Travel Guide in Romania

A good Romania travel guide is an invaluable purchase for anyone interested in exploring this Eastern European gem of a country. Although Romania has traditionally been overlooked as a destination, since the revolutionary practices of 1989 this country has developed in many ways, and political and social upheaval is at an all-time low. Romania is a popular tourist destination for other Eastern Europeans, but it is only now beginning to draw attention from Westerners and other foreign tourists. Read on for a brief overview about traveling to this country.

Highlights

Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, is home to a wide variety of cultural draws. This city is known for its beautiful and varied architecture with traces of French, German and Russian influence. Outside of the main city, the Transylvanian region is famous for Count Dracula's castle and many other medieval townships, many of which exist in their standard and original forms to this day. Throughout the mountainous parts of the country there is a variety of abbeys and monasteries. Many of these are still functional today. Finally, the Black Sea coast provides a welcome set of beaches and a summer resort location to this otherwise landlocked country.

Considerations

Romania is a very poor country and is home to a huge number of impoverished people. While the people of Romania tend to be very welcoming and are happy to see tourists bring welcome resources and money to stimulate the national economy, the risk of crime is always present. Most of the crime that is liable to affect a traveler is petty and involves minor pickpocketing or, at worst, robbery and mugging. Still, there are some cases known of travelers being mixed up in worse crimes, so it pays to be cautious. A good bet is to always travel with a partner and to avoid dangerous parts of town, particularly after dark.

Ideal Travelers

Romania is off of the beaten path, and it appeals to nature lovers and medieval history buffs as much as it is a draw for those who have exhausted their travel options in the rest of Europe. It's perhaps best reserved for travelers without young children, although it's a popular destination for older travelers who look for quiet and peaceful scenes in the outer regions and the countryside.

Consult with the Romanian tourist board for additional information.