Travel to Belgium

The Benelux countries play a heavy role in European business, industry and commerce, with thousands of high-profile meetings and conferences going on throughout the year. Political issues such as eco-technology are also high on the agenda. Naturally, these meetings attract delegates from across the globe. Belgium and the Netherlands ooze with history and culture, and they are popular tourist, as well as business, destinations. Quite often the fields cross over. CEOs take informal trips to look for possible new company sites; delegates turn tiring conferences into relaxing stopovers. Thus meeting rooms have to cater for both recreational and business users. We at Holiday Inn Meetings BE do this admirably, never forgetting that along with an efficient conferencing service, our clients want the relaxation and comforts of a good hotel.

Every country has its own way of doing things, and both Belgium and the Netherlands run on restrained efficiency. This extends to dress codes, presentations and, of course, business meetings. We at Holiday Inn have 29 Benelux meetings hotels, and we respond to our clients' needs and wishes with the same efficiency with which they conduct their own affairs. At the same time, we never forget the needs of foreign visitors – with tourists arriving from countries across the globe, every week of the year, this isn't a problem.

So, what does a client in the Netherlands or Belgium expect from venues like us at Holiday Inn Meetings? In the Netherlands in particular, meetings can be lengthy, drawn-out affairs. The meeting room is a forum for debate, and everyone is expected to contribute and be listened to. Although there will be a chairperson, the aim is a common unity and an agreed approach to solving a problem. Once this point is reached, things move very fast indeed. As you can imagine, constant replenishment of refreshments and stationery items is a necessity, as is overnight accommodation and a swift checkout system. An allocated PR who knows the hotel and area like the back of their hand is a definite bonus.

We at Holiday Inns BE provide all this and more, with our dedicated Meetings Host and repeat booking services ensuring that even the most complex meetings run smoothly and efficiently. One thing that works in our favour is the civilised way in which Dutch meetings are conducted, with established protocols of behaviour and abhorrence of underhand tactics like pre-meeting lobbying and hidden agendas.

In Belgium, each area has its own unique culture. Some areas are Dutch influenced, some German influenced and so on. However, when it comes to meetings, some factors are common to all. The Belgians have strong rules on etiquette, for example, and while meetings can be open and friendly, things like putting your elbows on the table, removing your jacket and unpunctuality are considered bad manners. We at Holiday Inn Meetings BE have a range of business hotels across Belgium and the Netherlands, from large cities like Brussels and Amsterdam, to charmingly historic towns like Moerdijk. All these areas attract tourism as well as international business traffic, making Benelux meetings very much cosmopolitan affairs.

Each year Belgium opens its doors to hundreds of thousands of visitors. The majority of them head straight to the capital, Brussels, but to experience the real Belgium your trip simply has to include a visit to Bruges. The city of Bruges is just an hour away from its big sister by train and is hailed as the Venice of the north, but that's not all it has to offer as the city opens up a whole new world beyond the popular Brussels and into the real heart of Belgium.

Bruges is a picturesque traditional town filled with great architecture, beautiful canals and plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you well fed and entertained. Some of the best places to see in Bruges can be found by simply taking a stroll through the cobbled streets of the centre. Here you can gaze at the historical buildings and spend some time sitting beside the beautiful canals simply watching the world go by.

If you're looking for some great attractions to visit for the day head for the Museum Gallery XPO which houses some of Salvador Dali's most spectacular paintings. You can spend an afternoon wandering around the space enjoying some of Dali's best work including some of his famous sculptures and graphic art pieces. If history is more your thing a day tour to Flanders fields museum will give you a real insight into the city's involvement in World War 1. Once you've had your fill of art and history check out some of the stunning locations used in the blockbuster film, ‘In Bruges', starring Colin Farrell and Ralph Fiennes, a must for any film buffs.

If you're after great views of the city then take a hike up the steps of the Belfort medieval tower where you can see the whole town in all its glory. There are also plenty of hot air balloon rides available so you can get a bird's eye view of the surrounding countryside. After a day of sightseeing head to the area of Kraanplein or Langestraat which both offer up some great bars and clubs so you can dance the night away till your heart's content.

You can find plenty of accommodation in Bruges that will suit all budgets and tastes and with travel to Bruges simply an hour's train ride from Brussels, there really is no excuse not to pay this beautiful city a visit. So, if you want to experience the real Belgium stay away from the traditional tourist visits to the capital and head for the unique town of Bruges where you can sample some of Belgium's beauty and hospitality in stunning surroundings.

Belgium is something special. To start with, its multilingual and multicultural people speak in three official languages: French, German and Flemish. English is its 4th unofficial language. Finding this country is no rocket science. It is welcomingly found between Holland and France. Belgium has the cream of what Europe can give. Belgians are known for their beer expertise. The country prides in itself with the 450 types of beers it produces. This is rather unknown to most but Europe's finest chocolate is found here. Now that is something special.
 

Car Hire Belgium

Touring around the country will have you see for yourself why Belgium's old-world charm is renowned for its chocolates, beers and diamonds. Car hire is the most convenient way to tour around the country. Tourists will have to stop over many places as the country's best could be anywhere. Riding a hired car makes for a perfect travel down the roads of Belgium.

Moving at your own pace and at your own chosen routes with the help of a road map, you will sense the freedom that eludes other tourists. When on a hired car, dull moments are left at home.

The 60Km Stretch

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Although not known for world class surfing, its surfing community is as lively as one could be. The country has a 60km long beach. The wind, rain and beer will surely get you on surfing mode. You will not be going their for a walk. Walking down the whole 60km stretch in search of the best waves is rather out of the question. Surfers go there to surf not to walk the whole time.

In Search Of The Point Break

Hiring a car will take you to where the biggest waves are at in no time. Do yourself a favor. Do not sweat the small stuff. Ride the waves. Ride along the Belgian coast with car hire and find the perfect point break.

Brussels is located in the center of Belgium, and acts as the country's capital. Some people refer to the city of Brussels as a municipality known as the Brussels-Capital Region. The Brussels-Capital region is the home to over 1 million people, and if you extend this to include the metropolitan area the population increases to just around 2 million people. All of these people make the Brussels-Capital Region the most highly populated in the country. In addition, all of these people go a long way in ensuring that Brussels will always be the financial and political center of the country. The main seat of the European Union is also occupied by Brussels. As you can see, Brussels is a very important region throughout Europe.

There is a language border that more or less separates the country of Belgium into two entities. The northern part of Belgium is Dutch speaking, where as the southern half is French speaking. There are parts of both sides that speak both languages, and the city of Brussels is the same way. Brussels is a bilingual city which allows for a more diverse culture and the ease of entry for a larger group of people.

If you are planning a trip to Brussels there are several attractions that you will not want to miss. In fact, there are so many things to see that you will want to plan your trip out very carefully. One of the most popular attractions in Brussels is the Grand-Place. This is thought to be one of the most breathtaking squares in the world. It is surrounded by old buildings such as the Hotel de Ville. Another top tourist destination in Brussels is the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. If you are in Brussels to soak up the culture this is a must see. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is the best collection of art in Belgium, and thousands of people from all over travel to the museum on a yearly basis.

When it comes to the climate, Brussels is rather steady throughout the year. Temperatures reach their high during the month of July when they top out at an average of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter months the temperatures in Brussels usually dip down into the low 40s. This makes for a very consistent temperature year round. If you live in Brussels you never have to deal with extreme heat, or a lot of cold weather. As far as precipitation is concerned, Brussels usually averages between two and three inches a month; it can snow, but it is not a common occurrence or worry.

Transportation in Brussels includes several major train stations that connect Brussels to other large cities in the UK. In addition the Brussels National Airport makes it easy to fly in and out of the area. Overall, traveling to Brussels will allow you to see a diverse culture. There are many popular tourist attractions in the area, and a transportation system that is top notch. If you have never visited Brussels you may want to put it on your short list.

There is a Mound of Lion beside the old battlefield in Waterloo which is a small town of Belgium close to France. In fact, the Mound of Lion is a large grave which has lots of soldiers buried in. All these soldiers died in the Waterloo battle. The mound is covered with grass, and there is an iron lion on the top, which was made in 1826 to commemorate the victory of allied armies defeating the French army. Typical European plain surrounds it. Everything is peaceful with dazzled sunshine and fresh air, only the iron lion watching France in the south as a guard. Who can think of that there was a bloody battle happened here before more than one hundred years? There is statue of Napoleon standing on the ground opposite to the Mound Lion. The Napoleon statue is very thin and short with an anxious face and a sword which looks like a crutch. A dead tree is near by it.

After that, we went to the Brussels; the capital of Belgium. We visited the Independent Gate first. After taking some photos, we arrived at the military museum. There were many types of real equipment in the museum, which are better than those in the French museum. Things such as guns, cannons and tanks, even the fighter plane and the coastguard vessel were all put in the museum. That is amazing.

There was a “Home of the King” built opposite to the city government. It was built to be the temporary palace for French king Louis XIV. It is a museum now and used to display the clothes of Juliaant, the little hero of Belgium. Beside this museum, there were the Chinese temple and the Japanese tower which were built in Paris Exposition. Every country had built a building with characteristics in the Paris Exposition. China and Japan did it too. When the king of Belgium visited the exposition, he was attracted by the Chinese temple and the Japanese tower. So he bought these two buildings, dismantled and delivered them to his garden, then built them up again.

The heartbeat of Europe, the country Belgium attracts numerous travelers every year .Country where three official languages are spoken ,has a glorious past, fine art, foodstuff and structural designs at every nook and corner, when it is compared to the countries in its vicinity.

Snuggled between the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France, Belgium covers approximately 30,527 square kilometres and is a dwelling to almost 10 lakh people. Extended from the charming and pleasing Ardennes area in the south to the desolate North Sea shoreline in the North, it is crisscrossed lengthily by a set of canals.

Belgium became an integral part of the Frankish empire in the year 1100 and had the benefit of a Golden Age at some stage in the 14th century under the governance of the French Duke of Burgundy. This was a golden period and a time of immense riches and creativity when the town of Antwerp became the supreme port in Europe. The country was attacked two times by Germany, firstly in in 1914 and then another time in 1940. Belgium's populace is separated between Flemish speakers that comprises almost 60% and French speakers who are almost 40%.

The  Belgians are accredited with inventing oil painting and the master pieces of such artists as Van Eyck, Brueghel and Rubens are well known all over the world. The nation is in addition celebrated for such miscellaneous activities as making best chocolate and lace-making, beer and comic strips. Herge, the originator of the distinguished comic strip Tintin, was Belgian. The capital city of the country, Brussels, is the capital of the European Union too. It has Europe's most gorgeous and fine-looking central square, the Grand Place. The most excellent restaurants in the country can be found on the Rue des Bouchers, which is just a short distance from the Grand Place. At this particular place you can taste lobster, crab and mussels washed down with outstanding Belgian beer.

The town of Bruges is Europe's most conserved middle aged city. It has two medieval centers and some of the most beautiful and commendable art collections in the  country. Antwerp is a must visit place to gulp in its air of discolored magnificence and its vivacious cafés and bars. Take pleasure in a walk in the gorgeous Ardennes area of deep valleys and high forests. Let the strength of this most European of countries pierce your soul and etch some lifetime memories.

If you ask any cultivated tourist to make a top 5 list of European destinations that he or she would recommend, Belgium will definitely be on that list. It is one of Europe's smallest yet most impressive countries, a cradle of architecture, history and art.

Being encompassed by Germany, Luxembourg, France and the Netherlands, Belgium can be seen as a true European heart. Belgium spreads over a surface of 30518 square kilometers while being called home by over 10 million people. It is also a country that takes full advantage of its varied physical geography, from the scenic mountainous region of Ardennes in the south to the breezy coastline of the North Sea. There are numerous attractions that you might want to see while visiting Belgium and it will take you quite a while to perform this task. However, if you are short on time, there are certain destinations that will help you understand this one-of-a-kind country.

The Ardennes are one of Belgium's most wonderful areas mostly due to their genuine wilderness and rich diversity of fauna and flora. You will surely be left amazed at the sight of vast forest covered hills crossed by crystal clear rivers and unlimited villages nestled by wide valleys. In this villages you will find, notably enough, that folklore and traditions are still effectively encompassed within people. It is also the place where voyagers may become accustomed to some of this region's most unique arts and crafts.

If you plan to visit the Ardennes you might want to take that trip during springtime. It is the optimum season to take pleasure in the numerous sports and attractions offered here. Those interested in walking, mountain biking, fishing, climbing or even horse riding will have many choices to choose from. Winter sports fans will also feel like home in the Ardennes. Cross country skiing or snow racing are just some of the activities that make the Ardennes such a pleasant paradise during the winter. Speaking of fun, visiting some of the caves in this area might be exceptionally interesting and worthwhile.

Belgium is renowned for its long and rich history, so if you are looking for some of the best conserved castles and citadels in Europe, this is the right place to be. Smart people, the Belgian are surely aware of the important role of these silent beholders of the past. Numerous special events held within these walls try to recreate as authentic as possible the dark times of the Middle Ages. Situated in a fascinating valley in Ardennes, the town of Spa is certainly the world's most acclaimed site of healing hot springs. The town has a very long history, dating since the Roman Empire, when it was known under the name of Aquae Spadanae. The town of Spa is so renowned that it has inherently became an eponymous for any source of hot mineral springs. Today, any place that benefits from a natural water source is known under the name of "spa".

Motorsports fans are also quite intrigued in Spa as it annually holds the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix, on the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps which is one of the most difficult, yet beautiful circuit in Formula One. Rain is almost a must during the Formula One weekend each year so the thousands of racing fans will most likely be treated with probably the best race of the entire Formula One season.