A Travel Guide for Schengen Countries: Reminiscent Romania

Take the road less travelled and visit Romania that defies all preconceptions. It conjures the images of majestic castles, quaint villages, and fortified churches that stand tall amidst the mighty Carpathian terrain. Unravel the mystery of the Dracula in Transylvania, visit the thriving Bucharest, or soak up the world old charm of Maramures and experience the authentic Romania.

Why Visit Romania

Romania is a mystical land of folktales and beliefs caught up in the whirlpool of time. The horseshoe-shaped Carpathian Range seems to have locked the rich heritage of Romania in the tranquil villages and modern cities.

Romania is a land of contrasts. Whilst its bustling cities and tourist destinations never fail to amaze, its rural landscape will steal your heart.

When to Visit

Romania enjoys moderate continental climate with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit would be in spring and autumn, ideally during April–June and September–October. Witness autumn in its full glory with vivid display of foliage that marks the arrival of winter, or revel in the lush flowering valleys along the rolling mountains in the spring.

Schengen Visa for Romania

Every tourist needs to possess a Schengen Visa to travel to Romania. Considered as a boon for tourists, the Schengen Pact is the result of cooperation between 26 European countries. These countries have eliminated individual visa requirements, thereby minimizing border control. The Pact ensures tourists and citizens enjoy hassle-free movement within the member countries on a common visa. Simply put, a Schengen Visa lets one travel to any member country without applying for multiple visas.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen Visa, one needs to download the Visa Application Form, which is easily available online. Submit the duly filled form along with valid documentation to the destination country's embassy in India. Remember, the form needs to be filled carefully stating the reason for your visit. It also needs to be supported with your recent financial statement. Also, availing the right travel insurance plan is mandatory for securing a visa approval for a Schengen country.

How to travel

Romania is well connected internally and externally via a network of flights, trains and roads. There are 17 airports, among which 12 are international. Trains and buses, being extremely cheap, are preferred by the citizens. You can choose from a wide range of train and bus services according to your budget.

Where to Stay

Staying in Romania is extremely convenient. You can choose from both the ends of the price spectrum to suit your budget, from culture-rich hostels to luxury hotels. Some of the hostels are very popular among the backpackers. These dormitories offer cheap rates (below Rs. 3000 per night) and often flaunt medieval wooden architecture.

Things to Do

Surprisingly, Romania is not a crowded destination even during the peak tourist season. This means you can revel in the tranquility of the country and gain a unique experience.

Here are the must-visit destinations in Romania:

• Bucharest
  The heart of Romania, Bucharest offers more than just the lofty Palace of Parliament and the culture-rich museums. Visit the Cismigiu Garden for unmatched peace and quiet. Stroll though the shady walks, sip latte at a cafe, or sit on one of the benches and watch the Bucharest way of life.
  Discover the tucked away ancient villas and the Stavropoleos Church in the city with their graceful 17th century art nouveau paintings.
• Transylvania
  Pack your garlic, as Transylvania is notorious for the mythology of bloodthirsty vampires and superstitions. Be awe-inspired at the Piatra Craiului National Park or walk in the footsteps of the Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad the Impaler, in the Peles Castle and the Bran Castle.
• Maramures
  If you are a fan of time travel, you cannot miss Maramures. Here, you will witness the horse-drawn carriages, winding old lanes, and embroidery of pastureland, taking you a hundred years back in time. The village Sapanta is renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the Merry Cemetery. It is adorned with brightly colored tombstones, each telling its own tale.
• Moldavia
  Ski down the powdery white snow or hike up the emerald green valley; unravel Moldavia, Romania's second largest city. It is famous for bucolic villages and monastic art, infused with vibrant nightlife and shopping experience. Visit the Voronet Monastery, one of the best Bucovina medieval monasteries, painted in an intense shade of blue.
• Poienari and Arefu
  Poienari Castle, once enlarged and refurbished by the Vlad Tepes, is now in ruins. It acted as a sentry guarding the pass linking Wallachia with Transylvania. Visit the untouched village of Arefu whose citizens boast of being of the direct descendants of Vlad's minions.
• Brasov
  Famous for its Pied Piper legend, Brasov takes you into a whimsical city of cobblestoned streets, baroque gods, 17th century spires and Austro-Hungarian roofs.

Do's & Don'ts in Romania

Romania still influenced by the remnants of communism, is a modern country with ambitious and dynamic citizens. However, it is recommended to always be on guard while travelling to unknown places. Read on to know some of the hurdles faced by travelers:

• Fraudulent taxis with spiked meter are commonplace around the tourist places. Always travel in the well known taxi services such as Leone, Taxi 2000, etc.
• Never exchange your currency with unauthorized dealers; you may end up with fake currency. Usually, banks offer the best deals.
• Like any other tourist destination, the big cities of Romania have several gangs of pickpockets active in the city. Keep your cash safe in your pockets, and your passport back in the hotel safe. Make sure you are alert in the crowded areas such as large shopping malls and flea markets.

Avail a comprehensive travel insurance to make sure your trip to Romania is secure and memorable.

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