Highlights of these couples holidays Romania
Candle light dinner in Jonathan Harker Saloon – the main character in Dracula Novel, enjoy the same menu like Bram Stokers’s hero!
Night in traditional Maramuresan peasant houses – men in the kitchen baking pies and wives spinning the wool using the spindle!
Merry Cemetery – in Sapanta, unique in the world, owns its name to the vivid colours of the headboards on which are naively painted scenes narrating the biography of the deceased.
Make the acquaintance of the famous woodcraftsman Grigore Tulean, you will be introduced in the old and magic art of woodcarving.
UNESCO heritage – Voronet Monastery also known as the ‘Sistine Chapel’ of the East.
Torch light dinner at the mouth of an impressive cave – “Poarta lui Ionele” with live folk music!
Accommodate in Count Almasy Castle – the same Count Almasy who was the title character of the movie The English Patient.
In Medias make the acquaintance of a unique artist – the only one in the world that paints on spider web.
Aphrodisiac menu in an exquisite restaurant in Turda – Vampire’s Masculinity, Dracula Salad and of course a glass of strong red wine!
Day by day itinerary:
What makes this holiday special for a couple?
DAY 1 Love is in the air!
Welcome in Budapest! Feeling 18 again? Now is your chance to prove it! You will be given a dyed egg. Make sure it stays unbroken all through the tour, after all marriage is just as thin as an egg shell and you’ll see its worthy!
DAY 2 Aristocratic reception in the land of mystery and legends!
Crossing the Hungarian plain is a unique experience; its vastness gives you that wonderful sensation that you’re the only people on Earth, that you’re just a small part of something so huge! No wonder it’s called the Hungarian “Puszta” (wilderness)! Back to life in Satu Mare – an aristocratic reception for the two of you.
DAY 3 Very merry day!
Let’s go back to the roots and enter the charming land of Maramures! Top of the cake – The Merry Cemetery in Sapanta – will teach you with a lot of humour to enjoy every minute with each other! Tip: If you want to complete this day with a Maramuresan lunch, Casa Iurca is the best choice in matter of Maramuresan cuisine. Night in traditional Maramuresan country-inns: men will be in the kitchen making and baking pies for their wives (with a little surprise in them) while the ladies will learn how to spin the wool using the spindle.
DAY 4 Medicine for your souls!
To better catch the essence of this day you’ll be asked not to wear a watch, to put aside your mobile phone, so you’ll only have each other to concentrate! Love is the root of great things! Witness Grigore Tulean’s passion for wood! A great experience for your soul – 2 of Romania’s most impressive monasteries.Tip: In Moldovita you can even dare and try a monastic lunch! Sister Tatiana will be more than glad to be your host.
DAY 5 Strolling the streets.
You have planned a shopping session in Marginea, the famous black pottery centre. You’ll mingle in one of the most interesting Russian bazaar-market in the Eastern Europe, famous for the hand made bride dresses! Tip: You cannot imagine how delicious the soup in bred, especially the beans one is! Try it for lunch in Suceava.
DAY 6 The flavour of the old days!
The typical Hungarian – Sekler village of Lazarea will induce a noble attitude and welcome you in the imposing Count’s Lazar Castle! Optional: You could even try count’s Lazar menu; it’s a pity to miss something as delicious as the “Castle Slice”- beef-nape, mushrooms and delicious cheese – a home recipe. The perfect end for this day is definitely the candle-light dinner in Jonathan Harker saloon where you’ll enjoy the same menu like Dracula’s novel hero!
DAY 7 The old new world!
People in love do crazy things, but Dracula is definitely top of the list! Find out more about his desperate and legendary love story by visiting Dracula’s Castle in Borgo Pass. You’ll discover that Sighisoara, Europe’s most beautiful, best preserved and still inhabited fortified citadel, is the most incredible romantic place on the face of the Earth! You’ll feel like a princess and a knight while strolling the streets of the old citadel.
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DAY 8 Spice up your life!
Serenity and calm! In Medias you’ll make the acquaintance of a unique artist – the only one in the world that paints on spider web! Keep in touch with Mother Earth – visit Turzii’s Gorges! City tour of Turda, the birth place of the Unitarian religion, a town with a mystic air! A real treat for your dinner – an aphrodisiac menu – Vampire’s Masculinity, Dracula Salad and of course a glass of strong red wine! Optional: Should you want to relax just take a massage a deux (for two)!
DAY 9 Life in the country!
Rise and shine, from the depths of one of the biggest and impressive Salt Mines in Romania – Turda Salt Mines, visited in the morning. Enjoy for lunch a picnic in the middle of the wild nature, on the plateau of Turului Gorges. You’ll be surprised how people in the country know to have fun – an evening full of life in a “Motzesc” village. You’ll have a special torch light dinner with folk singers right at the mouth of a cave!
DAY 10 Good bye my love, good bye!
Oradea, a city which preserves that old “belle époque” atmosphere will welcome you with its old and famous Varadinum Citadel. You’ll definitely leave Romania with some regrets! Tip: Prepare for the Hungarian atmosphere! Try for lunch Gobe, a Hungarian traditional country-inn in Oradea, to taste some Hungarian recipes. A truly romantic journey – on the way to Count’s Almasy Castle – you’ll watch the movie “English Patient”- many scenes were filmed in this castle in Hungary.
DAY 11 This trip really worked like a charm!
Depart for Budapest with a lot of memories.
| Testimonials A wonderful experience for both of us. Everything was perfect, the places the people, the food. It was just what we needed, a holiday that really helped us as a couple. After 30 years of marriage and 3 kids, we really needed some time just for ourselves. I felt like a teenager, having candle lit dinners, walks hand in hand and exploring your beautiful Transylvania. Kelly and Bryan Peterson, Nebraska, USA |  Your guide Sorin Coldea, teacher and headmaster of a school in Sibiel, is also the owner of a charming country-inn. It is a real pleasure for me to guide such a holiday for couples. It provides me with the possibility of sharing all my knowledge on Transylvania and in the same time it allows me to introduce my guests to old customs, to the magic world of Transylvanian folklore. It’s a great satisfaction for me to be able to create a perfect bound with the group and maintain a perfect atmosphere inside the group. |
Technical description of the couples holidays Romania:
DAY 1 Budapest
Optional: city tour of Budapest
DAY 2 Budapest – Valea lui Mihai – Satu Mare
Module: wine tasting in Tokaj, Hungary
DAY 3 Satu Mare – Sapinta – Sighetul Marmatiei – Birsana – Ieud
Tourist Attraction: Merry Cemetery in Sapinta, Wood Church in Sapinta, Communist Prison and The Monument of Imprisoned Thoughts, Birsana Monastery
DAY 4 Ieud – Sacel – Voronet – Moldovita – Sucevita
Tourist Attraction: famous craftsman Grigore Tulean, Moldovita Monastery, Voronet Monastery
DAY 5 Sucevita – Marginea – Suceava – Piatra Neamt
Tourist Attraction: famous Black Pottery Centre in Marginea, Suceava Citadel, Village Museum in Suceava
DAY 6 Piatra Neamt – Bicazului Gorges – Red Lake – Lazarea – Bistrita
Tourist Attraction: Bicazului Gorges, Red Lake – Killer Lake, Lazarea Castle, Dogarilor Tower in Bistrita
DAY 7 Bistrita – Borgo Pass – Sighisoara
Tourist Attraction: Dracula’s Castle, Dracula’s Coffin, Sighisoara Citadel.
Optional: Clock Tower, Medieval Weapon Collection and Torture Room in Sighisoara; Carriage ride through the old citadel; Sightseeing with the helicopter over Brasov, Rupea, Rasnov and Bran Castle; Romantic rose bath.
Module: attend a witch trial on the street like in the old days.
DAY 8 Sighisoara – Biertan – Medias – Turzii Gorges – Turda
Tourist Attraction: fortified church in Biertan, Emil Muresan- artist that paints on spider web, Turzii Gorges.
Optional: massage a deux (for two).
DAY 9 Turda – Turului Gorges – Rimetea – Arieseni
Tourist Attraction: Salt Mines in Turda, Turului Gorges, the oldest peasant house in Romania – Rimetea, traditional picnic dinner at Poarta lui Ionele Cave.
Optional: ride with a Russian retro-jeep.
DAY 10 Arieseni – Oradea – Ketpo (Hungary)
Tourist Attraction: Varadinum Citadel.
Optional: evening with treats, cognac and cigars, Massage a deux, Horse riding, Rose Bath in the tower, Bow drawing, Wine tasting, Carriage ride with torchlight, Thermal water near by, Wellness bath in outdoor and indoor swimming pools.
Module: horsemen presentation from IX-X century – bow drawing while riding the horse.
DAY 11 Ketpo – Budapest
Price & Departure
| Departure date | Price per person (2 persons to one double room) | Availability |
| 11 day tour. Departure from Budapest – Ferihegy Airport, 10.00 AM (GMT+01:00) | ||
| on request | € 2559 | Free |
We accept MasterCard and Visa on our on-line secure internet payment form and by phone. We also accept payments by bank transfer and Western Union.
Price includes:
Accommodation: six nights in 3*, two nights 4* hotels, one night country-inn, one night in welcoming peasant houses in Ieud (1 bathroom for 2 rooms)
Transportation: from / to Budapest airport, by coach or minibus – air conditioned, depending on the number of travellers; with English speaking guide.
Meals: 10 breakfasts, picnic lunch in Turului Gorges and 5 dinners (3 special dinners: traditional picnic dinner at Poarta lui Ionele with folkshow, a candle light dinner at Golden Crowne in Bistrita and an aphrodisiac dinner at Hunter Prince in Turda).
Entry fees to: Merry Cemetery in Sapinta, Wood Church in Sapinta, Communist Prison and The Monument of Imprisoned Thoughts, Birsana Monastery, craftsman workshop, Moldovita Monastery, Voronet Monastery, Suceava Citadel, Village Museum in Suceava, Lazarea Castle, Dogarilor Tower in Bistrita, Dracula’s Castle and his coffin in Borgo Pass, Sighisoara Citadel, fortified church in Biertan, artist that paints on spider web, Turzii’s Gorges, Salt Mines in Turda.
Not included: plane ticket, airport fees, photo & video tax and other not mentioned.
Special notes & info:
Add-on program:
Extra nights can be booked at hotel in Budapest in the last day of the tour.
Media Mentions
We’re pleased to say that Transylvania Live – expert in Transylvania has recently garnered the attention of several publications and broadcasts
more details here
Best selling tours in UK
Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler – the flagship Dracula Tour
7 days, escorted Dracula tour, HB, from € 1289 – Bucharest departure – code: RO7.BHADT
A literary Dracula Tour included by Fodor’s Travel Guide in Top 10 Must-Do Adventure, the tour includes the funniest Halloween Party in Sighisoara Citadel, Dracula’s birthplace.
Attend happenings like The Ritual Killing of a Living Dead (as seen on Travel Channel),Vampiresa Hunting , sleeping in Dracula’s Castle in Borgo Pass, and visit the most important historical places related with Vlad the Impaler, Bran Castle and Poenari Fortress. more»
Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler – 3 days Short Break
from € 599 – Cluj Napoca, Transylvania, departure (tour code TR 4.3RoHa)
Halloween Party, in Sighisoara Citadel – Dracula’s birth place! A 3 day short break including a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace, Transylvania’s iconic image, Bran Castle and the Medieval city of Brasov.
The Halloween Party includes a delicious traditional Romanian festive dinner washed down with fiery spirits, excellent Romanian wine and accompanied by a special programme including the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead, Vampiresa Hunting, Romanian Folk Show and many dark surprises.
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Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler – 3 days Short Break
3 days from € 599- Bucharest departure (tour code Bu4 .3RoHa)
It’s time for the ultimate Halloween Party, in Sighisoara Citadel – Dracula’s birth place! A 3 day short break including a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace.
Furthermore, visit Transylvania’s iconic image, Bran Castle and one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, The Medieval Saxon city of Brasov.
The itinerary is complimented by an excellent selection of medieval 3* hotels.
The Halloween Party includes a delicious traditional Romanian festive dinner washed down with fiery spirits, excellent Romanian wine.
Enjoy a special programme including the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead, Vampire Hunting, Romanian Folk Show and many dark surprises.
more »
Vampire in Transylvania – 3 days Short Break
HB from € 569- Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca departure ( code: TR 4.3RoSh)
Intended for those willing to discover the best parts of Transylvania’s legendary realms in a shorter period time, this 3 day break includes UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Sighisoara, unique events which caught the attention of media world wide such as the live reenactment of the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead.
In addition, visit Transylvania’s most beautiful castle – Corvinesti Castle. The entertaining programme is complemented by the relaxing 4* accommodation, a medieval fantasy with beds and the mouth-watering vampire dinner! We bet our 9 lives you’ll love it. Direct flights from London to Cluj Napoca available.
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Transylvania’s Undying legend
- 5 day Private Dracula Tour from € 1299 -Bucharest departure (tour code: Ro4.3RoVa)
A private Dracula Tour in Transylvania departing from Bucharest. The tour includes historical and legendary places related with Dracula’s life and death.
Visit Vlad Dracula’s birth place in the medieval citadel of Sighisoara, the ruins of the Poienari Fortress – Dracula’s refugee place, Arefu village and Dracula’s tomb in Snagov Monastery.
Enjoy a mysterious trip in Dracula’s Realm!
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Dracula weekend in Transylvania
-3 day private tour
HB from € 559 – Bucharest departure (code: TR 4.3RoBu)
Intended for those who would like a weekend getaway, this private escorted break is also an ideal after business programme. You only need a weekend to discover the very essence of Transylvania: the legendary Bran Castle, Sighisoara Citadel, Dracula’s birth place and the outstanding medieval city of Brasov. The trip is based on the low cost flights available from London to Bucharest, every Friday.
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Halloween Party in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler!
a party and 2 transfers from Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu or Cluj Napoca
Enjoy the best Halloween ever in Dracula’s birth place – the Medieval Citadel of Sighisoara! A 2 day self guided break departing from the Romanian airport of your choice, be it Bucharest, Sibiu or Cluj Napoca.
You can decide for yourself the level of classification for accommodation in the citadel, from hostel style dormitories to an exquisite 5* intimate medieval hotel.
The main highlight is the Halloween Party including a delicious traditional dinner, an excellent show and providing you with a truly memorable experience.
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2 Days tour with Halloween Party at Bran Castle
2 days Short break, HB, € 349 – Bucharest departure (tour code TRB.2RoHa)
Enjoy a relaxing break in Transylvania during Halloween ! A 2 days short break including a Halloween Party at Transylvania’s iconic image – Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle.
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1 Day Halloween in Transylvania with Halloween Party at Dracula Castle in Bran
1 Day accommodation and Halloween Party at Bran Castle, starting from € 249 (code TRB.1RoHa)
Enjoy an unforgettable night tour of Bran Castle, meet the Wicked Fairies and get lost in their euphoric dance along with a glass of local red wine. Watch a horror movie projection and feel amazing being part of a great and dynamic Halloween After Party in the grounds of Bran Castle until 4:00 am.
Accommodate in a 3* hotel near Bran Castle. Enjoy a traditional dinner and then explore Bran Castle, Transylvania’s symbol. Experience the edifice’s unique charm and immerse yourselves in the myth Bram Stoker created around Dracula.
Vintage sidecar Dracula tours from Bucharest
5 hours programme, from €264 / couple
Sightseeing of Bucharest and Dracula’s Tomb from Snagov Island. and an unforgettable evening in a Dracula Restaurant: indulge yourself with a Dracula dinner to find out why it’s worth killing for a meal!
The tours and are designed to show you the beautiful architecture and monuments of the so called “Little Paris”. The sidecar can carry two passengers, one in the sidecar and another riding pillion. We hope you’ll try the sidecar and pillion as they each offer a different perspective.
You will be chauffeured in a sightseeing tour of Bucharest with stops for pictures in the main points of attraction. This is a fabulously fun Dracula Tour from Bucharest viewed from the nostalgia of an original vintage sidecar.
Departures: from Monday to – Friday at 14.00; Saturday – Sunday at 10.30
Press about us
The prestigious Fodor’s Travel guide, placed Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler – Dracula Tour in Top Ten Must-Do-Adventures that will make 2007 a year to remember.
read the article
The itinerary of the Vampire in Transylvania – Dracula tour was a major source of inspiration for a documentary that was broadcast-ed on Travel Channel.
Transylvania Live Dracula Tours -The world’s best vampire-spotting locations according to Lonely Planet.
read the article
Testimonials
We had a wonderful time and are very happy that we chose Transylvania Live. I also wanted to let you know that it was really nice to meet the people from Transylvania Live during our party in Turda.
I will be sure to recommend you to any friends who might ask about Romania. Thank you again for all of your help, and most of all your patience with all of my many questions!!! Multumesc!!!!
Damon B, New York, USA
Interested in reading some more opinions on Transylvania Live Holidays? Click our Tripadvisor page here!
Halloween tours in Transylvania on the national news
Please activate Caption button to see the news with English subtitles.
Halloween Party at Bran Castle:
Advice for British citizens traveling to Romania
According to British government most visits to Romania are trouble-free.
There were no cases of terrorism attacks in Romania but as the country is part of European Union terrorist attacks in Romania can’t be ruled out.
If you need to contact the emergency services in Romania call 112.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact
the British embassy from Bucharest
24 Jules Michelet, 010463 Bucharest, Romania
General enquiries+40 (21) 201 7200
Consular enquiries+40 (21) 201 7351
British Embasy Bucharest website
Urgent assistance
If you’re in Romania and you need urgent help (for example, you’ve been attacked, arrested or someone has died), call +40 (21) 201 7200.
If you’re in the UK and worried about a British national in Romania, call 020 7008 1500.
Get an emergency travel document
You can apply for an emergency travel document if you’re abroad and your passport has been lost or stolen, damaged or expired, and you can’t get a new or replacement passport in time to travel.
You can apply online for an emergency travel document.
If the person needing the emergency travel document is under 16, a parent or guardian should apply on their behalf.
Safety and security for Transylvania travel
Crime
Maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK. There is a risk of petty theft in large towns, especially Bucharest. Pickpockets and bag snatchers operate in crowded areas, particularly near exchange shops and hotels, on public transport (especially to the airport), in the main railway stations and inside airport terminals.
Organised attacks by groups can occur. The most common method by distracting victims while several people, often children, attempt to snatch watches and jewellery from pockets or from around the neck and wrist.
Valuables including passports have been stolen from hotel rooms. Use the hotel safe and carry a photocopy of the information pages of your passport as ID.
There have been reports of credit or debit cards being ‘copied’ when used for payment in some bars and restaurants.
Road travel
Licences and documents
If driving in Romania, make sure you have with you all documentation, including your full, valid driving licence, proof of insurance/green card (third party or above), proof of ID (passport) and proof of ownership (V5C Certificate).
If the UK leaves the EU with a deal, driving licence rules will stay the same until 31 December 2020.
If there’s no deal, you will need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) to be able to drive in some European countries as a visitor after the UK has left. Check this guidance page for full information. You should also check guidance on driving in the EU after Brexit for information on other additional documents you may need to carry.
If you’re living in Romania, check the Living in Guide for information on requirements for residents.
Driving regulations Transylvania travel
You’ll need to pay a road toll ‘Rovinieta’ to use the national roads. You can buy the vignette (sticker) at border points and at most petrol stations. The minimum cost is 3 euros for 7 days. Failure to display the sticker may lead to a heavy fine. You can find out more about prices by using the website Roviniete.ro.
Observe the speed limit at all times. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy.
It’s illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. The drink drive limit is zero.
Carry the following equipment: first aid kit, fire extinguisher, red warning triangles and a fluorescent jacket.
If your vehicle is damaged before you arrive in Romania, ask a Romanian customs officer or police officer to write a report on the damage so that you have no problems when leaving. If any damage occurs inside the country, a report must be obtained at the scene of the accident.
Road safety
In 2018 there were 1,867 road deaths in Romania (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 9.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population, (witch is similar with USA) and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2018.
Road conditions are variable and secondary roads can be in a bad state of repair. Driving standards can be poor. Look out for double parked cars, people suddenly braking to avoid a pothole, horse-drawn carts, livestock and stray dogs, particularly in rural areas, running in front of the vehicle. Equip your car for extreme conditions in winter.
Local laws and customs –Transylvania travel
It is illegal to change money on the streets. You should change money only in recognised exchange shops, banks and hotels.
The Romanian authorities treat all drug-related and sex offences very seriously. The age of consent is 18. If you are convicted, you can expect a prison sentence.
Homosexuality has been legal in Romania since 1996. The country has made significant progress in LGBT rights legislation since 2000 including wide–ranging anti-discriminatory laws, equalising the age of consent and laws against homophobic hate crimes.
Bucharest’s annual Pride, usually accompanied by a LGBT film and art festival, has grown in recent years and is gaining the support of more public figures. Since 2017, a Pride event has also been held in the city of Cluj. The country remains generally socially conservative resulting in the majority of LGBT people not being openly gay and there being very few gay bars or clubs in Bucharest or the other main cities. You can find local information on LGBT issues in Romania on the website of ACCEPT. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
Most airports and military bases will have signs prohibiting photography. Ask permission before photographing anything potentially sensitive (eg official buildings, police cars).
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your Transylvania travel; you do not need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.
Visas
If you hold a British Citizen passport, you don’t need a visa to enter Romania.
Parental consent when travelling with minors
Some British nationals travelling with minors who hold Romanian citizenship (irrespective of whether they hold citizenship of other countries) are prevented from leaving the country without notarised parental consent from the minor’s non-travelling parent/s. While enforcement of this may vary at borders, British nationals travelling with minors who hold Romanian citizenship should obtain notarised parental consent before departure from Romania.
A list of the public notaries can be found on the website of the National Union of Public Notaries from Romania.
Healthcare
You should still get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK.
The EHIC entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Romanian nationals. If you don’t have your EHIC with you or you’ve lost it, you can call the Department of Health Overseas Healthcare Team (+44 191 218 1999) to get a Provisional Replacement Certificate.
The UK government has or is seeking agreements with countries on healthcare arrangements for UK nationals after the UK leaves the EU. The NHS website and this travel advice will be updated with further information on travelling to Romania as the circumstances change.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately.
Money
Romania is increasingly a card economy. While a growing number of businesses do accept credit cards, it may be safer to use cash due to the risk of credit card fraud. There is now a large network of ATMs that accept standard international credit and debit cards. Check with your card provider whether you will be able to use these machines.
US dollars and sterling are not always easy to exchange for local currency, especially outside Bucharest. You may have difficulties using travellers’ cheques. Scottish and Northern Irish bank notes may not be accepted in banks and bureaux de change.
Before you travel abroad in Transylvania travel
• tell family and friends where you’re going and leave them your contact details, insurance policy details and itinerary. Store them securely online
• ensure you have access to funds to cover emergencies and unexpected delays. Take more than one means of payment with you (cash, debit card, credit card)
• find out if travellers cheques are appropriate for your destination and keep a separate record of their numbers
• invest in a good travel guide to help you plan your trip and consider using online travel forums for more detail about your destination
• check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad. Consider leaving your phone’s IMEI number with a friend or family member, to help block or locate the phone if there’s a problem
• if you’re going to be driving abroad, make sure your licence is current and valid and be aware of the driving laws in the country you are visiting
• if you’re travelling with children who are unaccompanied by one or both parents, check our guidance on permissions that you might need to get and check the policy of your airline or transport provider
When you’re abroad in Transylvania travel
• think about what you are doing at all times and trust your instincts. Don’t take risks that you wouldn’t in the UK
• don’t openly display valuables such as mobile phones or digital cameras and consider using a padlock on suitcases or backpacks
• find out how to minimise your risk from terrorism and what to do if there’s a terrorist attack
• find out about local customs and dress, behave accordingly and obey local laws. There may be serious penalties for breaking a law that might seem trivial at home
• be careful when taking photographs, videos or using binoculars. These activities may be misunderstood by local authorities, especially near military installations.
• store useful numbers on your phone such as the local police and the nearest British embassy or consulate
• whether you’re living abroad or visiting, be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, just as you would in the UK; the ‘Be Alarmed’ campaign gives practical advice on how to stay safe and lists the symptoms to look out for
• if you intend to take part in any adventure sports or water sports during your trip, only use properly licensed and insured operators. Before taking part, make sure you fully understand the operating instructions and satisfy yourself that adequate safety precautions are in place
• check import regulations for food and plants before you attempt to bring them back to the UK
Learn more on Foreign travel Advice