Backpacking through Romania on a tight budget — totally doable

Did Romania on a shoestring for 17 days and it was absolutely manageable. Based in cheap guesthouses near Sibiu centre and ate mostly at local spots — cozonac from street stalls cost almost nothing and was better than anything in a tourist restaurant.

Transfăgărășan Road has an entry fee but worth every penny. Dracula tourism done right was a free discovery that ended up being one of my favourite moments of the trip. Budget travellers: Romania is worth your time and money, just avoid the tourist-priced restaurants.