Hello everyone! I’m helping my parents find the best and budget-friendly flight options from Phoenix, AZ (PHX) to Timișoara, Romania (TSR) for a trip between August and September. I’ve been using Google Flights to monitor prices, but I’m curious if there are other websites or apps that are trustworthy and might offer better deals
I’m also interested in travel insurance. Should they buy it when flying to Europe? Is it necessary? I’ve heard about some recent regulations for U.S. travelers heading to Europe, and I want to make sure they are informed about what they need, like visas or health insurance requirements
If anyone has tips, hacks, or suggestions for finding flights or dealing with Europe’s travel policies, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks so much for your help
Google Flights is a reliable starting point. You should also check Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo. For budget airlines in Europe, consider Ryanair, Wizz Air, or EasyJet for possible connecting flights. Travel insurance isn’t generally mandatory for tourists, but it’s highly recommended. Check the US Embassy site for visa info. I don’t know of any new health insurance requirements for U.S. citizens visiting Romania, but having insurance is a smart idea.
Sometimes what seems like the best deal isn’t actually that great when you consider layover airports, times, the reliability of the airlines involved, and whether fees for baggage and seat selection are included. You’ll typically pay more if you land at a secondary destination like TSR. Larger airports like BUD (Budapest) or BEG (Belgrade) are usually busier and relatively close, so sending them there might save a lot of money
If your parents are not very mobile, I suggest avoiding transfers at CDG. Routes through AMS, FRA, or FCO might be better options
Travel insurance could be a wise move depending on their age and health
Since Romania and Hungary are both in the EU, your parents may need to apply for an ETIAS authorization beforehand, starting sometime in 2025, though I’m not sure exactly when
You might want to check flights to Oradea, Sibiu, Budapest, or Bucharest and then take a train. That could be better than some low-cost options from Western Europe
Look at other departure airports too
I’d recommend looking for flights to Bucharest or Timișoara. Even if higher priced, it will be one ticket and you won’t get stuck somewhere far away. Trains in Romania are affordable
Consider booking separate itineraries for each leg or a multi-city trip
Use the Google Flights Explore map to discover the cheapest flights into Europe, then look for flights from those hubs to Timișoara or other nearby airports, which you could reach by bus or train if that works