Vacations of an Ordinary Family in Romania in the 80s, 20th Century
Vacations of an Ordinary Family in Romania in the 80s, 20th Century

Summary/Abstract: This study describes the vacations of an ordinary family in Romania in the 1980s. It presents the vacation options of an ordinary family and how they related to spa resorts and holiday resorts. The documentation is based on the family archive, books of the author’s family members, and the author’s experience as a tourist. The study describes trips to all regions of Romania, including Transylvania, Dobrogea, Moldova, Banat, and Oltenia. Many vacation packages were purchased through trade unions, and some school-organized trips were partially subsidized by the state. Three vacations to Constanța, Saturn, and Jupiter, which were resorts along the Black Sea coast and the most popular vacation destinations in 1980s Romania, are detailed. Resorts in the Olt River Valley represented another significant vacation destination. The family’s vacations in large cities and visits to major tourist attractions are also included in the study. The preferred vacation period was during the summer months when school was not in session. During the school year, visits to local tourist sites were organized. Trains were the primary mode of transport for long-distance travel, while buses were used for shorter trips. Some vacations included participation from extended family members. Generations had different perspectives on vacations. Often, vacations were combined with visits to relatives. The study describes the family’s impressions, accommodations, how food was obtained during vacations, and the purchases made. Foreign trips and visits from foreign tourists to Romania were a rarity during those years.

• Details
• Contents