If you're not already on your way to the warmer climes of southern Europe, there's a fair chance that you're getting ready to go that way in the coming days.
Known as le grand départ in France, the last weekend of July and the first of August traditionally mark the mass migration when the whole world sets its sights south, stuffing vehicles with the family, deck chairs, and the kitchen sink.
Add to that the thousands of other European nationals also aiming for regions where the sun is taken for granted and the net effect is a convoy of motorists that never fails to clog roads, despite cunning attempts to circumvent bottlenecks and second-guess fellow travellers.
And as all good things come to an end, the same hold-ups go in the other direction, giving traffic organisations grounds to designate this weekend "code-black", which is almost equal to telling drivers not to bother. There's no such thing as a chilled traffic jam and it would be a shame to undo the holiday calm by staring for hours at the stationary bumper in front of you.
If the weather in Belgium wasn't already making a compelling case to put off the return journey, code black could be the clincher you need to prolong your holiday. Are you steering clear of the motorways? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. Another hellish weekend on European roads with heavy traffic in both directions
After last weekend's monster traffic jams on major European roads to the most popular holiday destinations, those taking to Europe's roads can expect another weekend of major congestion. Read more.
2. New travel rules to enter Europe from next year: What is ETIAS?
Some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries – including the United States and the United Kingdom – will be required to have a travel authorisation via the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to enter most European countries from next year. Read more.
3. How to best celebrate International Beer Day in Belgium
Friday (4 August) marks International Beer Day, and given that it is one of Belgium's national symbols, there are fewer better places to celebrate the day. Read more.
4. 14-year-old dog travels 163 kilometres in one night to find owners
A dog was found by police on Tuesday on the outskirts of Geneva after travelling 163 kilometres in a single night from the house she had escaped from in the Swiss capital Bern, local newspaper La Tribune de Genève reported on Thursday. Read more.
5. Belgian kidnapped in Ecuador travelled to meet online lover
A Belgian-Moroccan national who was kidnapped and held for ransom in Ecuador had apparently travelled to the county to meet an online lover, Het Laatste Nieuws reports. Read more.
6. Today in History: The Rape Of Belgium
On this day, 4 August 1914, Germany's invasion of Belgium led to atrocious acts which shocked the world as they were relayed in vivid detail. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Bombay BBQ
You can’t miss this busy Indian restaurant with its freshly painted pink and green façade on Chaussée d’Ixelles in Brussels. Read more.
