Hello. Planning a last minute trip to Romania in 2 weeks, just my husband and I. Renting a car in Bucharest and returning it there 9 days later. It is hopefully off peak season and I wonder if it's fine to play by ear booking the room when we reach a destination. Eg, thinking of driving straight from airport to Sinaia and staying at. B and B or hotel en route. We did that in Croatia and it was easy because of SOBE/ home stay signs posted. Will there be such signs traveling in Romania? Was hoping for a one way car rental but the drop off fees are too high so planning a loop journey hopefully with minimal back tracking. This will be our first visit to Romania and it has been very helpful reading fodors forum posts. Thank you in advance. Any other tips regarding trip will be appreciated too.

I suggest that your nine days will be tight, but concentrate on Sinaia, Sighishoara, and drive into "yesterday" by visiting Maramuresh region...you still may have time to visit the painted churches of Bukovina, but dilly-dallying will be impossible if you want to return car to Bucharest airport, Choice for a more comfortable schedule would be to omit Bukovina region. Lodgings will be the least of your problems, so wing it.

Thanks Tower. Was hoping to hear the wing it part especially.

You might want to take a look at my trip report and photos; click on my name to find it. It is a little old, but the sights have not changed.

Thank you Michael.

A friend and I went a couple of years ago. I typed up my report and would be happy to email it to you. Let me know at [email protected].

We drover all over and had a great time. Yes, we booked hotels on the fly.

Sandy (in Denton)

I booked all my hotels in advance and was glad I did

Bob...the nervous and crochety crowd would agree with you...but you know how often I've traveled to Romania over the years..and only once did I have a room in advance...and that was when 10 of the 16 people I took on a "footsteps" tour of the country insisted on it (2005). Hope you and Karen are well!

Tangwah...for you, from the 80's through 2005. Only included those places you mentioned. I have many others delving into major chunks of the fascinating countryside.

https://picasaweb.google.com/stuartt...ureshBukovina#

Thanks to all for their replies. Tower, nice interesting pics. I usually wing it when I travel espeically when I have a car, unless i plan to stay put in one place for a while, like in Berlin recently where I rented an apartment for 1 week from craigslist. Or it's a long weekend and I expect the town to be packed. I saw the same tall lamp posts with petal like lights in Dresden like those in your Bucharest pics.

Accomodation varies greatly and price seems to not be sensible. I'd aim for Pension rather than Hotels or at least focus on small hotels, you will get a better deal

Yes, I was also surprised at the high price of some hostels with shared baths. Nothing like going there to check them out first, and with the flexibility of a car, I can move on if needs be. Thanks for your input.

I toured almost all over Bucahrest with four days in Bucharest.

I enjoyed your pictures tower.

Thanks for your posting.