The Rough Guide to Romania

I highly recommend this Rough Guide book and second the vote on previous review about this being the best travel guide to Roumania. About Rough Guide style: This is the first time I'm using a rough guide and really appreciate their engaging, thorough, informative and reliable style. Unlike other guides Rough Guides does not cater to any particular demographic age group or particular budget standards. Not to mention that the writers are experienced travel writers and have extensive experience in Romania and region. About this being a travel book to Romania: The organization of the book, the writing style makes you want to actually visit the country and experience it. Very informative historically and regionally, without being overbearing. Also very ecclective with regards to things to do and see: historical sights, cultural events, activities, culinary, nature wonders. Having been born in Romania and having spent the first half of my life under the Ceaucescu regime, I find this book a refreshing reminder of all the wonderful sights that I have only seen or read in books and finally been able to see and experience in person. This country has a rich historical heritage, a complex mix of minorities, and a tumultous past. Everytime I visit Romania I discover something new, enigmatic, and idyllic. This guide has definitely been a helpful tool towards enjoying my re-discovery of Romania.

I used the "Rough Guide" for a visit to Romania in 2003. Traveling mostly by train, without any pre-arranged plans or reservations, we found this guide accurate and up-to-date. Few Romanians speak English or other world languages, so it's a bit more of an adventure traveling on the cheap than in most of Europe. You may need to resort to the 2 pages of Romanian words and phrases in the guide. Given the sorry state of the US dollar, Romania is also one of very few European countries which is still relatively inexpensive for Americans. As a country Romania is scenic and pleasant, much sunnier and more open than the legend of Dracula portends. We visited most of the places associated with Dracula and enjoyed looking into the country's rich history and ethnic background: Romanian, Hungarian, Turk, and German. Other than complaints about unemployment and corrupt politicians, we didn't encounter much to suggest the country's well-publicized dark side. The "Rough Guide" was a competent guide to most of what you would like to know about Romania. For example, among the interesting tidbits in the book, is the sidebar about the beginning of the Romanian revolution in 1989 in the city of Timisoara, a place worth visiting. Smallchief

Having lived in Romania for six years, we hardly considered ourselves tourists. It wasn't until a couple years into our stay that we came across the Rough Guide to Romania. What a great tool for getting around the country AND finding out the history of the cities and regions we traveled through. Only one word of caution: with things changing in Romania so rapidly, you have to keep the most current edition handy.

This book is the best general guide to Romania presently available. The book contains good background information and tips, as well as practical information that is invaluable. The book is many times better than the Lonely Planet guide for this country -- more deep and perceptive coverage, and more consistently accurate. This book was an invaluable companion during my stay in Bucharest last fall.

The Rough Guide to Romania is outstanding. It is intelligently written and comprehensive in its coverage. A few more maps would help, but I'm still glad to have chosen this book over the Lonely Planet book.