10 MustDos When In Brussels

At the hub of European politics - Brussels is the cosmopolitan
capital of bureaucracy. But when freed from the shackles of red
tape, this compact capital of Belgium is a fascinating fusion of
profound historical curiosity and contemporary living.

1. The Grand-Place Brussels\' central square is the focal point
of activity for locals and tourists alike. The heaving markets
are bursting with souvenir-seeking bargain hunters. Look out for
the town hall (Hotel de Ville), a magnificent example of 15th
century architecture.

2. Manneken Pis This sacred 17th century bronze statue of the
small boy urinating is a Brussels landmark. Several legends
exist as to the origins of this statue. One says it depicts a
young boy urinating on a burning charge destined to blow up the
city walls when under siege from a foreign army, thus saving the
city from invasion. Whatever the truth, he is undeniable cute
and has over 500 outfits, one for every occasion.

3. St Nicholas Church Constructed in the 11th century, this fine
example of medieval architecture is the oldest church in
Brussels. If you are lucky, you may even catch one of the
occasional services given in English.

4. Royales Galeries Sint-Hubert Europe\'s oldest glass arcade was
designed by JP Cluysenaer and built in 1847. Home to fashionable
boutiques and cool cafes, it was renovated and reopened in 2000.
The arcade is worth visiting if only to experience the
magnificent architecture.

5. Belgian Chocolate No visit to Brussels is complete without
experiencing the world famous Belgian chocolate. It has a
quality all of its own and is the obvious choice for gifts to
take back home.

6. Avenue Louise If you crave a shopping fix then the Avenue
Louise is the place to be. Designer shops aplenty provide ample
opportunity to flex your spending power. Popular purchases
include diamonds and antiques.

7. Waterzooi This local Belgian speciality is a kind of fish
stew and very popular with the locals. Other appetising native
dishes include mussels, waffles, and sweetbreads.

8. Pistes de Lancement If you are travelling with children, be
sure to catch this clown festival during March. The Saint-Gilles
region is awash with circus acts entertaining children and
adults alike.

9. Flower Carpet Throughout August, the Grand\' Place is
subjected to a sea of colour as thousands of flowers are laid
out in stunning patterns.

10. Christmas Market The festive period is a flurry of activity
as traditional Christmas stalls suddenly emerge. The
effervescent displays keep you entertained between purchases as
jugglers and musicians perform amongst the festive shoppers.

Summer Road Trip Tips

With summer right around the corner it\'ll soon be a great time to take a road trip. Here are some tips to make sure you and your vehicle are prepared for the journey.

• Before you hit the road, have your vehicle inspected. A basic inspection is not very expensive and will cover the brakes, tires, suspension, lights, cooling system, and other basic drive train components. Also, if you have an older vehicle, an air conditioner inspection is also a great idea. You don\'t want to be driving for hours in the summer with a full load of passengers without air conditioning.

• Check your tire pressure before you leave. Most tires require between 30-32psi. Don\'t forget to check the spare tire as well.

• If you packed anything on the roof of the vehicle, make sure the majority of the weight is concentrated in the middle of the roof.

• Don\'t pack anything heavy inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Heavy and sharp objects can become projectiles during an accident.

• Pack an emergency kit with you. A good emergency kit should include a flashlight, a first aid kit, jumper cables, gloves, rope, and tire inflator.

• Always bring extra water. Although you may be traveling on major roads, a flat tire or breakdown can occur miles from the nearest exit. Standing on the side of the highway in the hot afternoon sun can lead to dehydration. Having extra water will help.

• If you\'ve never changed a flat tire, perhaps you should try it in the comfort of your own driveway a few days before you head out on your trip. The instructions are in your owner\'s manual and it only takes a few minutes. Don\'t wait for an emergency to learn.

• While on the road, try to take a 15 minute break every 2 hours. This will keep you alert and fresh.

• Pack plenty of entertainment for children. Travel toys and games can help pass the time and reduce the chances of hearing \are we there yet?\ every 10 minutes.

• Whenever you travel make sure that everyone has proper identification and required documentation. This is especially important when traveling across state and national boarders.

A road trip can be a fun experience. Follow these tips to make sure it\'s a safe and enjoyable journey.

Peter Johnson is the chief writer for http://www.all-about-car-selection.com.