Hints and tips


	Experience the holiday of a lifetime in the wonderful Danube Delta area of Romania, staying in a traditional fishermans cottage. Ideal for birding or angling holidays.



			For Danube River cruises click here


	We want you to be totally prepared for your visit and aware of any problems that you might encounter. You are visiting one of Europe’s great wildlife areas - but not all the wildlife will be to your liking! There are plenty of insects during the summer months, including mosquito’s which, though they are not a serious health threat, can leave unpleasant bites. You should take mosquito repellent and use it daily We provide anti mosquito strips which fit into electrical plugs and regularly spray the house. Dealing with the sun and insects involves basic common sense. Food that is left out will go off quickly and attract insects. Don’t leave doors open when lights are on at night.

	Do not underestimate the power of the sun during the summer months. Good quality protective cream is essential. If you want to visit between December and February (the season for ice fishing) sub zero temperatures are likely. During this period we recommend travelling to Bucharest the day before your return trip in case of weather delays on roads or railways. Stories of food shortages in Romania are years out of date. Romanians like to eat meat which is plentiful. Residents of the Danube Delta area eat a great deal of fish. Generally Romanians prefer salad with meals rather than cooked vegetables. For a good selection of vegetables visit an urban supermarket or a street market. Our local store at Somova sells rice, pasta and bread but may not have potatoes or milk - most residents produce much of their food themselves. Don’t be surprised if neighbours bring you some milk - but be sure to boil it well, and even then treat it with suspicion. Alcohol is very cheap including the local spirit which may be called Palinka or Twieca. It may be at similar strengths to spirits that you are used to (40% alcohol) but could be much stronger especially if home brewed.

Be aware that side streets in Somova are unpaved and poorly lit. Our house is at the top of the hill up a rough track. It is a difficult walk after dark. We will put you in touch with drivers who will drive you to the house after dark.

We have improved our bathroom and kitchen at Somova to a very satisfactory standard. However toilets in Romania are often poor and it is advisable to carry some toilet paper with you.

Railway stations and the Tulcea boat terminal can be confusing for those who don’t speak Romanian. They can also be time consuming. Arrive well before departure times. If you are travelling by train it is worth considering buying tickets from the agency the day before. Better still, let us put you in touch with a local agent before you leave.

The valley side that is part of our garden is steep. The path to the water front is unpaved at present although we are hoping that steps will be completed this year.

There are loose dogs in Romania, but we haven’t heard of anyone being attacked. Leave them alone and you will be OK. In villages you can also expect to see farm animals on the street, also perfectly safe.

Street crime is rare in Romania. In common with other countries, pick pockets may operate at airports and railway stations.

It isn’t possible to obtain Romanian Lei before your visit. At the moment the old Lei (about 50,000 to the £) is being replaced by new Lei (5 to the £) making the currency quite confusing for visitors. However shop keepers are usually scrupulously honest in ensuring that you have the right change.

Shops are unlikely to take credit cards. Cash machines are common in urban areas and likely to take Visa, Mastercard and Maestro. If you are taking cash to change in Romania ask your bank for new notes. If notes are damaged or written on there is a possibility that a bank might refuse to change them or charge a premium of up to 7%. Only Thomas Cook and American Express travellers cheques are likely to be accepted and this cannot be guaranteed at Tulcea.

Mobile cellphones should operate without problems in Romania apart from predictable problems because of the topography in the mountain areas.

Car rental is available in Romania. Roads are variable and there may be unlit carts on the roads at night in rural areas. The alcohol limit for driving is nil.

No inoculations are required at present but we suggest that you consult your own doctor for advice.

Museums and tourist attractions usually close on Mondays. Some, especially in Bucharest, may also be closed on Tuesdays.

Eastern Romania is the poorest part of the country. You may find that small shops and taxi drivers will struggle to give change for a 500,000 old lei (£10) note, so try to keep some smaller notes with you.

Our neighbours may be living at what we would regard as subsistence levels. Although they are basically honest some of the things that you may leave lying around might be beyond their wildest expectations - take the same sensible precautions that you would at home.