Talk as we might, the solo vs. group traveling debate still boils down to one’s personality. Can you do without other people around? Then you go your own way. Do you feel inspired to travel only when having company? You choose the group option.
In the case of visiting Romania, the same rules apply. I mean, there is no right or wrong since this country offers plenty for each category of travelers.
So here it is: a brief breakdown of the options both lone wolves and social butterflies will enjoy while crossing our country.
Group Travel in Romania
To be honest, there are really no limits to what you can do upon visiting Romania alongside several of your friends, but we’ll be suggesting only a selection of the best activities to be enjoyed:
- UNESCO sites
- ski resorts
- the Black Sea and Danube Delta tour
- countryside tours wherein you can get a taste of the authentic Romanian life
- Therme Spa Resort (nearby Bucharest)
- large festivals (like UNTOLD in Cluj-Napoca)
- hikes on off-road adventure tours in the Carpathian Mountains.
A significant aspect to consider when you travel with several others in Romania is that you have to check (and potentially book) the transportation options in advance, so as to make sure you don’t waste too much time on the road.
So, if you’re tempted to get a real taste of Romania by visiting Viscri, the Saxon villages in Transilvania, or remote villages in Maramures and Bucovina, the safest route is to consider a private tour at a travel agency.
At Travel Maker, for instance, we design plenty of options for private tours. This way, group travelers like you can make the most out of their time spent together.
Visiting Romania by Yourself
As opposed to traveling in groups, solo travel is perfectly fitted to tasting the cultural flavors of a country.
If you’re with several people and really need to tour some museums, for instance, it could be more complicated for all to agree on this activity.
But when you’re by yourself, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying exactly what you have in mind. Linger for as much as you want in front of art exhibits, take your time exploring the local markets or art fairs. You are the king of your own schedule.
When visiting Romania from this solo traveler stance, one-day tours to the following destinations are excellent picks:
- Brasov
- Sibiu
- Timisoara
- Constanta
- Oradea
- Peles Castle and the Bran Castle which can be visited throughout the course of a day
- Bucharest; hint: go there if you’re a party person. Even if you’re not in the company of your friends, you can still taste the nightlife – you can easily start conversations with people there. Just make sure you have checked your accommodation and you are well aware of the transportation options in order to safely get back to it.
If you’re a photographer, you can relish in the eerie surroundings of Balea Lac, Transfagarasan, Maramures, Bucovina, the Danube Delta, or fortified churches in the Southern part of Transylvania.
There’s even an option for travelers seeking a spiritual retreat: monasteries of Maramures and Bucovina.
And in case you want to pamper yourself, we recommend the Slanic Salt Mine and Wine Tasting Tour.
Pro tip: if you visit Romania by yourself, make sure you have some Romanian cash (RON) on you since payments here are still largely made via physical money. Particularly, you’d want to avoid situations wherein you have to purchase something while in a more remote area where you can’t pay by card.
There’s also the issue of transportation: for destinations like Sibiu, Sighisoara, Brasov, or The Peles Castle, there are several transportation options to choose from.
However, if you want to get to Bran Castle or other rural areas, it’s good to know the connections are less convenient. So it’s best if you contact a travel agency to ask whether they have tours including those areas.
This way, you’ll avoid time-consuming detours or potential confusion regarding transportation.
Plus, you also benefit from the expertise of a guide who is knowledgeable in the history of a particular area and can help you take the ‘off the beaten track’ approach to exploring it.
We Can Help
At TravelMaker, we’re having a great time crafting unique tour options for both solo and group travelers who visit Romania.
In case you need specific travel advice, we’re always available at +40 735 525 710 to help you design the trip of your dreams.