Flanders unlocked: a family's story of travel, inclusion and purpose

written by Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad (Accessible Travel NYC)

Visitors admire the panels ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ at the visitor centre of St. Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent.

At VISITFLANDERS, we were delighted to welcome Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad and her family to Flanders. With her inspiring mission to make tourism more accessible and inclusive for everyone, she is making a meaningful impact in New York City through her organization: Accessible Travel NYC.

To share our own commitment to accessibility, we invited Lakshmee, her mother, husband, two children, two aunts and her sister Annie - who is a wheelchair user -, for a week-long journey to discover the beauty of Flanders. How did they experience their time here? And what are Lakshmee’s insights about accessibility and inclusivity?

“Flanders gave my family and me the gift of our first-ever vacation together - an experience that was once just a dream. From acclaimed art and preserved history to nature and culinary surprises, every moment was thoughtfully accessible and deeply memorable. This was more than a trip; it was a celebration of connection, belonging, and joy for our family of eight. Everyone we encountered was thoughtful and mindful, making our experience truly welcoming and inclusive.”

Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad (Accessible Travel NYC)

(c)Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad

Antwerp’s accessible and meaningful gems

A day with the Flemish Masters in KMSKA

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) was a treasure trove of inspiration. Housing seven centuries of art, including the world’s largest collection of James Ensor and breathtaking works by Flemish Primitives like Jan van Eyck, the museum offered something for everyone. Our guide, Katrijn, brought the experience to life, energizing us despite our jetlag with games and thought-provoking questions about our interpretations of the art. She unveiled hidden areas of the newly expanded museum, making the experience feel uniquely ours. Each family member found a personal connection, whether through Ensor’s bold strokes, Rubens’ grand, dramatic canvases, or simply soaking in the beauty of the moment.

The imposing facade of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp.

Karin Borghouts

Stories of migration in Red Star Line Museum

As New Yorkers with roots tracing back to Guyana and Suriname, our visit to the Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp was personal. This museum tells the story of millions of immigrants who journeyed to America on Red Star Line ships in search of a better future. Walking through the exhibits, we couldn’t help but draw parallels to our own family’s journey - beginning with our indentured Indian ancestry in Guyana, migrating to Suriname, and eventually making New York our home.

The museum’s interactive displays brought migration stories to life, highlighting the challenges, hopes, and resilience of those who crossed the Atlantic. It was a powerful reminder of how migration shapes individuals, families, and communities, tying into the theme Migration is Normal - a message we later experienced in Mechelen through Seppe Nobels’ cuisine, which celebrated the richness migration brings to Flanders (read more below).

(c)Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad

Accessibility insights:

Each museum’s commitment to accessibility was noticeable ensuring we had full access all around.
Our guide ensured Annie was also equally engaged at KMSKA.

Taste meets tradition in Mechelen

Mechelen offered profound moments of reflection and joy. Continuing our trip in Mechelen was the perfect introduction to the region, as we learned about the city’s important role in the history of Flanders. We began with the Burgundian tour, guided by Marc, whose humor and excitement brought the city’s history vividly to life. His lively anecdotes and jokes made exploring Mechelen’s role as the political heart of the Burgundian Netherlands both engaging and unforgettable.

Centuries of stories in St. Rumbold’s Tower

Marc took us to St. Rumbold’s Tower, a towering symbol of this vibrant past, with a breathtaking interior of intricate, well-preserved details. The echo of the carillon bells, which we heard later that evening, carried centuries of stories, immersing us in the city’s rich legacy.

The ancient carillon on the imposing inside of St. Rumbold’s Tower in Mechelen, has no fewer than 49 such carillon bells.

Visit Mechelen

History at Kazerne Dossin

At Kazerne Dossin, Bruno, our passionate guide helped us navigate the solemnity of the museum with grace, offering insights into the resilience of humanity.

The exhibits revealed the horrific extent of the atrocities of World War II, including the targeted killings of people with disabilities - a stark reminder of the prejudice that shaped history. As a family, we felt the weight of these truths, fueling our commitment to showcasing people with disabilities as essential to our communities.

(c)Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad

Flavors in Seppe Nobels’ cuisine at ‘t Gasthuis

We concluded the day with Seppe Nobels’ cuisine at 't Gasthuis, tasting dishes inspired by immigrant stories and the vibrant flavors they bring to Flanders.

The heartfelt narratives behind the food made every bite meaningful, and an impromptu Bollywood dance at the end of the evening connected us to our Indo-Caribbean identity and home.

(c)Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad

Accessibility insights:

Throughout the day, we found each location to be fully accessible for Annie. Seating was readily available whenever needed, and the restaurants we visited thoughtfully accommodated our food allergies.

Once again, our guide went above and beyond to ensure Annie felt equally included and engaged during the guided tour of Mechelen. At 't Gasthuis, the staff provided excellent assistance by guiding Annie through an accessible pathway, making the experience seamless and enjoyable.

Discovering Ghent and Bruges

The Ghent Altarpiece: an inspiration

In Ghent, we immersed ourselves in a VR-guided tour of the Ghent Altarpiece, also known as the Adoration of the Mystic lamb. Created by Hubert and Jan van Eyck, the altarpiece is celebrated for its detailed realism, masterful use of light, and vibrant colors, making it an iconic masterpiece of early Northern Renaissance art.

The 3-D experience vividly brought its story to life, highlighting its religious significance, artistic innovation, and dramatic history-having been stolen an astounding 13 times, a fact shared later by our wonderful tour guide, Mieke.

(c)Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad

Historium: Experience the golden age of Bruges

In Bruges, we stepped into the past at the Historium, where immersive storytelling transported us to the Golden Age, offering a glimpse into medieval life through engaging VR and multi-sensory exhibits. Walking through the city with Sabrina, our guide, we uncovered Bruges' hidden histories and heard captivating love stories such as the 'Bear of Bruges' and how it became the coat of arms decorating its architectural wonders. We couldn’t resist taking a family photo with the classic scene of Bruges!

(c)Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad

Tradition and innovation at brewery Bourgogne des Flandres

At our next stop we enjoyed Bourgogne des Flandres, a charming brewery that perfectly blends tradition and innovation. David, our guide, introduced us to the unique brewing techniques and the art of blending young and old beers for distinctive flavors. Sampling their signature beer, paired with delicious tapas in their cozy dining area for lunch, was a highlight for everyone, including family members who typically don’t enjoy alcohol.

The entrance and courtyard of the Bourgogne des Flandres brewery in Bruges.

Sien Verstraeten

Accessibility insights:
Each of the places visited were accessible to Annie, including the VR-guided tour in Ghent. The VR-guided experience at the Historium was challenging for me due to verigo triggers, but I was able to listen to the rich sounds and appreciate the historical settings of each room. There were seatings along the way for those of us who needed to rest. This experience deepened our appreciation for Flanders’ rich cultural heritage and the remarkable contributions of its artists. Annie, a disabled artist, was thrilled to learn techniques from these old masters, which will undoubtedly influence her future work. In Bruges it was interesting to see the stair ramp Bourgogne des Flandres used to ensure accessibility, one I never saw before. Everyone we encountered had a very warm welcome.

A winter’s refuge: a breath of fresh air in Zwin Nature Park

At Zwin Nature Park, the international bird airport in Knokke-Heist near the Flemish coast, we discovered a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by stunning natural sights. A small thrill came from glimpsing the Netherlands across the way - a reminder of our immigration story. Exploring lush trails, listening to fascinating stories about migratory birds, and spotting them in their natural habitats made the day truly special.

(c)Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad

Accessibility insights:
The park’s thoughtful accessibility ensured that every member of our family could fully immerse themselves in its beauty.

“From moments of reflection to pure laughter and creating new memories together, Flanders gave our multi-generational family the gift of connection and inclusion that we’ll cherish for a lifetime. It wasn’t just about connecting with each other but also about finding a shared bond with a larger community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for accessibility and inclusion. Knowing that our efforts to make tourism more accessible resonate with others made the experience even more meaningful. Flanders’ pride in its breweries, culinary delights, art, and heritage is well-deserved and we wholeheartedly share it. From preserving UNESCO-recognized treasures to celebrating its cultural and historical riches, Flanders is not only safeguarding its past but also creating an inclusive, accessible future where everyone feels welcome.

This trip wasn’t just our first family vacation, it was a celebration of pride, joy, and belonging. Accessibility and warm welcomes from every single person we met along the way transformed every moment into something extraordinary. We are excited to experience more of what Flanders has to offer.”

- Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad (Accessible Travel NYC) -