Summer holiday in Belgium: the best tips for a great summer holiday close to home
A summer holiday in your own country is no longer a backup plan. It is a deliberate choice: no airport queues, no long journey. Just enjoying what Belgium has to offer, and that is quite a lot.
A summer holiday in a Belgian holiday home is a smart choice: short travel time, no flight stress, a rich range of beautiful homes and surprisingly varied nature and activities. The coast, the Ardennes and the Kempen each offer a completely different experience.
Why a summer holiday close to home?
Anyone who flies in summer knows what it feels like: hours of queuing, cramped seats and then the transfer from the airport. A Belgian holiday home you book for Friday morning, load the car and by late afternoon you are already sitting on the terrace. That is the biggest advantage of a holiday nearby.
The cost is also a strong argument. Two weeks in a good holiday home in the Ardennes or at the coast costs less than a week's flying holiday for a family of four. No flight tickets, no baggage fees.
And there is the freedom. In a holiday home you decide yourself when you eat, sleep and get up. You have your own kitchen, a garden or terrace and space for everyone.
Coast vs. Ardennes vs. Kempen: what do you choose?
The Belgian coast is the most classic choice for the summer holiday. Ostend, Knokke, De Panne, Blankenberge: each seaside town has its own character. The coast is ideal for families with young children: the beach is safe and most holiday homes are within walking distance of the sea.
The Ardennes offer more peace and nature. Vast forests, winding rivers, charming villages. For walkers, cyclists and families looking for adventure, the Ardennes summer is very enjoyable. The climate is a few degrees cooler than at the coast.
The Kempen is the least well known of the three but offers something very distinctive: vast heathlands, large pine forests and the friendliest prices of the three regions.
The most popular weeks: when is the best time to book?
The busiest weeks are the first two weeks of July and the whole of August. During these periods most holiday homes are already booked by January or February. If you want to travel during these times, start looking early.
The third week of June and the first week of September are gems. Children are still or just back from school, but most tourists have gone. Prices are lower, roads are quieter and nature is at its best.
If you are flexible about the region, you can still find a good deal even in August. The coast and the most popular Ardennes destinations are full, but in lesser-known villages you will still find quality homes with availability.
Activities for the whole family in summer
At the coast it speaks for itself: beach, sea, mini golf, cycling routes along the seafront. But the coastal towns also have a lot to offer with galleries, museums and day trips.
In the Ardennes the activities are full of adventure: kayaking on the Ourthe or the Lesse, mountain biking, climbing parks, quad biking. For calmer families the hidden waterfalls, historic castles and charming village markets are recommended.
The Kempen has the Hoge Kempen National Park, Bokrijk in Genk and the Zilvermeer in Mol. The region is ideal for cycling holidays: the junction route network is exceptional.
Practical tips: heat, insects and comfort in the holiday home
In a warm summer, the position of the holiday home matters more than you might think. Homes in the shade of trees stay noticeably cooler than open plots in direct sunlight. Ask the owner whether there is shade in the garden and whether the home has a fan or air conditioning.
Insects are an unavoidable part of a summer holiday in nature. In the Kempen and the Ardennes, mosquitoes and ticks are present. Bring insect repellent and check children every evening for ticks.
Your own garden or terrace makes a holiday much more comfortable in summer. When booking, ask whether there is garden furniture, whether a barbecue is available and whether there is an outdoor shower.
Take a spare blanket for the children just in case. Nights in the Ardennes can be cool even in July. And a rain jacket is always handy for a Belgian summer holiday.
Frequently asked questions
When are holiday homes in Belgium cheapest in summer?
The third week of June and the first two weeks of September are the cheapest periods in summer. Schools are on holiday but it is not yet peak season.
Coast or Ardennes: which is better for a summer family holiday?
Both are excellent. The coast wins on beach and safety for young children. The Ardennes win on adventure and nature for slightly older children.
How far in advance should you book a Belgian holiday home for summer?
For July and August: start your search in October or November of the previous year. For the quieter weeks in June and September you can wait a little longer, but booking before March is still advisable for the best choice.
Are there holiday homes in Belgium with a swimming pool?
Yes, particularly in the Ardennes and the Kempen. This is the absolute luxury item for a summer family holiday. Filter on 'pool' when searching and bear in mind these homes book up faster.