Romania

was there last year about this time. spent about 2 weeks in Bucharest and Transylvania. it's very safe i think it's better than any big cities in western europe in terms of safety. in fact, it's legal to discriminate against gypses so pick pocket is less of a problem. the metro in bucharest is not busy, so you should be ok. need warn you some areas are poor and if you train through the gypse areas it's a little scary but they won't hurt you - it's just a little different to sit with 5 gypses around you for a train ride when you're usually on guard when you see 1 near you on metro say in Paris or Madrid. practice common sense you'll be fine.

Its a lot safer than Chicago. I don't know why people assume eastern Europe is unsafe. We were in Bucharest (Bucuresti is the local pronounciation) for several days, then out to Constanta on the Black Sea for a few more days, back to Bucharest, then on west to Humgary. Our train went through Brasov in late evening, but we could tell what a nice place it was. It is in the mountains. We wandered all over Bucharest and Constanta on foot and never felt the slightest uneasiness, even around the Bucharest train station at night while trying to find the way to the Ibis hotel. Bucharest is an elegant old city if you look past the socialist era concrete buildings. We met some very nice people there and it is a city we would go back to. I would be glad to help you further.

I've been to Romania and it is well worth the effort. What a stunning country. Bucharest is great for landing a plane and for a day and a night but then you have to get out and see places like Brasov, Sibu, Sighisora. This is a wonderful country full of wonderful people, little touched medieval and baroque villages and stunning nature. Here is a link to some photos of places worth visiting (go to the "MORE" tab at the top and then look for the "RO" tabs): http://budapestflat.shutterfly.com/ Here is a link to an excellent guide: http://covinnus.com/ Since you appear to be adventurous you might consider Bulgaria too. And never forget Budapest, the pearl of the east. Let me know if i can help

i was in the Transylvania region a few years back. Romania is one of my favourite countries in Europe. Always felt safe and the locals are very friendly and helpful.

Thank you all for your replies. Very helpful. Can't wait to see Romania.

I lived in Romania for 8 months and I can honestly say I felt safer there than anywhere I have ever been in North America. You are going at peak Tourist season so be careful of the vendors trying to rip you off. Traffic is completely defensive driving same with walking, make sure you use your elbows and dont let anyone in lines because you will get nowhere. All around I would say that Romania is a beautiful country and that I love Bucuresti and Brasov very much. If you have a chance go to Contanta and Sibiu as well beautiful buildings and scenery and wonderful history!

Thanx Lindsey. I can't wait to see Romania. Still can't decide how to get from Bucarest to Brasov. I don't like all the headches and cost of renting a car. So will be the train or bus for me. I've asked around, and most said the bus is better. I printed out a map of Bucarest so I can find Gara de Nord the main train station. Not sure if the buses leave from there also ? Ray

Ray... I went to Romania a few years ago and it was an amazing country to visit. I rented my car in Bucharest, then just took off with a map and went on an adventure. We did not have any reservations, but had no trouble finding rooms in Brasov, Singasoara (sp) as well as any number of villages and towns we stayed in.
It is really so easy to drive over there and I would recommend you have a car to do the country justice. Just driving around Transylvania and the beautiful countryside cannot be done on a bus. I felt like it was one of the friendliest countries I have been to. Only problem with driving is in lots of villages you have to share the road with the horses and carts :)... If you want to see my photos of the area you can PM me and I will send you a link. It is one of my favorite places I have ever traveled.