When you hear (or even think) of a European getaway, your mind probably goes – well, that sounds great and all, but it seems like it’s way out of my budget.
And while for some places, that’s definitely true, Europe is far bigger and more diverse than what old-school travel magazines have led us to believe, and finding a cheap hotspot where you don’t have to sacrifice on quality or safety, either, is totally doable.
That’s coming from someone who’s gone on many, many budget-friendly European trips.
That’s why it was great to see Deluxe Holiday Homes’ newest report on the most affordable destinations for safe travels on the continent bring more awareness to the many stunning countries that often go unnoticed by international travelers.
After examining the safety rates, Google Flights data, accommodation costs, and consumer prices of some of the most searched European destinations, one surprising country was crowned the undisputed winner.
Here’s why Romania is the ultimate destination for those looking to explore Europe safely and on a budget this year:
One Of Europe’s Most Budget-Friendly Hubs
While, as you’ll see below, there’s a lot to love about this criminally underrated southeastern European country, one of its biggest draws is, hands-down, the low cost of living (which, to you, translates to the low cost of travel).
A nice dinner out for two will rarely exceed the $40 mark, whereas solo travelers looking for a quick bite won’t have to set aside more than $10 for a delicious, filling meal (plus a drink!).
As far as accommodation is concerned, though, I’d say Deluxe Holiday Homes actually overestimated the nightly costs by quoting a $135 average.
In my experience, great little apartments and cozy hotel rooms right in the center of Bucharest can be found for as little as $50, and it’s pretty rare for them to go over $80 or $90, so take this opportunity to stay as long as possible in the country, after all, there’s plenty to explore.
This brings me to my next point.
Lots To See And Do
I’ve already gone through most of Romania’s unmissable attractions here, and I don’t want to bore you with all the details again, but for those who don’t feel like reading through a whole other article, here’s a list of the highlights you’ll definitely want to include in your itinerary:
- The Palace of Parliament
- The Romanian Athenaeum
- The Arch of Triumph
- The Old Town
- The Cismigiu Gardens
- Bran Castle
- Corvins’ Castle
- Salina Turda
- Peleș Castle
- The “Dimitrie Gusti” National Village Museum
If all that seems overwhelming, don’t worry, there are some great local tours, starting at just $10 per person, that take you through several of these jaw-dropping landmarks in a matter of hours.
And for those who truly want to immerse themselves in the local culture, I can’t recommend attending traditional events like Sambra Oilor (taking place this next month) enough.
A Safe Haven Where Everyone, From Solo Travelers To Families, Will Feel Welcome
While the Deluxe Holiday Homes’ study was mostly based on family travel, the safety, peace, and quiet you’ll find in Romania is appealing to just about everyone.
U.S. travelers often (mistakenly) dismiss everything east of Central Europe as too sketchy, but once you actually get to witness what goes on there, you’ll see how that couldn’t be more wrong.
Don’t take my word for it – even our government has vouched for Romania as a completely safe place to visit.
Just to put things into perspective, Bucharest, the country’s capital and a metropolitan area, is actually safer than every single city that made it to U.S. News’ “Safest Cities In America” list this year.
The Perfect Starting Point For An Unforgettable European Getaway
If you’re planning on a longer European getaway and don’t want to spend every bit of it in Romania, that’s totally valid – but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most out of the country’s low prices and welcoming atmosphere.
Set base in Bucharest or any other Romanian city that’s near an airport, and you’ll be golden.
Round-trip flight tickets between Romania and the likes of France, Italy, and Spain start from $33, $32, and $77, respectively.
And now that the country has officially joined the Schengen Zone travel in the region has become easier (and cheaper) than ever!
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