Why Belgium?
Although Belgium is one of the smallest countries in Europe, its pristine castles, world-renowned fashion scene, and exquisite food culture make it a top vacation destination for US travelers. Now that pandemic restrictions are coming to an end and the holiday season is just around the corner, here’s everything you need to know before booking a flight to Belgium.
Plan to Explore Belgium’s Cities
The biggest mistake the visitors make when vacationing in Belgium is only staying in the capital city of Brussels. While there is plenty to explore in Brussels for one trip, visitors would miss out on the ancient streets of Bruges, the museums and fashion shops in Antwerp, and the city river walks in Ghent. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, pack your hiking boots and head to the country’s most visited park, Hoge Kempen National Park.
Expect a Little Rain on your Parade
If you needed a reason to buy a cute raincoat, your trip to Belgium is the perfect excuse. Being so close to the North Sea, Belgium experiences frequent rain showers and heavy cloud cover throughout the year. But don’t let this rain on your parade! Belgium’s temperature rarely goes above 72°F, so it’s the perfect place to escape the heat.
Beer Me!
With over 300 unique breweries and more than 1,000 types of Belgian beer, Belgium is one of the beer capitals of the world. With distinct beer styles like pilsners, witbier, and Trappist ales, trying Belgian beers is often a highlight for most visitors. Arguably the best part about Belgian beer is getting to drink out old-fashioned Duvel glasses that add extra elegance to your drinking experience!
Not Fluent? Not a Problem!
Look, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t speak 2 or 3 languages like most Europeans. While the French might look down on us Americans, Belgians are known for being friendly and great English speakers. Since Belgium has three official languages, Dutch, German, and French, most Belgians are expecting visitors to speak a different language, and they’re prepared!
Plan to Relax on Sundays
Another common mistake Belgian visitors make is planning to shop and explore the cities on Sundays. With the majority of the population being Roman Catholic, most shops, grocery stores, and banks are closed on Sundays. While some activities are still available, make sure to plan ahead when creating your Sunday plans!
Always Carry Spare Change
There are few downsides to visiting Belgium, but one of the biggest is the lack of free public restrooms. Most public bathrooms require payment of around €0.50 and do not accept credit or debit cards. Therefore, it’s wise to always carry small bills and some change whenever you go out exploring!
Watch Your Pockets
Belgium is a safe country for residents and travelers. However, petty theft like bag-snatching and pickpocketing can be pretty common during the peak travel seasons, at popular tourist attractions, and in other crowded areas. Therefore, just make sure you are extra vigilant while walking around the city and keep your personal belongings in front and close to you.
