Mini Europe in Brussels

Mini Europe is a popular family destination in Brussels. Located in the Heysel area of northern Brussels – Bruparck, Mini Europe houses over 300 doll-sized versions of the most famous European monuments including the Eiffel Tower and Acropolis. This classy village reproduces the distinctive cities and sites of Europe to a distance that can be comfortably walked in an hour or so.

Mini Europe has drawn over three million visitors since its opening. Here, you will fell overwhelmed by the world around you. You may stroll past the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben; keep an eye on the gondolas go sailing by in Venice and the drama of the dismantling of the Berlin Wall unfolding. Also found in Bruparck are a variety of themed restaurants, economical Brussels hotels and IMEX movie theater playing movies in English as well and Oceade, a tropically heated water park.

Mini Europe also incorporates the European Space of interactive multimedia games for children and a European Union information office. Although open daily, the park closes each year from January to March as new cities and monuments are put onto the mini map. It’s an ideal venue for your New Year Celebration with your family and friends.

What to do in Brussels

Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is one of the most underrated of Western Europe's capitals, due to lack of travel information about the country. The capital is the seat of the European Union and the Nato. Belgium is world known for its high quality chocolates and 400 different kinds of beer. It encompasses all that and a heritage that dots its skyline in the shape of beautiful architectural masterpieces. There is much more than that.

Just have a look what are the things you opt to do during your Brussels stay:

Ice skating

The city becomes a hub of skating in the winter. You can head to Marché aux Poissons near the Grand Place to experience one of the world's most picturesque ice skating rinks, set up for just a few weeks in December.

Golf

Among the many golf courses in and around Brussels, the 18-hole Royal Amicale Golf Club is a standout.

Cross-country

The hilly Ardennes in southeastern Belgium are the country's winter playground. Cross-country skiing is the main attraction.

Swimming

Brussels offers a dozen public pools for water nymphs and visitors who have overindulged in fine chocolate and need to lose a few kilos.

Indoor games

Fancy a game of tennis in Kim or Justine's home country? There are a range of indoor activities available in town, and not just for the pros, from gyms to courts set aside for squash and tennis.

Chess

If you are feeling more cerebral, you can head to Le Greenwich, an old world cafe known for its no-holds-barred chess tournaments.

Cycling

Cycling in Brussels is not for the faint-hearted, although there are some bike lanes around.

Jogging

There are excellent jogging routes through beautiful greenways such as Parc de Bruxelles and Parc du Cinquantenaire.

If you don’t feel like missing these activities, start packing now, coz you may find yourself in the queue wondering for the similar actions. Try and feel more comfortable after booking your hotel room in Brussels.

Delights of Brussels

The good thing about Brussels is that you can hop on a train to go to Antwerp and Ghent, which are much more fun and happening. Some of the must visit sites include Instrumental Music Museum, Grand Place, Atomium, flea markets, classical concert, parks and Cartoon Museum which are treat to watch.

Delicious seafood in restaurants, Cafes and bars make this city stirring and lively. Cafes and pubs are popular spots amongst the tourists where visitors like to go in the night. The capital city is world famous for its high quality chocolates and 400 different kinds of beer. You will find the forest almost on you doorstep. Designer shops and comic strips are other things that allure people to visit this vivacious city.

May to September is the best period for the travelers to visit Brussels. Although one can holiday at any time of the year as the mercury don’t go too high or dip too low. However, November and March witnessed a fall in number of tourists because of wretched weather and during this time hotels in Brussels are easily available in comparison to the summer season. So, don’t miss the chance to cheer fun filled excitement of Brussels.

Some facts about Brussels’ Airport

Brussels’ airport operated by Brussels International Airport Company – BIAC and is situated about 12 kilometers (8 miles) northeast of Brussels. The airport connects the country to more than 180 destinations all over the world.

SN Brussels Airlines is one of the two largest Belgian-based airlines, along with Virgin Express. SN Brussels Airlines serves 58 European, 13 African and several North American destinations, while Virgin Express operates flights to 16 destinations across Europe.

Facilities at the airport include post office and medical facilities, bank and bureaux de change, ATMs, bars, restaurants, shops, tourist information and car hire from Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National/Alamo and Sixt.

Business facilities include the Regus Skyport Corporate Meeting Center located on the fourth-floor ‘Promenade’ level. It also offers 10 small meeting rooms and secretarial services.

The Airport Line bus service, operated by MIVB/STIB runs three to four times per hour daily 0700-2000.

Travel tips on Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is here again and everyone wants to get out of their towns and houses. Some are looking for a long weekend while others are happy taking a one or two day break. But before you pack your bags and leave for that long awaited break, here is a checklist for those traveling by road. So, before you put your foot on accelerator, just check...

Your tires to make sure they're properly inflated and that the tread is ok for driving.

Your fluids like oil, antifreeze and coolant.

Don't neglect your wiper blades. Bad weather can be dangerous without a clear windshield.

Take an emergency kit stocked.

The busiest Thanksgiving travel days are Wednesday and Thursday, if it is possible leave before.

To keep your kids occupied, take some exciting games along.

If you are still to make your mind as where to go, here is a list of 10 top Thanksgiving destinations.

1. Aruba

2. Brussels

3. Kauai

4. Los Cabos

5. New York

6. Phoenix & Scottsdale

7. Plymouth

8. Transatlantic Cruise

9. Vail

10. Vieques

Destination list courtesy : shermanstravel.com

Cocoon - National Homes and Decoration Fair

The National Homes and Decoration Fair is an annual event that will commence on November 18 this year and will last till November 26. The fair takes place at the Brussels Expo. The event offers the ideal opportunity to discover the latest trends in interior decoration and to gain an insight into cutting-edge Belgian design.

A wide range of home and interior items are put in the fair that displays everything from Siematic kitchens to Nexpresso coffee machines, Philippe Hurel and Roche-Boboislinen sofas, Omron massaging armchairs, outsized American fridges and De Witte Lietaer fabrics, along with the latest gadgets that no self-respecting home-maker should be without.

The fair is divided into five zones - Modern, Classic, Nature & Exotic, Blue Cocoon and Home Essentials. All the zones provide specific home decoration items from around the world. It draws many buyers from the domestic market as well as from the overseas. The event also displays the latest equipments used in the day to day life. It is a must visit fair for those who has a passion for interior decoration and contemporary living.

The capital city of Belgium is recognized for its bustling shopping area, which boasts the most famous and trendy fashion names in the world. Brussels is mainly a city of businessmen and diplomats. It is also a head quarter of European Union and NATO. It is an interesting place for shopping and recreation that woos international tourists too. There are many hotels in Brussels that are ideally located in the center of the capital city enabling the travelers to commute easily from different corners of the city.

Eureka Fair in Brussels

Eureka is a fascinating science and technology fair which is held annually at the Brussels Expo. The three days fair will have effect from Nov. 25 to Nov. 27 that showcases the latest trends and innovations of the modern world.

The fair gathers approximately 800 participants from more than 30 countries and presents about 1,200 innovations and patented new inventions in different areas of science and technology. Some of the world's most renowned researchers, inventors and official bodies participate in this fair. Budding scientists and researchers that register applications for patents also make their presence feel.

The fair is a special source of information for the media world and the science reporters and editors cover the exclusive event with great attention emphasizing on the latest inventions.

The attractions of the show are - earthquake sensors for moving vehicles, an alarm system for deaf people and fragrant pictures, which provide a scent to the room in which they are hung.

Brussels-Eureka is looking to attract investors, manufacturers, distributors and sales professionals from Belgium and overseas, wanting to establish specific commercial and industrial relationships. The fair particularly aims at top research specialists, inventors, innovating companies, spin-offs, creators of new technologies, important associations of inventors and professionals in technology transfer, to provide the products of their research to the visitor.

It opens its doors for the domestic and international visitors facilitating everything for a perfect science and technology fair. Don’t miss the chance; it’s just for three days from 10 am to 6 pm local time. Brussels Hotels provide excellent accommodation facilities for the tourists coming to see the fair.