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How the best Belgian canal adventure started with a Negroni
For a long time, I asked myself a simple question as the founder of Beardbarian Belgian Tours: What kind of travel experiences do we actually want to be known for? In the travel industry, it’s easy to get caught in the volume trap; running back-to-back group tours, rushing between landmarks, and acting like a selective checklist is the same as a well-planned day. But true luxury travel isn't about doing more. It’s about alignment, pacing, and knowing when to change the plan.

Yves
Sep 45 min read


Why I love Antwerp (And why you should stop there between Amsterdam and Bruges)
Antwerp: The Hidden Gem Between Amsterdam and Brussels If you’re planning an Amsterdam to Brussels trip, Antwerp is the easiest cultural stop in Belgium. With direct trains, great museums, and zero detour stress, it’s a must-visit. Many travelers base themselves in Amsterdam and then “pop over” to Bruges for a day trip. On paper, it sounds romantic. In practice, it often means three hours driving there and three hours back. Sometimes even four. Don’t do it. There’s an often-o

Yves
Jul 76 min read


What people expect from a Trappist brewery tour in Belgium (and what they actually experience)
It's not always clear what you may expect from a trip - especially when something as legendary as Trappist monks are your passion. Explore how to best plan your Trappist-centered journey.

Yves
Jul 39 min read


The Ultimate VIP Belgian Beer Tour: A Day of Breweries, Barrels & Lifelong Connections
A summary of the first customer that booked a Belgian Brewery Trip with us, and the fond memories it brought me.

Yves
Jan 214 min read


Westmalle Castle with Kids: A Hidden Gem near Antwerp, Belgium
Belgium is a castle country - we’re talking nearly 3,000 castles scattered across the landscape. And yet, most families only ever see the “big names.” If you’re planning a Belgium castle trip and you want something that feels local, relaxed, and genuinely fun for kids, put Westmalle Castle on your shortlist. It’s one of those rare places that hits the sweet spot for a family vacation near Antwerp: easy to combine with other stops, interesting for adults, and (when exhibition

Yves
Jan 64 min read


A warning about AI in travel - and a proud partnership announcement!
A warning about AI in the travel community on social media - and how one of our partners chose to speak out against it.

Yves
Dec 23, 20253 min read


Family Adventure & Romantic getaways in Belgium: the Ardennes - Castles, Nature Trails, and WWII Wonders in La Roche-en-Ardenne
Time for a romantic getaway with the family - away from the big cities, shopping malls and highways. So we went to a little, unknown corner of Belgium known as the Ardennes. Haunting castles, nature trails and war ghosts. And good food!

Yves
Sep 26, 20256 min read


My wife's favorite Belgian city: Ghent
Hello, this is Yves' wife! Discover my favorite town in Belgium, and what I like doing there.

Katrien - the Beardbarian wife
Sep 26, 20252 min read


Belgian Christmas Markets: Where Festive Magic, History, and Taste Collide
Why your trip to the Belgian Christmas markets is gonna be the talk of your family parties!

Yves
Aug 30, 20255 min read


Discover the museum of Natural History in Brussels: Home to the World's Largest Dinosaur Room
Looking for unique activities in Belgium near Brussels ? Whether you’re a history buff, a family looking for fun things to do, or a...

Yves
Apr 1, 20254 min read


Castles in Belgium: part 1 - Beersel
Did you know that Belgium has the largest number of castles per square metre in the world? Belgium's castles are not just relics of the...

Yves
Mar 9, 20259 min read


Top five activities for your Belgium autumn trip.
5 ideas for when you come to Belgium in autumn!

Yves
Nov 10, 20243 min read


Autumn in Belgium - Witloof made "with love"
This salty, bittersweet dish will keep your family glued to the table!

Yves
Nov 10, 20243 min read


Beardbarian's recipe for Belgian Beer Stew "Stoofvlees"
The Beardbarian's very own recipe for this Belgian tradition dish: Stoofvlees. Also known as Belgian Beer Stew.

Yves
Oct 15, 20243 min read


Three gateway brews into Belgium's beer culture - Simon's pick for beginners (the third one might surprise you!)
Uncover which 3 Belgian Beers started Simon's journey into beer tasting. An inspiration for your visit?

Simon
Oct 15, 20243 min read


Three gateway brews into Belgium's beer culture - guide Andy speaks about Belgian beers
Three beers from Belgium that left an important impression on our tour guide Andy!

Andy
Sep 27, 20244 min read


What city to visit if you have only one day in Belgium? Bruges, Ghent or Brussels - Beardbarian's opinion
Are you coming to Belgium for a very short time? Here you have a quick overview of the most popular towns to visit.

Yves
Sep 17, 20247 min read
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