Travel Guides

From the fairy-tale canals of Bruges to the majestic Grand Place of Brussels to the trendy shopping areas of Antwerp, a trip to Belgium is a blend of historical splendor and modern vibrancy. Beyond historical towns and cities, the picturesque Ardennes region—with its lush forests and scenic valleys—provides a perfect playground for adventure and nature lovers. At the same time, Waterloo and Ypres attract history buffs. Belgium is a small country with an excellent public transportation network, so traveling around is quick and easy. Here’s our list of the best places to visit in Belgium.

As the weather turns colder with occasional snowfall, a trip to Belgium in December prepares to welcome winter and Christmas holidays. Stroll through Plaisirs d'Hiver in Brussels, with its mesmerizing light shows and more than 250 wooden chalets offering different kinds of traditional products, from handmade crafts to delicious local foods. Take the Bruges tour to see its medieval castles that become even more beautiful under twinkling holiday lights and delicate snowflakes. Head to the Ardennes region, which boasts some of the best ski resorts in the country. And if it gets too cold outside, you can always take museum and art gallery tours or warm up with a cup of Belgium’s famous hot chocolate in a cozy cafe.

Why fall in love with just one European country when you can experience multiple continental gems over 2 weeks in Europe? With its world-class transport systems, blink and you’re in a completely new country with an endless supply of rich history, culture, art, and architecture. Travel to tourist hotspots, or veer away from the typical and uncover some lesser-known regions; a two-week period allows you to explore the highlights of a handful of European countries on your 2-week trip to Europe.

If you are planning a Belgium trip on a budget, plan your vacation for the month of February. Although you will be traveling during the winter month with not so good weather conditions, you can still see a lot in Belgium in February. Just remember to keep your itinerary flexible. When it is cold and damp outside, you can explore museums and art galleries or indulge in Belgian chocolate and beer in cozy cafes and restaurants. On clear days, go sightseeing in cities like Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, and Ghent. And if you are into skiing or any other form of snow sports, head to the Ardennes region.

Go on an elephant trek in Thailand’s northern hills, explore the haunting ruins of the lost city of Ayutthaya, or try scuba diving on one of the many islands around the mainland. Get inspired by the golden Buddhas and serene temples that dot the landscape and indulge in pad Thai and delicate curries. That’s just a tiny sample of unique things to do in Thailand. Beyond Bangkok's towering skyscrapers and hyperactive street markets lies a fascinating country still tuned in to the centuries-old Theravada Buddhist culture and a gentler rhythm of life on your trip to Thailand.

November in Belgium marks the transition month from autumn to winter, offering the opportunity to witness the country’s landscapes adorned with delicate frost and perhaps even catch the first snow flurries in the Ardennes region. The month is cold and wet—a quiet month for tourism—but you can still explore the historical and cultural cities like Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent. If you are planning a trip to Belgium, consider the serene beauty of this season. When it is raining outside, occupy yourself with museum and art gallery tours, or cozying up in cafes. And when the sun’s out, head outside to explore historical streets and squares. As tourist crowds are thin in Belgium in November, you can enjoy the sites and attractions at a relaxed pace.

Belgium in October is truly a sight to behold. The countryside transforms into a picture-perfect landscape with autumn foliage. With cool temperatures and far fewer tourists than during the peak summer months, this is the perfect time to explore medieval castles in Bruges, historical and cultural sites in Brussels, and trendy shopping streets of Antwerp. Nature lovers will particularly enjoy the Ardennes forest area, which turns even more beautiful in fall colors. Read on to find more about planning a tour to Belgium in October.

Tucked away in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a popular tropical destination famed for its stunning white sand beaches and clear aqua-tinged water. While this paradise archipelago enjoys warm weather year-round, some months are wetter than others. August lands in the middle of the southwest monsoon (May to November), so you can expect above-average rainfall this month. But don’t cancel your trip to the Maldives just yet: a Maldivian monsoon might have a few showers, but also fewer crowds and other bonuses.

March marks the start of spring in Belgium, a season of growth and renewal across the country. While temperatures may still be cool, the longer daylight hours and first blossoms of the year bring a palpable sense of excitement. It's an excellent time to visit, with the famous Carnival of Binche in the Wallonia region, spring wildflowers carpeting the forests, and smaller crowds in cities like Antwerp. Whether you're drawn to Belgian culture and cuisine or just the chance to welcome the new season, March offers a rewarding time to plan a trip to Belgium and experience the country as it sheds its winter coat.

If you’re planning a trip to Belgium, you need to consider more than just the capital, Brussels. From the beautiful beaches of Ostend to the quaint churches of Ghent to the breweries and architecture of Bruges to the wild forests of the Ardennes, Belgium is full of beautiful sites and destinations. Whether you love hopping between museums, cycling along canals, or taking to the open waters on a sailboat, this Belgium travel guide is designed to help you plan a perfect holiday.

The Azores region of Portugal, composed of nine islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, has a mild climate year-round thanks to its unique position in the Gulf Stream. As one of the few sub-tropical destinations in Europe, the Azores are the perfect travel choice for both winter and summer: an escape from the cold during the European winter, a sunny destination in summer, and a quick island holiday on a trip to Portugal. However, the very best time to visit the Azores and escape the crowds is from April to June and in September. No matter when you take a trip to the Azores, listen to the locals. They like to say that, in the Azores, you can experience four seasons in a day; there’s always a place where the sun is shining on the island and one where it’s raining, so be prepared for anything!

Imagine sleeping in an igloo under the Northern Lights or kayaking around Finnish Lakeland. Finland is a fabulous fusion of wild and rugged beauty, cool, contemporary design, and sleek Scandinavian elegance with something for everyone. From hiking through the wilds of Urho Kekkonen National Park and exploring the design-centric capital of Helsinki to lazing in a traditional wood sauna and picking cloudberries in Rauna, you’ll find plenty of amazing things to do in this Nordic country. Whether you’re an outdoor lover or a history buff, a trip to Finland won’t disappoint.

As the start of a new year, January is the perfect opportunity to embark on fresh adventures and explore the world’s most captivating destinations. Hike the rain forests of Costa Rica, float over the Serengeti in Tanzania, hit the slopes in Switzerland, or go dog-sledding across Greenland beneath the Northern Lights—January boasts a smorgasbord of travel delights. While the Northern Hemisphere countries are deep in the heart of winter, Southeast Asia and Africa are basking under the summer sun; whether you want to escape the chills or double down on winter, there are multiple destinations to suit your needs.We’ve hand-picked the best places to visit in January for the perfect mix of pleasant weather, vibrant festivities, manageable crowds, and incredible things to do. From the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the sunbaked deserts of Namibia, here are our 10 best places to visit in January.

Whether you are eager to marvel at the Northern Lights in Lapland, explore the vibrant design district in Helsinki, or relax in the serene beauty of the Lakeland region, there are countless enchanting places to visit in Finland. With so many things to see and do, deciding where to visit can be difficult for those taking a trip to Finland for the very first time. So we have prepared this definitive list of top places to visit in Finland.

Located in the south of Portugal, the Algarve region’s jaw-dropping scenery, sandy beaches, and Mediterranean climate keeps visitors flocking year-round. Although best accessed via direct flights to its main hub in the city of Faro, travelers can easily reach the Algarve and its many cities via land transportation from all over Portugal as well as Spain. A popular starting point to get to the Algarve is Lisbon. From Lisbon, Faro is approximately 280 kilometers by road.Below we have broken down the four major ways to get to Algarve from Lisbon and offer in-depth information for each. We hope it will come in handy on your trip to Portugal.