After two years of summer trips being thwarted by the pandemic, the urge to head off for that long-postponed vacation is palpable. Even last summer, those staying in Belgium still had their movements tightly limited, whether by curfews, venue caps, or vaccine requirements.
In many cases, the "normal" holiday was simply not possible, forcing us to make concessions and cancel plans. It wasn't only individuals who were impacted – the tourism and hospitality industries suffered huge downturns as countries slammed the Covid brakes again and again. Understandably, businesses and governments are desperate for these sectors to restart proper.
But much as we would like to consign Covid and the related restrictions to history, this is wishful thinking with the reality being a likely resurgence of cases after summer. All the more reason, perhaps, to get away now before new measures come into force.
Yet despite the undeniable will to holiday like it's 2019, the way has become much more complicated. Take the aviation industry: it seems that strikes are announced almost every week. Airlines dramatically cut staff during the lockdowns, putting immense pressure on the remaining employees as the demand for flights soars.
And travelling by car isn't so simple either. With fuel prices through the roof, this can be prohibitively costly at a time when budgets are squeezed. For Brits hoping to cruise the continent, the Channel crossing now presents yet another hurdle on the long road to a summer break.
All things considered, staying on home turf might not be such a bad idea. In particular when the weather is good. Sure, Belgium may not have the jaw-dropping scenery of other regions, but with loads of festivals and events taking place over the coming months, there's no shortage of things to do.
Are you staying here this summer? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
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1. Covid-19 cases drop sharply in Belgium, hospitalisations still rising
While the average number of daily Covid-19 infection figures has started falling considerably, hospitalisations and the number of ICU patients are still on the rise in Belgium. Read more.
2. Fuel prices drop to €1.50/litre in France, what about Belgium?
From 1 September, the price of fuel oil will fall to €1.50/litre in France, while it is currently still around €2/litre in Belgium. Read more.
3. Coexistence Barometer: what distinguishes Belgians from non-Belgian residents?
The Flemish Government revealed the latest data from its Coexistence Barometer, which aims to quantify the different views of Belgians and those who come to reside in the nation, whether from the European Union or elsewhere. Read more.
4. Belgium saves London from blackout
Parts of London were saved from a blackout on Wednesday 20 July – after the hottest day on record in the UK – by a submarine cable linking the United Kingdom and Belgium. Read more.
5. ‘Double-edged sword’: Belgium has 13 non-elected ministers
Belgium’s various governments currently have a total of 13 non-elected ministers and state secretaries, with the new Foreign Affairs Minister Hadja Lahbib the latest example. Read more.
6. Belgium wants exemption from EU gas-saving plan
Belgium has joined the group of European states opposed to the gas-saving plan presented by the European Commission. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: De Lustige Velodroom
Kids love to lark around on wonky bicycles at the ancient wooden velodrome on Blankenberge beach. Read more.
