THIS Is How You Can Enjoy Your Self-Drive Holidays

There is a unique pleasure that comes with the freedom of self-drive holidays. Unlike traditional packaged tours, where every detail is planned and scheduled, a self-drive holiday allows travelers to set their own pace, choose their routes, and explore destinations that might otherwise be overlooked.

Whether you are navigating through the winding roads of the Scottish Highlands or cruising along the sun-soaked coasts of the Mediterranean, the experience is deeply personal and enriching. For those seeking flexibility and control over their travel itinerary, the Inchirieri auto option offers an ideal solution, providing access to a wide range of vehicles suited to any journey.

This Is How You Will Enjoy Your Self-Drive Holidays

Earlier this year, Romania has entered the “border-free Schengen Zone” of Europe. So, the self-drive holidays in Romania and across the borders are going to be better. With Bulgaria also joining the Schengen Zone, you can now also explore the land of “Black Sea Resorts” without extra passport, Visa, or migration hassles.

Having said that, here are some simple yet effective tips to make your self-drive holiday more enjoyable.

Make The Most Of The Freedom of the Open Road (Exploring The Hidden Gems)

One of the greatest joys of a self-drive holiday is the sense of freedom it provides. The open road beckons with endless possibilities, allowing you to embark on spontaneous detours, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in local cultures.

Whether it’s an unplanned stop at a charming village or a leisurely lunch by a serene lake, the journey becomes as enjoyable as the destination itself.

Driving through diverse landscapes offers an intimate connection with the environment, from the rolling hills and ancient woodlands of the British countryside to the dramatic coastal cliffs and expansive beaches of Southern Europe.

Each destination presents its own unique challenges and rewards, making the journey both exciting and memorable. The opportunity to drive at your own pace, without the pressure of a fixed schedule, transforms travel into a liberating experience.

Tailoring Your Journey to Your Preferences

A self-drive holiday is also the perfect way to tailor your journey to your specific preferences. Whether you are a history enthusiast eager to explore ancient castles and ruins or a nature lover looking to hike through national parks, your itinerary can be customized to reflect your interests.

This level of personalization is often difficult to achieve with pre-packaged tours, which tend to follow a one-size-fits-all approach.

Embracing the Journey, Not Just the Destination

Ultimately, a self-drive holiday is about embracing the journey itself, not just the destination. The act of driving through diverse landscapes, stopping whenever and wherever you please, turns the trip into a series of delightful discoveries.

Whether you are traveling alone, with a partner, or with family, the shared experiences will be invaluable.

These Are The Places You Can Visit For Self-Drive Holidays In Romania

You will have an enviable trip report once you come back from your self-drive holidays in Romania. Trust me! The places to explore, including the most beautiful Transfagarasan Road, are endless.

Also, as I checked the internet, I found many travel management companies offering self-drive packages of 10 or 11 days. However, here, I have discussed two places that were the highlights for me.

The Transfagarasan Road

The Transfagarasan Road, with its hairpin turns, is one of the most fascinating self-drive destinations in Romania. However, it is only a route for seasoned drivers. As you enjoy the drive, you can behold the panoramic vista of the Fagaras Mountains, the tallest in Romania.

This road, which was built during the times of Nicolae Ceausescu, is also significant in the history of the country. The road gave the Romanian military quick access to the mountains so that the country could be saved from Soviet attacks.

Along with the Fagaras Mountains, there are a couple of other highlights on the tour.

The Vidraru Dam
Balea Lake
The Fortress of Poenari or The Dracula Castle
The Stan Valley

The Transfagarasan Road route starts near the Cartisoara, in Sibiu, and it is a 90 Km stretch to Bascov.

Do You Know?
The Fortress of Poenari, or The Dracula Castle, is said to be the castle where Bram Stoker’s Dracula lived.
Also, the fortress was the residence of Vlad the Impaler. Known as Vlad Dracula, he was one of the most important Wallachian rulers. He is still considered as a national hero.
It was a fortress to prevent Ottoman invasion. In addition, it has 1480 stone steps.

Saxon Fortified Church Of Biertan

The Saxon Fortified Church Of Biertan is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The origin of the church goes back to the end of the 15th century. The church still manages to retain its fortification features, and it dominates the village landscape for obvious reasons.

The church once (1572-1867) was the main religious center for the “Saxons of Transylvania.” In addition, because of the fortification features, it was the main defensive architecture in the rural setup so that the local people could take refuge there in moments of need.

You can still see the original altar, which was built in 1515 and has 28 panels. It is the largest church altar in Transylvania. In its make, the altar shows some serious inspiration from the Scottish Abbey in Vienna.

Once you are at the Saxon Fortified Church Of Biertan, don’t forget to check out the following architectural features.

Portal doors with prominent Renaissance elements
Painted pews of the 16th century
Single-stone pulpit made in 1500
Fortified towers and coffins that go back to 1515
Marriage Prison Tower
The Catholic Tower

If you want to spend a night at Biertan, you will have to make a prior booking. A few guest houses are available near the fortified church.

Did You Know?

The Saxon Fortified Church Of Biertan had a Marriage Prison Tower. It was the tower that was used for couple therapy in medieval times. The couples were locked in a small room, and each couple had only one plate, bed, and table to share. They were not brought out until they had found a solution to their troubled marriage.

It is said that only one couple decided to get divorced in the 400-year run of the Marriage Prison Tower in couple therapy.

A great place for couples? Honeymooners? 😉😉

Before Your Set In For Self-Drive Holidays In Romania

Patience is the key if you are to go on self-drive holidays in Romania. The roads are good, but they can get crowded. You are here to enjoy the scenic beauty, and you don’t want to utter “Bloody Brexit” every time there is a traffic issue.

Further, Romania does not allow alcohol consumption (a zero alcohol drink and drive limit) when you are driving. Moreover, if you are exploring rural areas, be careful of the livestock and horse-drawn carts that can appear in your way, and there are ruts on the roads.

That’s it! Maintain a decent speed and enjoy your self-drive holiday in Romania. Călătorie fericită!

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