The culture is just more family friendly, in my experience. You can be out and about with a baby at any time of day and be welcomed. The Swiss are a bit more formal and things are quieter. Not that you want a screaming baby in a restaurant anywhere, but normal baby stuff is easier to deal with in Portugal.
Plus the best things to do in Switzerland, in my opinion, are hiking and natural-outdoorsy stuff. That can be very fun with a child - you don't need to do serious hiking, simple nature walks are lovely - but harder with a pre-walking baby.
Posted by
Portsmouth
5262 posts
ck1 - Switzerland is ideal for kids. The mountains, the lakes, alpine air, chocolate / cheese factories, cows with cowbells grazing in the meadows, scenic lake boat rides, cable cars and the high speed trains are what kids love to experience. Switzerland should be your destination with the kids. I am sure the kids will love to do a toboggan run up in the mountains.
The child is an 8 month old baby! None of that will be of any relevance.
Posted by
7667 posts
Both countries are great places to visit.
You will likely spend twice the money per day in Switzerland than Portugal.
Since you have an infant, not sure that sites related to kids would be a factor.
Switzerland is very scenic with its Alpine visits and even in September, you can see a glacier. The Douro River Valley in northern Portugal is very scenic.