by Lonely Planet author Leif Pettersen

When to go

"Lonely Planet Romania and Moldova" 4th edition featuring agonizingly updated information and sarcastic comments by myself and Robert Reid is in stores now!

"Lonely Planet Eastern Europe" 9th edition, with my dense chapters on Rom & Mol, is in stores now!

"Lonely Planet Europe on a Shoestring" 5th edition, with my tiny chapters on Rom & Mol, is in stores now!

"Lonely Planet 2007 Bluelist" includes a piece I contributed about the Danube Delta.

Romania

Just like mosty of Europe, any time between May and September are prime times to be in Romania. However, if you wanna avoid the heat and crowds, aim for May and June or September and early October. The only drawback during these high-season extremes is that you may occasionally run into closures, but this is only in the more obscure areas. Spring and autumn are also the best times for birdwatching in the Danube Delta. Romania's winters really stink, making getting around a bit perilous, no matter what form of transport you choose. Moreover, you'll run into a lot of locked doors at museums, sights and even hotels outside of Bucharest and ski centers in Transylvania. Snow lingers as late as mid-May and even later at higher elevations. As such, the hiking season usually doesn't begin until June-ish. The resorts along the Black Sea coast are overrun between late June and mid-August. Plan ahead or consider visiting during the high-season fringe.

Moldova

Outside of the rip-roaring Wine Festival, Moldova has very few culturally specific festivals or calendar highlights. Trips here are usually an eccentric add-on to a trip to Romania. Outside of the summer months, the best time to visit is September or October. If you arrive in May don't be surprised if a snow flurry or two plops on your head.

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