Northern France and Belgium as holiday destinations

Northern France and Belgium are frequently passed by, people think of the sunnier South of France and destinations further afield but actually there is a lot in the North of France and Belgium that recommends it to the tourist and it has lots to offer with plenty of interesting cities and seaside resorts not to mention some very interesting gothic architecture. France and Belgium are very popular destination for a holiday, whether you want a short mid week break or just an opportunity to get away and savour the famous French lifestyle and culture. When couples think of a romantic getaway then they will usually have France in mind. The food in France is second to none as the French really do prize high quality haute cuisine.

There is also a fantastic choice of fantastic good quality wines, and depending on the area of France you go to there will be very many varieties to choose from of local wines and champagnes.The really common holiday choice locations in France are Paris and Calais, but there are many other quaint French towns just waiting to be discovered. We recommend a visit to Lille more than lovely charming Seaside Town Le Touquet.Shortlist a trip to a French City if you want to discover the culture and explore galleries museums and the arts. We strongly recommend that you plan your itinerary in advance so that you do not waste time during your break. A good tour operator is able to offer tips and pointers on the off peak savings rates, because big savings can be made by travelling off peak and during certain days of the week. From the UK you have a choice of travel by ferry or train and the only decision you need to make it if you want to take your car with you, which can be a very cheap way to get around, or travel on foot and relying on the excellent French transport.

We suggest you{booking in advance at least 2 weeks before you travel|making your travel reservations 14 days ahead of travel}in order to get the best rates. Additional discounts are offered when booking off peak journeys so avoid weekends a good travel agent can advice you on which are the cheapest fare options to go for. If you decide to without a car then you can go by ferry or the Eurostar. The Eurostar is ideal for people travelling from Central London in the UK.

Eurostar is also a popular option among business travellers who upgrade to first class and is an experience to behold with a first class lounge more than a little luxury during your trip making the Eurostar similar to a flight.Some people worry about taking the car and driving in France because in the UK you drive on the other side of the road, but in reality though it is very simple to adapt and the French roads are superbly signposted and well laid out and not subject to the traffic jams that we tend to see in the UK. Even first time driver's cope well with the rules and layout of French roads you just have to make sure that you comply with the local traffic regulations and apply things such as beam benders fitted to your lights , an emergency triangle, high visibility jackets for the driver and passengers and a first aid kit (please check current legislation and driving conditions for the region that you are going to as these are subject to change a new regulations may be added).

When it comes to staying in France there is a massive array of different hotels to choose from ranging from budget three star hotels and guesthouses to opulent four and five star hotels and converted chateau hotels. It's true to say that there is something for every budget and you are sure to find something that fits your needs. If a good tour operator will be able to advise you on the ideal location to stay in for certain attractions all the things that you are planning to do on your itinerary.There is nothing more frustrating than staying in a hotel that is miles away from any whether you want to be and having to travel to get anywhere interesting. It is also fair to say that in many cities there are areas that you would not wish to stay because the local nightlife, shall we say, is rather colourful. The wrong location can make the difference between a great relaxing break and a nightmare holiday.

Travelling to France should be trouble free and many people choose to book the hotel and travel elements separately themselves. This course of action may seem to save money but when one element is cancelled due to weather conditions, industrial action, or other problems beyond your control you are then stuck with having to make your own emergency arrangements to complete your break.

Booking direct is not as you might thinkalways the best option, a good tour operator is able to offer a competitive package deal on hotel and travel and through their block buying power are able to offer generous discounts. Plus if a single element of your travel plans were to fail the tour operator can re arrange this seamlessly giving you just one point of contact. If you chose a tour operator these items are booked together and the hassle is moved to the tour operator who can provide information on alternative options open to you, or make a refund in accordance with their refund policy.

About the Author

Andy Holiday is a travel writer and researcher providing coverage and exposure to sites like Short Paris breaks and Eurotunnel holidays. with a lot of travel experience who has stayed in most towns and hotels in Northern France.

Author (Entrypointarticles). Submitted on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 Time: 12:30 PM

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