Romania - Travel Guide
Description
Poems, folk tales and traditional music have always occupied a central place in Romania's culture and, most famously, it has always been synonymous for the exploits of its resident count, Count Dracula. Today, this legendary vampire has become an important attraction for Romania's tourist industry and theme tours are provided which include visits to the eerie Bran Castle. Located in Transylvania where there is a dramatic mix of beautiful, almost haunting scenery, these vampire tours are earning recognition as a highlight of any visit to Romania.
Romanians are warm people, proud of their Roman ancestry, age-old traditions and cultures and the inherent beauty of their country. The Black Sea coast around Constanta is one of the most beautiful (and also the sunniest) places in South-eastern Europe. Romania is a diverse country. There are unsurpassed opportunities for hiking and bird watching in the Carpathian Mountains, the increasingly popular ski resort of Poiana Braêov nestles in the mountains and an array of well-preserved medieval towns with ancient walls and gothic spires tower over the surrounding countryside.
The largest of the Balkan countries, Romania has, in the past, had to cope with decades of communist rule and oppression. Developmentally, it still lags behind other European countries when it comes to infrastructure and facilities for tourists; but Romania is fighting back. It is using its jewel, the fascinating city of Bucharest with its libraries and art museums, the draw of its stunning scenery and the friendliness of its people to forge its way to recognition as a popular holiday destination.
Driving Guide
It can often be a pleasure driving through rural Romania because of the light traffic, but major towns and cities can be congested (especially with the trams) and it is advisable to avoid Bucharest until you have become accustomed to driving in the country. Be careful on the country roads as you will often come across horse-drawn carts and possibly livestock in the village streets! You can drive in Romania on your current full licence, but you will need Green Card insurance. Driving is on the right, with overtaking on the left. You should give way to traffic entering a roundabout. Seat-belts are compulsory outside of towns, where the speed limit varies according to the vehicle's cubic capacity (from 70 to 90km/h). In built-up areas the limit is 60km/h. The police are empowered to give on-the-spot fines for motoring offences. Fuel prices are considerably cheaper than in western European countries, and it is important that you keep topped up when driving through the mountains. It is recommended that you purchase your fuel from one of the recognised international petrol stations. Do NOT drink and drive.