Romania (Bucharest to Brașov)

Romania is Eastern Europe's last genuinely cheap destination. After visiting for research, travelers consistently report surprise at how affordable and welcoming it is. Bucharest (the capital) has Communist-era architecture, nightlife, and good restaurants. Brașov is a mountain town near Transylvania with hiking, skiing (in winter), and proximity to medieval towns and castles.

A stay in Bucharest costs $20–40/night for accommodation, $8–15 for meals, and activities are free or cheap (walking tours). Brașov costs similar. The train between them is scenic and costs $5–10. You can spend a week visiting both towns, hiking, and exploring castles for $200–300 total.

The food is Central European — meat-heavy, cheap, good. A meal at a restaurant costs $4–8. Local wine costs $3–6 per bottle. The people speak English increasingly, making navigation easy. Romania offers Transylvanian scenery and medieval towns at a fraction of neighboring Hungary or Austria's prices.

Bucharest old city walking tour: Free walking tour through old town, Palace of Parliament, and nightlife district. Tip guide $5–10. Allow 2–3 hours.

Bucharest to Brașov train: A scenic 2.5-hour journey through mountains. $5–10 per ticket. Open windows, views throughout.

Brașov hiking: Tampa Mountain above the city (30-minute hike, free). Longer hikes in Piatra Craiului National Park (entry $3–5).

Bran Castle and Peleș Castle: Medieval castles near Brașov. $10–15 entry. More authentic than the famous Dracula castle. 1–2 hour visits each.

Budget:: Hostels in Bucharest and Brașov. Dorms $10–15, privates $30–45.

Mid-Range:: Guesthouses and small hotels. $40–70/night.

Splurge:: Boutique hotels or castle hotels. $100–150/night.

Ciorbă de burtă: Sour tripe soup (sounds weird, tastes good). $2–3.

Mici: Grilled meat rolls, spiced with garlic. $2–3.

Mămăligă: Polenta with cheese and fried eggs. $2–3.

Papanasi: Fried dough with sour cream and jam. Dessert. $1.50–2.

Local wine (Dealu Mare or Oltenia regions): Decent red or white. Bottle at a shop $4–8, at a restaurant $8–15.