Essential Romania Packing List: What to Wear & Pack for Romania

Wondering what to pack for Romania? Here is our complete Romania packing list, including our suggestions for what to wear in Romania for women and men for every season.

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What to Pack Everything In

While most people think about what to wear as the most important part of their packing list, the actual most important decisions come way before that. You’ll set yourself up for success if you have the right bags – and this means everything from your main suitcase down to the small organizational bags that keep everything nice and tidy.

Here’s everything we use to keep our stuff organized on the road, with recommendations for what to bring with you for different kinds of trips.

Your Main Bag: Backpack of Rolling Suitcase?

This is the first major packing decision you’ll make before your trip starts.

Personally, Allison and I both prefer traveling around Romania with a backpack. Even in the capital, Bucharest, the sidewalks are a little worse for wear and it can be a pain to have to drag your suitcase over cracked sidewalks and curbs with no easy onramp.

I have traveled Romania with a roller suitcase on a bus tour, and I liked having the extra clothing options (though I hated dragging it up the stairs at some of the smaller hotels). 

If wearing a backpack is not feasible for you due to mobility limitations or comfort – or you simply are planning to pack a lot of stuff – it is perfectly possible to travel with a rolling suitcase around Romania, it just may require a bit more effort. For longer distances between bus/train stations and hotels, you may want to spend the extra for a taxi or Uber. Check the apps section below for which Romanian cities have Uber. 

Our Top Recommendations for Backpacks

Allison has and loves the Tortuga Backpack for traveling Europe. She carries a Tortuga 45L Backpack because they’re compact, carry-on friendly, and don’t scream “backpacker” as loudly as other bags. It has 3 main compartments: one with a laptop sleeve that can also accommodate other flat objects like important papers and books, one giant rectangular compartment ideal for packing cubes filled with your clothes, and one smaller compartment with organizers for passports, pens, odds & ends, etc. – plus one small outer zipper pocket for anything you want quick access to.

It also has a water bottle holder on the outside as well as buckles so that you can strap something like a yoga mat to the outside if needed. Plus, it’s quite comfortable to wear, with a padded hip belt and comfort-molding shoulder straps complete with a chest strap so that you can distribute the weight perfectly across your body in the event that you need to wear your backpack for longer than usual. Check out more specs and details here.

Our Top Recommendations for Rolling Suitcases

When I travel and check a bag in Romania, which I do from time to time, I use a roller suitcase. If you are going to bring a roller bag, I suggest getting a soft shell one that can squish. My personal roller suitcase is the awesome Osprey Sojourn.

I lived out of just this bag and a backpack for eight months, including two weeks on a bus in Romania. I like that it can squish into the back of buses, and it expands to hold a ton of stuff if you plan to shop a lot while in Romania. You can check prices and reviews here.

Your Daybag: Backpack or Purse?

Your day bag should be able to hold all the things you need for the day: water, sunscreen, wallet, any medicine or make-up you may need, a layer in case the weather changes, camera, etc.

It depends what you prefer, but for comfort, a backpack is usually the better day bag because it distributes weight more evenly across your shoulders. However, if you’re used to carrying a purse, that may be what you prefer.

We recommend investing in a day bag with some security features, not because Romania is particularly dangerous (your risk of being pickpocketed here is definitely lower than in major Western European cities), but just because travel to touristic places inherently has its risks and we prefer to protect ourselves upfront rather than deal with consequences down the line.

Our Top Recommendations for Backpacks

We both carry the CitySafe backpack by PacSafe not only on our travels but in our day-to-day lives. It’s cute, it’s functional, it’s comfortable, and it’s secure as hell. 

We’re talking about interlocking zippers (which you can then put through a second clasp for two layers of security), slash-proof wire mesh construction, and RFID blockers to keep your personal data safe.

It’s neutral enough to be unisex, it’s roomy enough to fit a small laptop, large camera, and tons of odds & edds, and it fits under the plane seat in front of you. Plus, it transitions pretty well from day to night (as long as you aren’t heading to a club). 

What else could you want? This isn’t sponsored, we’re just straight obsessed. Get yours today.

Our Top Recommendations for Purses

Due to our everlasting obsession with our travel backpack, neither Allison nor I really carry purses much for our travels.

However, I always bring my large Longchamp bag with me for when I want to use a purse instead of a backpack. For two years, it was my main day bag on all my trips, and it still have a place in my heart. 

What I love about my Longchamp is that it’s durable, stylish, and can fit most of what I need for a day of sightseeing. Yet it also looks totally normal at a performance or a nice restaurant. 

Since it rolls up to almost nothing, I can still bring it with me even on trips where I use my backpack. So I get the best of both worlds! Check prices and reviews here.

If you want a smaller purse than the Longchamp, check out some of the other purses from PacSafe. Due to our satisfaction with our CitySafe backpack, we’d definitely recommend other PacSafe products like their secure purses – they have shoulder bags and crossbody bags.

Moneybelt Recommendations

Personally, we don’t carry money belts, since we carry secure bags, but we know some travelers feel a lot safer with a money belt. If that’s you, this is the money belt we recommend.

How to Keep it Organized

Just because you have the right suitcase and day bag, doesn’t mean your bags will be packed right. You need to think about how you’ll organize your belongings so that everything is accessible and compact.

Packing Cubes

I don’t know how I traveled before packing cubes, and I never want to go back! Packing cubes are extremely helpful for organizing your luggage and keeping it that way so that when you want to extract one shirt from your bag, you don’t end up exploding your whole bag open.

I have used several different brands of packing cubes, and I prefer durable ones. I use the big one for dresses, skirts, and jeans, the medium one for t-shirts, and the small one for underwear, bras, socks, etc.

Cosmetic Bags

A set of cosmetic bags are so useful! In addition to using it for your make-up, you can also use them to stash odds & ends like earplugs, an eye-mask, pens & pencils – things that usually get lost at the bottom of your bag.

I like to have one for makeup, one for hair accessories, one for toiletries, and one for cables and electronic accessories. 

If you don’t have a bunch of cosmetic bags lying around from old make-up purchases (I maybe had a Clinique problem back in the day), you can pick some up off Amazon. I think these are particularly adorable.

Pack-It Flat

This is one of Allison’s favorite packing finds! The Pack-it-Flat toiletry bag is the ultimate way to keep all your toiletries packed.

What I love about is is that it packs, well, flat like a book, rather than most toiletry bags which make big bulky squares that take up way too much space and are annoying to deal with. This is a definite upgrade from my cosmetic bag system. 

Travel Wallet

A good travel wallet meets a few criteria: RFID blocking, plenty of room for coins, room for bills and receipts, plenty of card slots, and can fit a passport.

Allison uses a PacSafe travel wallet that does all of that and looks cute doing so (hers is denim).

Laundry Bag

Whether you’ll need to do laundry on the road or you’ll wait to do it at home, it’s essential to have a bag to keep your dirty laundry separate from your clean clothes. While that can easily be just a grocery bag, I love this cute travel-themed Kikkerland laundry bag which is easy to hand over to someone on laundry day.

Canvas Tote

We recommend bringing a tote with you wherever you go to reduce plastic waste! Plastic bags incur a small surcharge in most parts of Europe, so this will also help you save money, too.

This is also great for doing small errands or when you don’t want to pack your whole day bag, and is absolutely essential for any trip that includes a day at the beach, lake, or pool.

I use one I bought at Flying Tiger in Milan, but you can find a ton of cute tote bags on Amazon.

Ziploc Bags

You’ll thank us for this when all your stuff stays dry your entire trip. I always pack my liquids in a ziplock bag (plus you need one if you’re traveling with liquids in your carryon). 

Pack all your liquids in ziplock backs so that if something breaks or opens, the liquid stays inside the bag. Stuff a few extras in your luggage for any liquid purchases or if you need to keep a wet towel separate from the rest of your luggage.

I like to have a mix of small and large bags so I’m covered in most situations. 

Coin Purse

If you don’t live in Europe, you might be surprised just how quickly coins stack up in your bag when traveling around Europe. In the states, I never bothered with a coin purse, but living in Europe I find that it’s essential. I have one with a flower pattern like these.

5 Essentials You Don’t Want to Forget

If you only read one section of this post, make it this one. 

Guidebook

While travel blogs are great, we also definitely see the benefit of having a good paper guidebook in hand to refer to in your on-the-ground travel. We recommend the Lonely Planet Bulgaria & Romania for your travels in Romania!

Travel Insurance

It’s always a good idea to be covered when you travel abroad in case of theft, illness, or accidents. Allison and I have been paying customers of World Nomads for three years and counting and are happy to recommend them to fellow travelers for the clarity of what they cover, the efficiency of processing claims, and the ease of renewing while still on the road if your trip ends up being longer than expected.

Rain jacket

Romania is a drizzly country throughout the year, and nothing ruins a travel day worse than not having the proper clothing for it. I strongly recommend this Marmot PreCip jacket (here’s the women’s version; here’s the men’s), which is totally waterproof and will keep you going strong throughout whatever weather is thrown your way. If you don’t want to carry a rain jacket, at least pack a travel umbrella.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Romania is full of cobblestone streets, hilly vistas with beautiful views, and towers that need climbing. In fact, the country is beautiful but you have to work to see it. In my mind, traveling around Romania includes a lot of walks that locals think are short, but I think actually qualify as “surprise hikes.”

Pay close attention to our shoe recommendations below, but don’t order new shoes right before your trip! Give yourself a few weeks to break them in. The earlier you can get any new shoes you need, the more time you’ll have to get them comfy. You don’t want a blister on the road!

Medicine

I’ve written a whole section on what should be in your mini medicine kit, but this especially goes for any prescription medications you may need from back home. It’s not always possible to get the same exact medication in Romania, so be sure to stock up on what you need!

Quick Overview of Weather in Romania

If we’re being perfectly frank, many people outside of the Balkans have no idea where Romania is on a map, let alone what the weather is like here. They might have vague sense that Eastern Europe is cold, but that probably means they think everything east of Vienna is Siberia in winter.

So you’re forgiven if you don’t know what to expect from Romania’s weather. Another complication is that fact that the country covers many different terrains. The weather you find in the mountains will not be the same as what you find on the coast, and vice versa. 

We’ll describe the weather in Bucharest, but be aware that it may be colder in Transylvania and Bucovina and warmer in Constanta and on the Black Sea. For example, as I’m writing this in the middle of July, it’s 24° C (75° F) in Bucahrest and Constanta, but only 18° C (64° F) in Brasov. 

Spring in Romania warms up significantly from month to month. Average temperatures begin around 7° C (44° F) and rise to 17° C (63° F) by the end of the season. Bring you rain jacket, as you can expect at least some rain during about half the days each month, but you’ll find beautiful sunny days in between.

Summer in Romania is nothing short of hot! While the average temperatures may not look scary, ranging from 20-22° C (68-72° F), you’ll find the highs of 26-28° C (79-82° F) to be a little more daunting when you’re climbing fortresses outside all day.

Luckily we’ve escaped some of the insane European summer heat waves the last few years, and you can always cool down in the Black Sea or escape to the mountains if you find the cities too hot. 

There will still be summer rainy days to help cool you off as well. During the summer months, expect about ten days of rain per month. These showers are usual last a few hours and do not *typically* last for most of the day.

Autumn in Romania is beautiful, but keep in mind that the weather will turn chilly by the end of October (I once learned this the hard way). Average fall temperatures in Romania start out at 18° C (64° F) in September, dropping to 12° C (54° F) in October and 5° C (41° F) by November. By November, expect to see the occasional snow flurry if you’re higher in the mountains.

Make sure to pack your rain jacket, since Romania in autumn experiences about ten days a month with at least some rainfall. 

Winter in Romania is a wonderful time to visit, with Christmas Markets and ski resorts to explore. However, you’ll enjoy your time here during this magical season the most if you’re properly dressed for it!

The winter weather in Romania is pretty stable, ranging from -2° C (28° F) to 2° C (36° F). Essentially, the temperature is almost always right freezing. 

If your plan is to sightsee, keep in mind that you should dress to feel much colder since you will be outside for long periods of time!

If you need ideas of what to do in Romania from December through February, check out our guide to things to do in Romania in winter and our separate Bucharest in winter guide.

What to Wear in Romania For Women 

Romanian women generally dress up a bit, especially in cities. Though you shouldn’t feel the need to “compete” with them, you may feel out of place if you pack all t-shirts and jeans.

We like to mix it up with dresses, skirts, casual tops with jeans, and lots of outtits with leggings. In my opinion, leggings and a dress are more comfortable than wearing jeans on a long, hot Balkan bus ride, and they look more like what you’ll find Eastern European women typically wear. 

If you plan on visiting Orthodox churches while you’re here, you’ll be happy to know that the dress code is less strict than in places like Greece and Ukraine. Women should cover at least shoulders and knees. Some Romanian women will cover their hair; you don’t have to, but if a church offers you headscarves, it’s polite to put it on.

We’ve created two separate packing lists: one for spring through fall, one for winter. You may want to adjust the packing list slightly depending on the season: for example, you may decide to leave the heavier jacket at home in the heat of summer, and swap a summery maxi dress for extra leggings in spring or fall. However, there’s enough overlap that we’ve combined it all into one spring/summer/fall list.

What to Pack for Spring, Summer, & Fall in Romania

Clothes

2-3 tank tops: Great for layering, and you may want to add a few more in the summer. We like these ones.

2-3 V-neck shirts: In case you want a little more coverage, or if you’re traveling in spring/fall, these are also great multi-purpose separates. We recommend these ones. I also love to have a simple striped T like this one.

2 long sleeve shirts (fall/spring only): You won’t need these in the summer, but in fall, they’re wonderful to have. We recommend these ones.

1 chambray shirt: Perfect to wear as a shirt in spring/fall or to wear unbuttoned as a light jacket on a summer night – this shirt is so versatile that it’s become my packing must-have.

1 mid-weight jacket: There can be some surprising weather sometimes even in the summer in Bucharest, so I still recommend one medium-weight jacket like this denim jacket or a faux leather jacket.

2 pairs shorts (summer only): You likely won’t need these in the fall or spring. For summer, I recommend 1 loose pair of linen shorts and 1 pair denim shorts.

Lightweight scarf: Great for too much A/C, surprisingly chilly nights, surprise church visits, or dressing up an outfit you’ve worn too many times. We like this one for all the color choices.

Black cardigan: Great for cool nights in summer and dressing up fall and spring outfits; we suggest this one.

2-3 pairs black leggings: I love leggings so much – for sleeping, for lazy days, to avoid chub rub, to make a summer dress fall appropriate. We recommend bringing a few pairs if you can (we suggest these).

1-2 pairs skinny jeans: 1 in summer, 2 in fall or spring. We like these ones, but jeans are so personal, so bring your favorites.

2-3 skirts: We love skirts for travel! In summer, I love midi skirts and maxi skirts, whereas in spring and fall, I prefer mini skirts that I can wear with leggings and boots.

2-3 summer dresses: I try to buy dresses that are great for summer but can transition well to fall and spring with the right accessories. We think this one and this one are super cute!

Maxi dress (summer only): I love maxi dresses for summer, but they don’t transition as well as shorter dresses for fall. Here’s a simple black one we like.

Shoes & Sandals

Travel sandals: Depending on what you’ll do in Romania. If you’re just going to be walking around the cities, I love Birkenstocks and live in them about half of. the year. If you’re going to the beach, pool/spa, or staying in a hostel, also add on a pair of simple rubber flip flops.

Comfortable but cute sneakers: Gone are the days where I can comfortably wear flats for a day of heavy sightseeing! I strongly recommend a stylish pair of sneakers like these black Nike running shoes for your busiest city days.

Ankle boots: I definitely recommend a water-resistant pair of ankle boots for rainy days, cold weather, or going out at night if you want a more dressed-up option. These Teva ankle boots are adorable yet comfortable.

Underwear

No-show socks: Nothing worse than socks that clash with your shoes! We like these no-show socks.

8+ pairs underwear: Bring one pair for every day of travel you want to go without doing laundry, plus one extra. If you need new travel undies, we recommend these comfy quick-dry ones.

2-3 bras: Depending on your needs and activity levels. I usually bring 1 bra and one bralette, but if you’re active you may want a sports bra or if you like to wear backless or strapless tops/dresses you may want adhesive or strapless bras. If you want a quick-dry travel bra, we recommend this one.

Sleepwear: I personally love having dedicated sleepwear – this silky pajama set is so comfortable!

Jewelry & Accessories

Headbands: Great for keeping hair out of your face or hiding greasy hair if you need to! We think these are ultra-cute.

Jewelry: Pick cheap statement jewelry and leave heirlooms or expensive jewelry at home. Theft is rare in Romania, but it’s better to make yourself inconspicuous.

What to Pack for Winter in Romania

Clothes

2 long sleeve shirts: Great for layering with skirts and leggings or jeans. We recommend these ones.

2 pairs skinny jeans: We like these ones, but bring your favorites that are already broken in if you have them. A little looser is better so you can fit an extra pair of leggings underneath if it’s super cold.

2 sweater dresses: I love cute sweater dresses like this one for cold winter days.

2-3 skirts: I prefer above-the-knee skirts that I can easily pair with leggings in winter.

3+ pairs warm leggings: I personally wear fleece-lined leggings nearly all winter long because I’m sensitive to wool. However, merino wool is ultra-warm (and non-microbial and odor-resistant) so I recommend a pair of merino wool leggings if your skin can handle wool.

1 ultra-warm parka: It can get to -5 C in Bucharest in the winter (or 23 F) and it can get even colder in the mountains! Don’t neglect a super-warm winter jacket like this North Face parka. It’s a little pricy, but it literally comes with a lifetime guarantee and they will repair or replace it for free if you ever have any issues with your coat. I’ve owned mine for nearly a decade.

Ultra-light down jacket: For less cold days or for layering it underneath your parka for the truly cold days. This rolls up and packs easily in your day bag so it’s good to bring along – I have one really similar to this.

Shoes & Sandals

Ankle boots: For cold weather shoes that are still good for going out at night, we suggest these Teva ankle boots.

Waterproof leather boots: For snowy days and super cold weather when you still want to be comfortable, I love these knee-high Blondo boots and have owned them for over a decade.

Snow boots (optional): If you’re spending a lot of time in mountain resorts like Poiana Brasov – or you want a dedicated snow boot – we suggest these ones.

Underwear

6+ pairs wool socks: Wool socks will keep your feet so much warmer than your standard cotton socks! We suggest these affordable yet cozy socks.

8+ pairs underwear: Bring one pair for every day of travel you want to go without doing laundry, plus one extra. If you want underwear specifically made for travel, we recommend these comfy quick-dry ones.

2-3 bras: Depending on your needs and activity levels. I usually bring 1 bra and one bralette, but if you’re active you may want a sports bra too. If you want a quick-dry travel bra, we recommend this one.

Jewelry& Accessories

Winter scarf: Romania can get cold in the winter, so you’ll definitely want a warm winter scarf like this one.

Touchscreen gloves: You’ll want to cover your fingers and still be able to use your favorite touchscreen devices, so we recommend gloves like these which are compatible with your smartphone.

Fleece-lined knit hat: You lose a lot of heat from the top of your head and ears, so a fleece-lined knit hat that you wear tight, like a beanie, is a fantastic choice. Pick a colorful one for cute photos!

Jewelry: Go with inexpensive statement jewelry and leave heirlooms or expensive jewelry at home. 

What to Wear in Romania For Men 

Romanian men tend to dress smartly in the cities, especially compared to Americans and Canadians. While you don’t need to bring a tux (unless your itinerary calls for one) we advise you don’t dress like a “schlubby tourist” either. 

Clothing items like khaki shorts and white sneakers scream “tourist,” which can also be a safety hazard in cities where pickpockets target people who look like oblivious westerners.

Instead of dressing like you just left boy scout camp, think sophisticated European style, parred down a bit for comfort.  

If you’ll be doing a lot of religious tourism and visiting monasteries, wear pants that go past your knees always remove any hat or baseball cap before entering. 

What to Pack for Spring, Summer, & Fall in Romania

Keeping in mind which season you’ll be visiting in (and our overview of the weather in Romania above), here’s what we suggest. Adjust the items and layers slightly to better match the season. 

Clothes

4-5 everyday shirts: Whether your go-to everyday shirt is a t-shirt, a polo shirt, or something with a bit more style, bring enough that you can go with only doing laundry twice a week. Make a few of these long sleeve shirts in early spring and in the autumn, but during summer long sleeves aren’t necessary. 

1-2 collared shirt: Bring a nice collared shirt, like this Oxford shirt, for a date night, if you decide to go to a performance, or even just to enjoy a bit of a fancier night on the town. This is especially important if you’ll be traveling with your partner, since who wants to be in one of the most romantic countries on Earth without enjoying it a bit?

If you’re traveling single, this will also come in handy for going out, though you might want to make it something that can go from the opera house to the club.

3-4 undershirts: If you wear undershirts, bring them. Expect to be doing laundry 1-2 times per week during your trip, so bring enough to cover half a week (plus you’ll be wearing one as well).

1-2 pairs of shorts: Summer in Romania can be brutally hot, and in this situation, you will be happy to have some shorts. Just avoid shorts that look overly touristy. We think something like these jean shorts would work. Again, avoiding khaki is for safety (but it’s also about fitting in). 

The cut and style of the shorts you choose will really make a difference in how Europeans perceive you, but remember that men in Europe rarely wear shorts. Therefore, all shorts are statement shorts (and the statement that you’re making, typically, is rob me).

2 pairs of jeans: The sophisticated-yet-still-fun older brother of the jean short, this is what most tourists in Europe end up wearing to fit in yet still be comfortable. While European men wear slacks or dress pants more than jeans, a crisp pair of jeans is almost always acceptable. While we always appreciate a good dad jean, for Europe think more of a relaxed fit like these Levi’s. 

1 pair of wrinkle-free dress pants: While you can wear ironed jeans out on a nice evening, you’ll probably feel more comfortable wearing a nicer pair of slacks. Get one with a wrinkle-free fabric like these so you don’t have to worry if your accommodations don’t have an iron handy. 

1 medium-weight jacket that can handle rain: There can be some surprising weather sometimes even in the summer in Romania, so bring a jacket that can handle rain and a bit of wind. We like this Colombia rain jacket.

1-2 pairs of swim trunks: This is dependant on your itinerary, but I think it’s always a good idea to bring something to swim in. Whether you spend time at the world-famous Therme spa outside of Bucharest or just want to enjoy the hot tub at your hotel, it’s nice to be able to relax a bit. 

Note that many older European men will opt for the Speedo. This is one area where we do not recommend a North American tourist to try to fit in. 

You can choose to show a bit of your personality in your swimwear, by going either super traditional like these trunks or something with a bit more flair, like these pineapple swim trunks.

Shoes & Sandals

Travel Sandals: If you’ll be in Romania during the summer, sandals are a great idea, especially if you’ll be spending time walking around the cities. Consider a sports sandal like these leather athletic sandals or a pair of  Birkenstocks.

If you’re headed to the beach, the spa, or even just a communal shower in a hostel, you also need to pack a pair of rubber flip-flops.

Comfortable Sneakers or Walking Shoes: If you’ll be doing a lot of sightseeing (and most likely, you will be) bring a pair of functional shoes that can support your feet at the end of a long day. We suggest getting a pair of Chuck Taylor’s (avoid white pairs) or something like these Sketchers. 

Boots: If you’ll be doing a lot of hiking in Romania, bring a pair of sturdy hiking boots like these Keen Waterproof Hiking Boots. If you’ll be walking around doing mostly normal sightseeing, opt for something like these Timberlands instead. 

Dress Shoes: You don’t need something super fancy, but if you are planning to have a nice night on the town with your partner then you should bring a pair of shoes that will go with a slightly nicer outfit. For example, these Oxford Sneakers will transition better from day-to-night than a typical sneaker will. 

Underwear & Socks

7-8 Pairs of Underwear: While we expect you’ll be doing laundry once or twice a week, it’s nice to be able to go an entire week with clean underwear if you need to. If you want to invest in a few new pairs, get something like these quick-dry boxer briefs so that when you do hang your laundry to dry, they dry quickly. 

7-8 Pairs of Socks: Only you know if you like your socks with a bit of flair or if you’re a socks-blend-in kind of guy. If you want no-show socks, get something like these quick-drying ones. No one wants to put on socks that didn’t get completely dry before an entire day of sightseeing.

1-2 tee shirt and shorts for sleeping: Whatever you sleep in, bring one or two. If you sleep naked, don’t book a room in a hostel dorm, please. This pajama set will keep you from getting in trouble in any shared sleeping situation.  

Jewelry & Accessories

Wrist Watch: If you’re a watch guy, bring it. Unless it’s a super expensive watch or a family heirloom. In that case, leave it at home and use your cell phone to tell time. 

Any personal jewelry: If you wear jewelry, bring it, especially if it’s an important item like your wedding ring. However, anything that’s a family heirloom or insanely valuable, leave at home. (Other than your wedding ring…if your wife finds that you’ve left that behind you might not have a home to come back to).

1-2 Hats: If you don’t feel dressed without a baseball cap or hat, bring one or two options. 

What to Pack for Winter in Romania

Use the packing list for spring, summer, and fall section above as a guide, but with the following additions and substitutions. 

Clothes

A Winter Coat: Upgrade the rain jacket to a real winter coat. Remember that when you’re traveling somewhere new, you will spend significantly more of your day outside than if you are working or living somewhere. We suggest something like this Northface Parka (Romania gets cold).

1-2 Wool Baselayers: The key to dressing for winter in Romania is layers. You want to be able to get warmer when needed, and then be able to remove the layers if the weather changes. Adding a wool base layer under your shirt is a great way to get some extra warmth in. 

Long Underwear: You can make your jeans sightseeing-in-winter ready by pairing them with some long underwear. 

1-2 Sweaters: Another great way to add in an extra layer is to wear a light sweater over your shirt, giving you a bit more warmth with an option to still put your coat on if you need even more. We like these v-neck pullover sweaters.

Shoes & Sandals

Waterproof Leather Boots: Upgrade your boots to the waterproof variety, like these Timberlands. Trust us, nothing is worth than walking eight miles sightseeing on cobblestone streets in waterlogged shoes.

Waterproof Sneakers: If you still want to spend your days in sneakers, get a waterproof pair like these Colombia Waterproof hiking boots.

Snow Boots (optional): If you’ll be spending time in the resort towns like Poiana Brasov (or if the forecast during your trip calls for lots of snow) then you’ll be happy to have a pair of snow boots with you. We like these from Sorel.

Underwear

7-8 pairs of wool socks: Upgrade you regular socks to warm, wool socks to keep your toes toasty warm even when it’s freezing out. 

Flannel Pajamas: Upgrade your t-shirt and shorts to flannel pajamas. This is especially important if you’ll be staying in hostels or hotels in historic buildings. 

Jewelry & Accessories

Winter Scarf: Add a thick cable knit scarf or cashmere scarf to keep the wind out. 

Waterproof Touch-Screen Gloves: You probably know that you’re going to want gloves, but there are a few finer points to consider. You’ll want waterproof gloves in case it’s snowing, and touchscreen capabilities so that you can continue to take photos and navigate with your cell phone. Check out this affordable pair from Finger Ten.

Fleece-Lined Knit Hat: Don’t waste your time bringing any winter beanie. Get one that’s lined with fleece to keep as much of your warmth as possible. We like this one from LETHMIK. 

Toiletries 

While you can obviously pick up a lot of this once you’re here, we don’t like spending a ton of time on errands once we are in Romania. Instead we like to actually spend our time exploring Romania!

Keep in mind if you’ll be staying in smaller towns or villages, you may not have quick access to a store after hours. You’ll almost always be able to buy an emergency toothbrush no matter the time of day if you’re in Bucharest or Cluj. 

Toiletries for Women

We’ve outlined everything we typically bring. However, we usually bring travel size versions so this doesn’t take up much room in our backpacks. It would be traumatic and heavy to carry around full-size bottles of liquids in a backpack.

Hair Care & Bathing

Shampoo & conditioner: I love shampoo bars personally since I try to pack carry-on only and reduce my plastic consumption. I like the ones from LUSH as well as these ones from Amazon.

Dry shampoo: We all have those days when showering is hard – dry shampoo will perk up any oily locks.

Brush or comb: Whatever you use – I like this small travel-sized one.

Hair ties: If you have long hair, you’ll likely want some hair ties.

Hairdryer & straightener: Optional, but if you do your hair at home, you’ll probably want this when you travel as well. If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll want dual voltage.

GoToobs: For your favorite shampoo/conditioner or body wash/lotion from home, I love these squeezy silicon GoToobs.

Body wash and lotion: Either full-size or in carry-on-sized containers like above.

Skin Care

Moisturizer: Travel will beat your skin up. If you use moisturizer at home, bring it. If you’ve never used moisturizer before, you really should start. You’ll be happy to give your face a boost before heading outside all day. 

Facewash: For washing all the dirt, dust, smog, sweat, and other travel-related impurities off your face at the end of the day. Make sure you bring a travel-sized version, like this travel Clean & Clear. 

Tweezers: For emergency chin hair situations and the like – you know what I mean. I always carry tweezers like these.

Sunscreen: You can buy sunscreen here, but it’s likely cheaper at home or bought online in advance. I love this solid Neutrogena sunscreen. Who doesn’t love a good solid for liquid swap? Great to keep in your bag without worrying about sunscreen explosions

Razor & refills: It’s not always easy to find your brand on the road. I use Venus and I can find it easily in Romania, but it’s more expensive than back home. Here’s the razor + refill cartridges.

Anti-chafe balm: If you have thick thighs and are traveling in summer, this stuff works miracles! Vaseline also works great.

Make-up

Foundation: I love this Benefit Oxygen foundation because it doesn’t make me break out and it’s very lightweight coverage with a bit of SPF.

Mascara: I love Urban Decay, but YMMV.

Blush: I prefer creme/gel to powder to avoid breakage – I suggest this awesome Tarte cheek stain.

Red matte lip stain: Red lipstick is my ultimate travel hack. I use the matte lip stain from Sephora and it works a dream and lasts for ages.

Concealer: I swear by Make-up For Ever concealer – it’s the best I’ve ever used, and I used to struggle with serious acne.

Dental care

Toothbrush: I have a small folding toothbrush and I love it for travel, as I always break or lose the clip-on caps.

Toothpaste: Whatever you use at home will do! My mother, who’s a dental hygienist, keeps me stocked with travel-sized tubes of Sensodyne. 

Floss: Because your mother will know if you don’t use floss. (Or at least mine will). 

Eyecare

Sunglasses: Either prescription or regular, depending on needs

Reading glasses: If needed.

Glasses: If needed. If you have a back-up pair, it’s nice to have two in case one pair breaks. (Or be able to switch between a pair of glasses and contacts).

Hard Glasses Case: If you bring glasses or sunglasses, have a hard-shell case like this one to keep them safe when you’re not wearing them. Travel can beat up your glasses if you don’t store them properly. Remember that if you have very large or wide glasses, you might need a larger case. 

Contacts & saline solution: If needed. Note that saline solution is considered a medical supply and you are allowed to bring more than 100 ml in a carry-on. Make sure that your contact case has screw tops like this one and is not the kind that just snaps shut. Otherwise, you might find yourself with lost contacts. 

Note that if you typically wear contacts, it’s a good idea to bring a backup pair of glasses in case you hurt your eyes. This happened to me on a trip to NYC once, and I had to wear my prescription sunglasses all weekend since I couldn’t get my contacts in my eyes (and forgot my glasses). 

If you’re flying transatlantic, keep your glasses in your carryon. Long flights tend to dry out your eyes, and you’ll be happy to have the option to switch to glasses if the need arises. 

Personal Care

Whatever you need for your period: I personally prefer a Diva Cup as it’s reusable, eco-friendly, comfortable, and can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. Others may prefer tampons or pads. Bring whatever you need to feel comfortable, as you may not find your exact brand in Romania.

Condoms or birth control methods: If you may have a little… romance in Romania, bring your own birth control methods, whether that’s condoms, birth control pills, or something else.

Toiletries for Men

While we know that men and women travel with many of the same toiletries, there are typically (though not always) a few differences. 

Hair Care & Bathing

Shampoo & Conditioner: While some guys don’t mind using whatever shampoo comes with the hotel, we know that many of you guys are way more particular than that. If you have a shampoo preference that’s very specific, bring it with you. 

If you want to minimize your plastic use, pick up a shampoo bar like the ones at LUSH or these ones from Amazon. 

Also, it’s possible that your accommodations won’t provide shampoo and conditioner. Check ahead. Worst case scenario, you can pick some up in Romania.

Brush or Comb: I like traveling with a travel hairbrush, but if you prefer combs then I wouldn’t worry about getting a smaller version since it ill lay flat in your bag.

Hair Accessories: If you have a particular hairstyle that needs accessories, bring a few. 

Hair Products: If there’s a hair product that you use every day, bring it. Keep in mind airline carryon restrictions for liquids. 

GoToobs: For your favorite shampoo/conditioner or body wash/lotion from home pick up some GoToobs.

Body wash and lotion: Either full-size or in carry-on-sized containers like above.

Skin Care

Moisturizer: Travel will beat your skin up. If you use a moisturizer at home, bring it. If you’ve never used a moisturizer before, you really should start. You’ll be happy to give your face a boost before heading outside all day. 

Facewash: For washing all the dirt, dust, smog, sweat, and other travel-related impurities off your face at the end of the day. Make sure you bring a travel-sized version, like this travel Clean & Clear. 

Tweezers: For emergency splinters, etc. I always carry tweezers like these.

Sunscreen: You can buy sunscreen here in Romania, but it’s likely cheaper at home or bought online in advance. I love this solid Neutrogena sunscreen. Who doesn’t love a good solid for liquid swap? Great to keep in your bag without worrying about sunscreen explosions

Razor & refills: We know that the type of razor you use is very particular. If you use an electronic razor and live in North America, keep in mind that the voltage in Europe will fry your razor.

We suggest bringing a good handheld razor instead, like the Gillette Fusion5 and a few extra razor blades.

If you prefer to get a shave with a straight razor at a barbershop, you will be able to find barbers in all major Romanian cities. However, we can’t vouch for language barriers, since these kinds of shops rarely get tourists. 

Anti-chafe balm: If you tend to chafe when you get sweaty, this stuff works miracles! Vaseline also works great. Keep in mind that you will be walking in the heat for long periods of time in summer, so if you’ve EVER chafed it’s better to be safe than ruin your vacation. 

Make-up

We know some men wear make-up every day and look absolutely fabulous doing it. We don’t have product recommendations for men’s make-up looks but bring what you love from home. Just keep in mind liquid limitations on airplanes and try to minimize your makeup kit to the smallest workable version. 

Dental care

Toothbrush: This small folding toothbrush will keep your teeth clean and your bag light.

Toothpaste: Whatever you use at home will do! My mother, who’s a dental hygienist, keeps me stocked with travel-sized tubes of Sensodyne. 

Floss: Because your mother will know if you don’t use floss. (Or at least mine will). 

Eyecare

Sunglasses: Either prescription or regular, depending on needs

Reading glasses: If needed.

Glasses: If needed. If you have a back-up pair, it’s nice to have two in case one pair breaks. (Or be able to switch between a pair of glasses and contacts).

Hard Glasses Case: If you bring glasses or sunglasses, have a hard-shell case like this one to keep them safe when you’re not wearing them. Travel can beat up your glasses if you don’t store them properly. Remember that if you have very large or wide glasses, you might need a larger case. 

Contacts & saline solution: If needed. Note that saline solution is considered a medical supply and you are allowed to bring more than 100 ml in a carry-on. Make sure that your contact case has screw tops like this one and is not the kind that just snaps shut. Otherwise, you might find yourself with lost contacts. 

Note that if you typically wear contacts, it’s a good idea to bring a backup pair of glasses in case you hurt your eyes. This happened to me on a trip to NYC once, and I had to wear my prescription sunglasses all weekend since I couldn’t get my contacts in my eyes (and forgot my glasses). 

If you’re flying transatlantic, keep your glasses in your carryon. Long flights tend to dry out your eyes, and you’ll be happy to have the option to switch to glasses if the need arises. 

Personal Care

It’s important to plan ahead for your personal needs before you leave for your trip. This means packing condoms or the preferred birth control methods of you and your partner. If you don’t have a partner traveling with you, but hope to meet one once you’re here, bring condoms from home. The brands here can be different than what you’re used to.

You also want to think about any sex-related prescription drugs you use at home. If you use Viagara at home, bring it with you (but also bring proof that you have a prescription). 

Miscellaneous Items to Pack for Romania

Reusable water bottle with filter: While you can drink the tap water in most of Romania, if you’ll be visiting a lot of small villages or doing some hiking, I recommend a filter water bottle like the GRAYL. If you’re sticking to big cities, a regular reusable bottle will do just fine. This one is cool because it’s collapsible!

Mini bathroom kit: For poorly stocked bathrooms at bus stops, you’ll be happy you have this! I carry a small hand sanitizer and these wet wipes.

Travel umbrella: It rains here frequently and unpredictably – have a small travel umbrella stashed away for unexpected showers.

Hiking boots: If you plan to come to Romania to hike, you’ll definitely want your hiking boots! I recommend these Ahnu hiking boots for women, and these Keen boots for men.

Trekking poles: Not needed, but if you like them, you’ll want to bring them. I recommend these travel-friendly poles.

What to Put in Your Medicine Kit

Pepto-Bismol: This is my favorite medicine for when I have stomach trouble as it’s not really as harsh on your stomach as Imodium, but they don’t sell it in Romania. Bring some from home.

Imodium: In case of any stomach emergencies (read: diarrhea before a long bus or flight), Imodium is a good option. You can buy it in Romania, but if you have diarrhea, you probably don’t want to be communicating that to a confused-looking pharmacist. Bring some from home.

Painkillers: Aleve works better for me, but YMMV. I also bring some Excedrin Migraine as I’m prone to migraines. 

Pedialyte hydration packs: Perfect after drunken shenanigans (like at Bucharest’s famous Shotaria), long hikes, or just plain dehydration. Made for kids, but work just as well for hungover adults. I buy these ones.

Bandaids: For blisters, small cuts, breaking in shoes, etc., bandaids are always handy to have.

Tiger balm: I discovered this is Southeast Asia and left obsessed. It’s great for aftercare for bug bites, nursing headaches, rubbing on aching muscles, and basically anything. You won’t find it Romania, so buy it online.

Mosquito repellent: You can bring ones with DEET or without DEET, or I love having some of these mosquito repellent wipes that I can keep in my bag in case I suddenly start to get swarmed and don’t have my regular repellent with me.

Motion sickness pills: Great for bus rides especially on mountain roads – I buy these non-drowsy ones. You can also try these natural motion sickness bands which use acupressure to reduce nausea – they actually work pretty well.

Technology & Accessories

Camera, lenses, and chargers: Allison uses a Sony A6000 with a kit lens and the 18-105mm f4 lens, which is a good starter camera that is lightweight but not quite professional caliber. I use a Nikon D810 which is better but more expensive and bulkier. If you want a smaller camera for video or adventurous travel, a GoPro would be perfect.

Smartphones: Then again, more and more often, we find ourselves taking photos with our smartphones and leaving our bulky cameras in our bags. Allison uses an iPhone X and I use a Samsung Galaxy.

Kindle: We love having our Kindles with us when we travel, especially in places like Romania where the selection of English-language books is often small or nonexistent. Keep yours safe in a cover. I use one like this one.

Laptop and charger: We both use Macs as our travel and work laptop, but if you just want a cheap laptop for travel, a Chromebook is a good choice.

Extras for Hostels 

Sleep mask: Any will do, but for the year or so that I spent living out of hostels, I loved my contoured sleep mask!

Hearos ear plugs: I tested many earplugs when I traveled around the world staying in hostels – Hearos are the clear winners.

Mini combo locks: Most hostels will have lockers for you to use, but most do not come with their own locks. I prefer mini combo locks to locks with a key as it’s harder to forget your combination than to lose your key.

Travel towel: Great for hostels where you may have to rent a towel, but we also just recommend this towel in general as its awesome.

What to Pack for Studying Abroad, Working Abroad, or Homestays

If you’re coming to Romania to study abroad or you’re going to be doing a homestay with friends or on an official homestay program, there are a few extra items you need to pack.

First, bring a small gift from your home city or country (something that you wouldn’t get anywhere else). For example, if I was coming from Philadelphia to study abroad Romania, I’d bring little pins of the Liberty Bell, American Flag pins, or something small that screams “Philadelphia.” These are given to teachers, administrators, friends, and anyone else you think will appreciate a little taste of your home.

For work abroad, bring enough to give to administrators, your higher-ups, and any coworkers. 

For homestays, bring something a bit larger, but you only need one for your host family. So instead of little pins, you might bring a nice snowglobe or a box of candy or local jam. 

When our family hosted a German exchange student, she brought me a necklace from Germany and a few bars of Milka chocolate for the family. Even though it’s been twenty years, I still remember how delighted I was to get a small piece of Germany!

For these items, small tokens do the trick. Your gifts don’t need to be extravagant. It’s the thought that counts! 

Important Documentation

Make sure you remember to bring these important documents with you when you come to Romania!

Your Passport is the most important piece of documentation that you need (they probably won’t let you on the plane without it)! However, just having your passport tucked into your travel wallet isn’t good enough. You need to make copies before you leave.

Scan your passport and email it to yourself. Then print out three hard copies. Hide one in your luggage, one in your day bag, and give one to your emergency contact at home. (You can also email it to this person). 

If you make sure you always have access to a copy of your passport, even in cases where everything is stolen or you don’t have access to the internet, you’ll be able to get an emergency one made if your passport is lost or stolen (or damaged). 

A Passport Holder to protect your precious passport. Did you know that you can be denied boarding on your flight if your passport has visible damage? I’ve seen it happen, and it doesn’t matter how much you scream at the poor airline employee, they aren’t going to change their mind.

If you’ve taken our advice and will be using a travel wallet during your trip, then keep your passport safe in the passport pocket during your trip. 

If you will be doing a lot of water activities like enjoying the Romanian Riviera or the Danube Delta, then you might want to pick up a waterproof passport holder to make absolutely sure your passport doesn’t get ruined during your trip.

Your Travel Insurance Policy Information in case you need to make a claim during your trip. I like to use the same system as I do with my passport – three hard copies and a soft copy. Make sure your emergency contact has a copy of your insurance policy information as well. In certain (unpleasant) situations, they will need to file the claim on your behalf.

>> Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here <<

Driver’s License for renting a car or driving in Romania. While you’ll still need to bring your passport with you to pick up your rental car, a driver’s license is required if you actually want to be allowed to drive the thing. This also works as an ID when you don’t want to take your passport somewhere.

Credit Card & ATM Card Information in case your cards are lost or stolen. I use the same soft and hard copy system for my cards as I do for my passport and travel insurance information, with one major exception. I don’t send or leave a copy with anyone. 

For your copies, make scans of both the front and back so you have every number you need (including the phone number to call from overseas). 

Student ID or Senior ID so that you can utilize any available discounts. Some museums and heritage sites have discounts for students and seniors (and it never hurts to ask if one is available).

Tour Confirmations for any pre-booked activities in case you can’t get internet access for check-in. Where required, you should have printouts of your confirmation, but other companies will allow you to use an electronic ticket or even their app.

This is one reason we book our own activities through GetYourGuide because you can easily organize all your booked tours in their app. 

Accommodation Confirmation for every place you’re staying. While you can reasonably expect to be able to check-in without producing a copy of your confirmation, bring it anyway in case of an emergency like they’ve lost your reservation or you can’t remember the name of your hotel to give to your taxi driver. 

Another reason to make sure you have your hotel information is to make sure that the charges align with what you’ve booked. I’ve been in a situation where I was charged more and had additional fees that were not in my original contract. 

That’s one reason I prefer to use Booking.com to book my rooms. They have pretty flexible cancellation policies and I have a number to call for customer service in case there’s a problem. 

Transportation Information for your flights, buses, trains, and car rentals. I use the app TripIt (see the App section) to organize these things, but you’ll also want to save the emails and print out any tickets or boarding passes before you leave. 

You’ll also want to have the instructions for using ground transportation to your first accommodations, especially if you won’t have data or will be arriving after dark.

Books about Romania

Here are our favorite books about Romania that you can read before your trip or bring with you while you’re here, plus our recommendation for a great guidebook and travel journal. 

Lonely Planet Bulgaria & Romania is a great guidebook for your visit to Romania. It can be really hard (sometimes impossible) to buy a physical guidebook in English once you’re in Romania, so if you like having your guidebook in your hands you will need to bring it with you from home.

Dracula by Bram Stoker. Yes, it’s true that Stoker never set foot in Romania, but you’ll see Romanians embracing the Dracula tradition all over the country. If you will be traipsing around the Transylvanian countryside and visiting the region’s beautiful castles, then you’ll appreciate having a copy of Dracula to tuck into at night. 

Along the Enchanted Way: A Story of Love and Life in Romania by William Blackner is the author’s tale of life in northern rural Romania. This Romanian travel memoir is both compelling and enchanting, and its prose style far surpasses that of a typical memoir. A must-read for anyone who will be traveling in the north.

Red Horizons: The True Story of Nicolae and Elena Ceausescus’ Crimes, Lifestyle, and Corruption by Ion Mihai Pacepa are one of the first accounts of the Ceausescu regime to be published in Romania after the Romanian revolution and the fall of communism.

If you want to learn more about what the communist regime in Romania was like, from the corruption to how it oppressed the Romanian people, this is a great place to start. Perfect for anyone who will be exploring Bucharest or doing any kind of Red Tourism. 

The Land of Green Plums: A Novel by Herta Müller is for anyone who prefers to learn their communist history through fiction rather than nonfiction (or who wants a little of both). Müller, herself a survivor of the Ceausescu regime, tells the story of what it was like to live in this world and how it corrodes nearly every human relationship. 

For her depiction of the toll communism took on the people oppressed by it, Müller won the 2009 Nobel Prize for Literature. The committee praised her as someone “who, with the concentration of poetry and the frankness of prose, depicts the landscape of the dispossessed.”

A Concise History of Romania is a great read for anyone who wants to have a good understanding of the history of the country further back than the communist ear. Here you get two thousand years of Romanian history, all the way back to the Roman Empire. There’s a lack of great histories written about Balkan countries, but the Cambridge Concise histories do the trick and cover what you need to know. 

A Travel Journal so that you can write down your own experiences and musings from your time in Romania. This is also a great place to jot down phone numbers and other important pieces of info so that you have this information available offline somewhere. 

Apps to Download Before Your Trip

More Romania Travel Resources

If you’re going to Romania, we have a goldmine of resources for you to take advantage of! First, check out this guide to planning a trip to Romania. It’s a good starting point for planning your trip.

Next, check out all the things to do in Transylvania, things to do in Bucharest, and the best Bucharest day trips. You can also check out our Instagram guides to Sibiu, Brasov, and Bucharest – more are on the way.

If you’ll be visiting Romania from December through early March, check out our guides to the best things to do in Romania in winter and Bucharest in winter. 

You can also read about the best Romanian castles, the Romanian food you should try on your trip, and our favorite quotes about Romania.

We publish new content nearly every day! Bookmark our pages on Romania and the Balkansso that you don’t miss out on any new info or resources that we publish before your trip!

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

I’m sure you’re aware that travel insurance is a good idea for traveling in Romania (or really, any part of the world)! Allison and I have both been paying customers of World Nomads for the last three years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption.

While the Balkans are perfectly safe to travel around, there’s always a risk inherent in everyday travel, so it’s better to play it safe. The saying goes “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel” is true!

>> Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here <<

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