Bruges holds a very special place in my heart because it was the very first time I threw caution to the wind and let it carry me where it wanted. As a young backpacker exploring Brussels, I ran into a couple vivacious fellow backpackers at my hostel – Juan Carlos, Rafael, and Brenda – who had also run into each other and started exploring Belgium together. They were going to Bruges the next day and I decided to ditch my own travel plans and explore this new city together with them.
Those were some of the best memories I’ve had as we meandered through those charming lanes, strolled across bridges, hopped a small ferry ride through town, and gorged on as much food as we could. Over 14+ years later, I’m still friends with Brenda and Juan Carlos, and I am itching to return to Belgium. Not just to revisit Bruges but also explore other cities within this unique region of the country… Flanders.
About the Hi Belgium Pass and Brussels Airlines
Perfect for those based in Scandinavia, now you can go on a wallet-friendly weekend trip to Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Leuven, Mechelen and other charming towns in Flanders – the Dutch-speaking northern portion of Belgium – with a new type of airline package with partnership with Brussels Airlines.
Brussels Airlines has launched a new type of ticket called “Hi Belgium Pass“. The ticket costs only 149 EUR and includes airline tickets from major Scandinavian cities to Brussels, unlimited train services throughout Belgium and entry to numerous tourist attractions and museums in two optional cities (the passenger decides which ones) as well as guided tours, bicycle rental and more.
The Hi Belgium Pass makes it even more convenient to explore multiple cities on the same trip, due to the short distance and great railway connections between the cities.The price applies to Check & Go flights, which includes 12 kg of luggage and a smaller one handbag. The ticket type can be purchased 3-16 weeks before departure and is valid for arrival on Thursday, Friday or Saturday and departure Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. You can be away for a maximum of six days.
If this isn’t an amazing deal, then I don’t know what is!
So much so that we at NordicTB have partnered with Visit Flanders and Brussels Airlines to give away free trips to Flanders as part of our #ShortbreakInFlanders campaign!
How to Win
Here’s what you get:
- You will win two (2) Hi Belgium Passes which includes round-trip airfare for you and a friend!
- You will win two (2) nights in double or twin room in Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Leuven or Mechelen including breakfast
- You will win unlimited train rides and activity vouchers in two (2) cities you choose.
- You will need to travel in 2017. Please note that dates are subject to availability.
- Your departure cities are: Oslo, Stockholm, Billund and Copenhagen. So ideally, you need to be based in or close to these cities.
- The competition ends on September 10 and the winner will be contacted directly and announced here as well.
Are you ready to visit Flanders?
Step 1 – Visit this link over on Brussels Airlines which lists a ton of activities and cool things to do in several cities in Flanders.
Step 2 – Go over to the contest announcement on my Facebook page and tell me which two (2) cities you would like to visit on your HI Belgium Pass and one activity you would like to do from the list in the above link.
Step 3 – Tag the person you’ll like to travel with/share your second ticket/pass with!
That’s it! Contest ends on September 10! – CLOSED. Winner announced on FB.
I’m offering this free trip for two in collaboration with NordicTB and in partnership with Visit Flanders and Brussels Airlines as part of our ongoing #ShortbreakInFlanders campaign!