Romania faces higher travel costs as tourists turn to cheaper options

A recent study by HelloSafe, cited by Hosteltur, ranks Romania eighth among Europe’s most affordable travel destinations, with an estimated daily budget of 71 EUR. The list is led by Moldova (34 EUR) and Serbia (40 EUR), while Western nations such as Switzerland and France remain the most expensive.

Data from early 2026 show Romanian tourists spent €2.9 billion on holidays between January and April, an increase of €400 million from the same period a year earlier. Eurostat reports that tourism services across Europe have risen between 3 % and 50 %, with accommodation costs jumping 30‑40 % and, in some cases, doubling. In response, many Romanians are planning trips earlier, seeking early‑booking deals, opting for last‑minute or off‑season travel, exploring less‑touristed destinations, and using installment payments to manage expenses.