A boutique hotel has a luxurious, intimate atmosphere. Boutique hotels are small-sized and often do not belong to a hotel chain. They have a characterful individuality that you won't easily find in a regular hotel. Guest experience and personal service are key. In terms of size, boutique hotels are somewhere in between small and cosy bed and breakfasts and medium-sized hotels. They usually have between 10 and 100 rooms. This means more intimate, personal and more attention to you as a guest.
A hotel's number of stars is determined by the level of comfort, facilities and services provided. It does not include the quality and prices of food and beverages and facilities. Standards vary from country to country when assigning stars. We list each hotel's official hotel rating, as assigned by that country's government agencies. But because stars are not everything, we always include our own Caractère rating. So you know even better what to expect from your hotels.
Caractère is a tour operator. A tour operator is a company responsible for planning, creating and executing your trip. It is the one who books the tickets, hotels, transportation, destinations and even meals. We even arrange your guides, activities and everything you need to make your trip a success. So we can say that a tour operator offers the full package to its clients. We are involved in your holiday from the planning of your trip until you get back home and even afterwards. We work for you, before you leave, during your holiday and afterwards and you get the maximum benefit.
The main difference between a tour operator and a travel agent is that a tour operator is the one who is actually responsible for organising your trip from the very beginning until you get back home. A travel agent sells travel packages from tour operators. Tour operators have more responsibility over your trip because their job begins the moment you start preparing for your trip to the moment you return home safely from the trip. Nowadays, many people prefer to work directly with tour operators without the involvement of travel agents.
Of course, you can put together your own holiday. For some people, this is a hobby. Do you want more legal security and someone to be there for you 24/7 if things don't work out the way you hope? Then you better book your trip through a tour operator such as Caractère. European directives, legislation on commercial practices, the general travel conditions, the obligation to be licensed and the legally provided guarantees against financial insolvency protect you as a consumer against possible malpractice and bankruptcy. Moreover, our prices are generally lower than what you would pay when booking flights and accommodation directly, thanks to our "buying power". Booking everything yourself is therefore perfectly possible, but you are legally much weaker. In case of problems such as overbooking or a failing service of one of the parties you arrange something with, you have to go to a foreign court. So pop in with your ideas at Caractère and you will get the ideal combination between own ideas and legal security. We customise all trips.
The price you have been given upon booking your trip is the final price. This includes all obligatory services, subject to obvious material error. With many tour operators, the price may be revised upwards or downwards up to 21 calendar days prior to the date of departure, to the extent that the revision is due to a change in the exchange rates applied to the trip, transport and fuel costs and duties and taxes payable for certain services. This is not the case when you book your trip with Caractère. We guarantee that your price won't change again.
Belgian law requires tour operators to take out insurance against financial insolvency. This can be done by joining a guarantee fund or insurance company. Caractère chose the Travel Guarantee Fund for this purpose. Thanks to this insurance, you will be reimbursed for your trip or, if necessary, repatriated from abroad without cost if your tour operator goes bankrupt before or during your stay.
Check the Flanders website for this year's school holidays.
We definitely recommend both insurances!
Travel assistance insurance covering illness or accident of yourself or your family members or car breakdown is also useful if you already have health insurance. Belgian health insurance does not simply allow you to get free medical care in any hospital. Also bear in mind that the cost of care and the cost of an earlier or later return trip due to illness or accident can be high. If you travel regularly, you can also opt for an annual policy. We will be happy to give you more information about this. Please also check with your health insurance company for a form E111.
Unfortunately, it sometimes happens that you still cannot leave on a trip due to circumstances beyond your control. Cancellation insurance can fully compensate you if you have to cancel your trip due to unexpected circumstances. Make sure to ask us for more information about this.
A hotel has to be truly special to fit into Caractère's portfolio. In other words, the Caractère team has to have decided it is great before we add a hotel to our exclusive collection.
It's actually quite simple. You can search for destinations and experiences based on when you want to travel via start your trip. Or browse through the calendar under travel by month. Under destinations you will find all our destinations listed alphabetically. In the "search" field you can enter what you are looking for and we will give you suggestions. So you choose the way that appeals to you the most.
There are many travel itineraries on our website for your inspiration. They are examples of what you can do, rather than a rigid list of what to do. Of course, if you like what you see, you can copy them exactly. We customise every trip, including yours. So contact us by email or phone for your personalised trip.
For our travellers, we are always available in case of emergency. 24/7. You will always get someone from Caractère on the line to answer your questions and find solutions wherever needed.
We are happy to help you with any questions you may have. You choose the way you prefer to contact us. Fill out this form or give us a call at +32 (0)53 63 00 77.
You can also reach us on Facebook or Instagram. In any case, we are always at your service.
What is MyCaractère? Have you requested a quote from Caractère? Then your Caractère specialist will make a detailed proposal for you. You will find this travel design in your MyCaractère account. You will also receive all your documents by e-mail. In your e-mail you will find a link to MyCaractère. You can also create an account by clicking on the MyC icon at the top right of the website. Once created, you will find all your quotes and booked trips in your MyC.
Not everything is allowed on board the plane. Compressed gases (aerosols, oxygen bottles), explosives (including fireworks), flammable objects and liquids (including several boxes of matches, nail polish remover, gasoline, alcohol, ether...), mercury (thermometer), tear gas and several lighters per person are prohibited in the hold and cabin. Items that can be used as weapons are also prohibited.
There are also separate guidelines for carry-on baggage. You can find those on the website of the Flemish government.
Usually, for charter flights, one suitcase up to 15 kg and one piece of carry-on luggage is provided per paying passenger. For scheduled flights in economy class, 20 kg of luggage and one piece of carry-on luggage is usually allowed. Hand luggage dimensions are strictly regulated. In most cases, the hand luggage may not exceed 55x40x20cm, including wheels, handles and carrying systems.
The allowed weight and dimensions vary from airline to airline. We will be happy to give you more information on this.
If your baggage exceeds the allowed limits, the airline may charge you extra for it. Always carry your valuables in your hand baggage, as well as your identity card or passport, your travel documents and your medication.
Online check-in for flights with Brussels Airlines is possible from 24 hours to 4 hours before departure at the latest.
Go to the [Brussels Airlines] website (https://checkin.brusselsairlines.com/CI/WebForms/PaxByQuery.aspx?L=1/) and it's basically self-explanatory, just follow the steps and finally download or print your boarding pass. Your rervation number (PNR number) or E-ticket number is on your voucher found with your travel documents. You can also check in anyone traveling with you. Always be at the airport at least 2.5 hours before your flight departs. The correct departure times are listed on your ticket, which you can also check on the airport website one day before departure.
In most cases, you can check in online from 24 hours to 4 hours before departure at the latest. Go to your airline's website and it's basically self-explanatory, just follow the steps and eventually download or print your boarding pass. Your reservation number (PNR number) or E-ticket number is on your voucher found with your travel documents. You can also check in anyone traveling with you. Always be at the airport at least 2.5 hours before your flight departs. The correct departure times are listed on your ticket, which you can also check on the airport website one day before departure.
Sure! Because what could be more fun than flying to your destination and then exploring at your pace and rhythm with a rental car. We work together with Sunny Cars. This way we know for sure that you are travelling with a quality car and that you can count on excellent service. And at Caractère, all-inclusive car rental really is all-inclusive. You don't have to worry about unexpected costs.
If your flight is significantly delayed causing you to pick up your car later than planned, you should call Sunny Cars' emergency number. This emergency number is located at the top right in the green box on your car voucher which is part of your travel documents.
- It is important that the credit card you use is in the name of the main driver. The rental company uses this credit card to secure a deposit. Of course, it is helpful if you know your PIN as well.
- Check the minimum and maximum age for renting a car as this varies by destination.
- Check how long you need to have had your driving licence to rent a car, as this too varies from country to country. You can also find that information on the page above.
The local rental agent knows when you are flying and he will make sure that there is always someone there to help you when you arrive, so even if you land after office opening hours. During busy periods, most offices are open long anyway.
Returning your car outside office hours is usually not a problem either. You park your car in the designated spot and leave the key behind in a keybox provided for that purpose. Not sure what to do exactly? Give us a call at info@caractere.be and we will be happy to help you.