Nearly One-Third of Romanian Vacationers Prefer Overseas Destinations, According to Research
New Wave of Travelers: Romanians Heading Abroad for Adventure and Savvy Spending
Summertime is fast approaching, and according to the Visa CEE Travel and Payment Intentions Study 2025, Romanians are eager to explore new destinations! A whopping 32% of Romanians plan to take a trip abroad, with Greece, Italy, and Spain leading the way as the preferred spot for beach vacations.
But these travelers aren't just sun-seekers! Almost 40% of them are "Experience Seekers," prioritizing discovery and pushing their comfort zones to the limit. They plan an average of 9 days for their journey and expect to drop around €840 per person, mainly spent on delicious food, unforgettable excursions, and adorable souvenirs.
So, how do these intrepid vacationers manage their money while abroad? The Visa study has some intriguing insights! Over 80% of Romanian travelers rely on card payments or modern technology like smartphones and smartwatches to make payments while on their travels. And guess what? There's been a slight boost in this trend compared to last year!
But that's not all - digital wallets are gaining traction! Usage has surged by 4% YoY, making it the preferred method of payment for one out of every three Romanian tourists. The top advantages cited for card payments abroad include convenience (64%), speed (61%), and safety (55%). Digital wallets, it seems, are here to stay.
Romanian travelers don't just spend willy-nilly - they like to plan ahead and keep their expenses in check. More than half carefully budget before departure, and every second tourist is savvy enough to track their spending through digital banking apps while traveling. Impressively, 81% of those who plan ahead manage to stick to their budget, demonstrating that careful financial planning pays off!
However, about 16% of Romanian travelers find themselves swayed by their travel companions and end up overspending. But don't worry; these financially savvy consumers expect more from their banks! Currently, the most popular services include currency exchange (46%), foreign currency accounts (38%), and travel insurance linked to credit/debit cards (23%). And they'd love even more perks, such as faster, cheaper currency exchange processes and greater discounts on airline tickets and hotels.
As for how they organize their trips, most Romanians prefer to plan their getaways independently, with 2 out of 5 opting for package tours. Online channels are the preferred method for purchasing services, and digital payments are the way to go. When it comes to planning their next trip, most Romanian travelers turn to friends, family, travel agency brochures, or travel websites for advice. Interestingly, 12% are already using artificial intelligence for travel planning!
The main priorities for Romanian tourists are visiting local attractions, relaxing, and seeking unique experiences. Nearly two-fifths are "Experience Seekers", eager for enriching discoveries and unforgettable adventures. But don't forget about the deal-hunters – constant bargain-hunters looking for the best deals to avoid overpaying! Over 2 out of 5 Romanians say they love a good deal but won't compromise on comfort, safety, or food.
7% of Romanian travelers embrace the content creator lifestyle, sharing their experiences online from trendy destinations, while 13% prioritize destinations that are currently trending on social media. But bargain hunting and exploration take the lead when it comes to travel interests. It seems that Romanians are striking the perfect balance between savings and adventure!
[1] Source: Visa CEE Travel and Payment Intentions Study 2025
Experience Seekers among Romanian travelers prioritize discovery and unique experiences during their trips, often spending around €840 per person on food, excursions, and souvenirs. (lifestyle, travel)
These digitally-savvy tourists prefer modern payment methods such as card payments and digital wallets while abroad to manage their finances and ensure a convenient, speedy, and safe spending experience. (travel)
