Arrival Checklist: Ypres

First Steps Upon Arrival

Immigration & Funds

Immigration & Customs:
Clear procedures at your entry point.
Local Currency:
Locate an ATM for cash or use pre-arranged currency.
Connectivity:
Acquire a local SIM card or activate international roaming.
Transport to Ypres:
Find transportation to your destination in Ypres.
Accommodation:
Head to your lodging to drop off luggage.

Orientation & Initial Purchases

Tourist Information:
Visit the office in the Cloth Hall for maps and brochures.
City Center Walk:
Walk around the Grote Markt and Menin Gate to get oriented.
Currency Exchange:
Use ATMs for the most favorable exchange rates.
Public Transport:
Purchase local public transport tickets if needed.
Initial Needs:
Buy any immediate necessities upon settling in.

Departure Preparation

Souvenir Acquisition

Purchase souvenirs well in advance of your departure. Avoid last-minute rushes.

Shipping Options

If shipping items, inquire about services at local post offices or specialized shipping companies.

VAT Refunds

Non-EU residents claim VAT refunds on purchases over €50.01. Look for "Tax Free Shopping" signs.

Departure Timing

Pre-Departure Timing

Allow ample time for travel to the airport or train station.
Factor in time if connecting via Brussels.
Account for VAT refund procedures if applicable.
Ensure a relaxed journey home.

Return Trip Finalization

Confirm your return flight or train details.
Ensure all required documents are easily accessible.
Pack according to airline luggage allowances.
Verify all valuables are packed or secured.

Beyond the Checklist

Reflect on Experiences

Consider your trip's impact.
Recall memorable moments.
Think about historical insights gained.
Personal growth from travel.

Share Your Journey

Prepare photos and stories.
Share insights with friends and family.
Post about your experiences responsibly online.
Inspire others to visit Ypres.

Future Travel Planning

Begin dreaming of your next destination.
Research new cultures and histories.
Consider different travel styles.
Ypres might call for a return visit.

Travel Insurance

Purchasing travel insurance such as from World Nomads protects you from unexpected events. It offers peace of mind.

Conclusion & Inspiration

Profound Experiences in Ypres

Historical Connections

Direct Engagement:
Ypres offers a deep historical connection to WWI.
Preserved Sites:
The city's meticulously preserved sites offer tangible history.
Unique Perspective:
This direct interaction with history brings an unique perspective.

Emotional Impact

Last Post Ceremony:
The daily ceremony at the Menin Gate is deeply moving.
Fosters Reflection:
It encourages thought on peace, sacrifice, and international solidarity.
Lasting Impression:
Visitors often depart with a lasting emotional impact.

Responsible Travel Pledge

Respect Sacred Sites

Treat all WWI memorials and cemeteries with the utmost respect and solemnity. Behave appropriately.

Support Local Business

Support local accommodations, restaurants, and shops.

Minimize Footprint

Minimize your environmental footprint. Use public transport, cycle, conserve water, and sort waste.

Next Destination Recommendations

Continued WWI Exploration

Visit the Somme battlefields in Northern France.
Explore other WWI sites in Belgium, like Dixmude.
The areas around Liege also hold significant WWI history.
Deepen your understanding of the Western Front.

Broader European Journeys

Connect easily by train to major cities like Paris.
Amsterdam offers a distinct cultural experience.
Luxembourg provides an unique blend of history and modernity.
Consider other accessible European destinations.

Return Visit Considerations

Specific Events

Consider returning for specific remembrance events.
Armistice Day on November 11th is a profound experience.
Commemorative services are held throughout the year.
These events gather many visitors for shared remembrance.

Seasonal Changes

Experience the changing landscape of the Salient in different seasons.
Spring brings wildflowers to the fields.
Autumn offers a different, often somber, beauty.
Winter visits offer quiet reflection amidst sparse landscapes.

Documenting Your Journey

For those interested in documenting their travels, Skillshare offers photography courses to capture memories.

Arrival Checklist