Hi First name / friend!

Mark Twains musings on travel make me laugh out loud. 

 

The joy of Fellow Tourists—armed with selfie sticks and speaking English loudly when it is so freaking obvious that their target DOES NOT SPEAK ENGLISH.   My sweet Dad did this on a trip to Paris, and I wanted to crawl under a rock.   But he needed a corkscrew.  And sometimes getting that bottle of wine open is a legit emergency.    

 

I don’t always like my fellow travelers—simple sightseeing turns into survival-of-the-most-patient.    This can also send Sam into orbit so I have to plan carefully. Cranky Sam can be a buzz kill on vacation.  

 

The question I always seem to be answering is  “where are there NO crowds??? ”   

My short answer:  Africa, Iceland, New Zealand,  and parts of Europe in late January.   Popular destinations are not getting any bigger, but the crowds are. 

 

For Europe, and not in the dead of winter, how about the very under appreciated and overlooked country of Belgium?

 

Don't think that by going here you are settling.   Quite the opposite. Belgium might be small, but it is overflowing with unique and historical towns, beautiful canals, beer, and lots of chocolate shops.

 🍫  Sure, a diet consisting solely of chocolate and beer isn't recommended long-term, but a couple of days won't kill you. When you’re exploring you’re  walking miles each day and getting plenty of fresh air. Enjoy.

 

P.S.  I am leaving on the 28th for a 2 week tour of safari lodges and some really fantastic hotels.  If you want to discuss a new trip, yay! Let's get a call on the schedule for the week of December 16th.  (Current clients know how to find me!) 

 

...with the charming canals winding through the heart of the city and the belfry of Bruges standing tall against a backdrop of medieval architecture. Belgium offers a blend of culture, history, and contemporary European life – without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of more popular European destinations. From the grandeur of the Grand Place in Brussels to artistic  Antwerp, the country's diverse attractions cater to every interest.

 

World-class museums like the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels and the In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres offer profound insights into the country's heritage for history buffs. Art lovers can explore the works of Flemish masters at the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent or discover contemporary creations in the galleries of Antwerp.

 

If you're on the hunt for picturesque towns, you'll find no shortage in Belgium. Wander through Bruges, explore the trendy shops and cafés of Leuven, or relax in the landscapes of the Ardennes. For foodies, a visit to Belgium isn't complete without eating all the  chocolates and drinking your way through its diverse beer selection.   

 

 

Summer (June to August) offers pleasant weather and long days, perfect for outdoor attractions and enjoying local festivals. However, this is also peak tourist season, so it may be busier than the quieter months.

 

Consider visiting in spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October). You'll enjoy smaller crowds and the beauty of blooming flowers or stunning autumn foliage.

 

Winter (November to March) can be cold and damp, but it's magical during the holiday season with Christmas markets and festive decorations. It's also an excellent time to experience Belgium's cozy cafés and hearty cuisine.

I was a DIYer for decades, and then once I started using an advisor I never wanted to plan my own trips ever again. Of course, then I opened up Travelera, so here I am back at the drawing board, (luckily I love it)  

 

Here are a few reasons why:

 

✅ Time-Saving & Peace Of Mind: I handle all of the planning and logistics, saving you time and stress in organizing your trip.  

 

✅ Exclusive Access:  Through the Virtuoso consortia and our preferred partners,  I have access to upgrades, experiences, and amenities that aren’t available to the general public.

 

✅ Personalized Service: I create tailored itineraries that match your preferences.  Vacations are expensive, let's make sure yours is great.

 

✅ In Destination Support: In case of emergencies or snafus, I offer reliable in country support and assistance.