5 Mistakes Romanians Make Before Going on Holiday (and How to Avoid Them)

I've been traveling around Romania and Europe for several years now, and I've accumulated enough personal mistakes to write about them with authority. A vacation is an act of faith — you invest time, money, and hopes, and the smallest oversights can turn a wonderful experience into a logistical nightmare. Let's talk concretely about what goes wrong and how it can be avoided.

Travel Insurance: It's Not Optional

The most common regret I hear from friends after a problematic vacation: 'I didn't get travel insurance.' Companies like Groupama offer accessible policies covering flight cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. I recently checked prices — for a week in Europe, we're talking about 50-100 lei. Compared to the cost of a lost plane ticket, it's a minor investment.

Overcrowded vs. Hidden Destinations

Last summer I skipped Santorini and went to Naxos instead — same archipelago, ten times fewer tourists, prices 40% lower. Romania has the same issue: Brașov and Sinaia are overcrowded in July-August, while the Apuseni mountains or the Danube Delta remain relatively undiscovered. Researching your destination 2-3 months ahead makes the difference between a memorable vacation and a frustrating one.

Planning Without Rigidity

Plan the structure, but leave room for spontaneity. The best moments from my travels came unplanned — a morning market, a small museum found by accident, a conversation with a local. Book accommodation and major transport, but leave a day or two completely open. Vacation isn't a checklist; it's a state of mind you cultivate.