Transylvania, Romania: An Underrated European Tourist Spot for Your Solo Travel Bucket List

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woman in Sibiu, Romania

 

Why Transylvania is perfect for solo travelers



Heading off the beaten path as a solo traveler can be intimidating, which is why some people only stick to popular destinations when venturing alone. However, Romania’s Transylvania offers the best of both worlds: It’s friendly to tourists while still offering a unique and authentic experience.

First, Romania is a relatively safe country where you likely won’t run into conflict or violence, according to the 2023 Global Peace Index. In fact, the Eastern European country ranked higher in the peace index than major tourist hubs such as Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. As a solo traveler, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and follow safety measures, such as adding extra security to your hotel room. In general, though, you can feel at ease traveling throughout Transylvania.

Another perk for solo travelers is Transylvania’s budget-friendly prices. According to Budget Your Trip, a website that calculates travel costs based on traveler-submitted figures, Romanian hotel rooms for single occupants typically run around $30 per night, while an entire day’s worth of meals for one person can add up to about $28. Even if you don’t have someone to split costs with, you’ll likely find the region to be relatively affordable when traveling alone.

Other solo travel destinations near Transylvania

umbrellas over Timisoara street



Transylvania might seem disconnected from the rest of the world, but it’s not that hard to reach, thanks to the four international airports that dot the region (look for them in Brasov, Cluj Napoca, Sibiu, and Targu Mures). These hubs, along with train and bus routes, also make Transylvania the perfect choice if you want to cross off multiple destinations in one trip. You’ll find several solo travel hotspots just a short journey away.

Within Romania, consider hopping over to the city of Timisoara once you’re done exploring the castles and forests of Transylvania. Timisoara is steeped in history, much like the towns of Transylvania, but you’ll find many of its streets and buildings to be much more vibrant and colorful. Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is also easy for solo travelers to navigate with its cultural attractions and modern amenities.

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Outside of Romania, you’ll find some of the best solo trip destinations just a short flight or train ride away. Look to Croatia, Slovenia, and Greece for inspiration.



Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.