In anticipation of this evening’s UEFA group stage match when Switzerland will go head to head with Romania at the Parc des Princes in Paris, Travelstart looks at what makes these two countries dream travel destinations.

Header image courtesy of switzerland.vacations via Instagram

Switzerland is better known of the two, though in recent years Romania is estimated to have had the fourth fastest growing travel and tourism total demand in the world, with an estimated potential growth of 8% per year from 2007 to 2016 (according to the World Travel and Tourism Council). The capital of Romania, Bucharest, the “Paris of the East” offers travelers a new experience of Europe with inexpensive street food and a fascinating 21st century art scene, 17th and 18th century Byzantine churches tucked away on narrow streets plus the gorgeous Cișmigiu Gardens will delight and inspire. Switzerland is well-known for its high-tech lifestyle, beautiful countryside, skiing in the alps, luxury chocolate, spas and picturesque lakes.

Find cheap flights to Bucharest here.

Get tickets for around R8000 return for a flight booked in 6 months time from Johannesburg

Romania is a refreshingly inexpensive European Holiday

You’ll pay around R24.33 for a 500ml local beer and R30 for a cappuccino. Airbnb makes accommodation in Romania affordable and authentic. If you are a fan of camping and hiking Romania may be your new favourite European destination.

Fly one of the best airlines in the world when you fly Swiss.

Visas

South Africans need to apply for a Schengen visa to visit Switzerland. More on applying for a Schengen visa here.

To enter Romania, South Africans need to apply for a Romanian visa- you can start the process online here.

You will require:

• valid travel document;

• photographs;

• accommodation;

• travel ticket;

• vehicle supporting documents;

• travel medical insurance;

• means of support;

• proof of itinerary;

Useful exception:

However, if you hold a two or multiple entry short-stay visa issued by a Schengen member state then you will not be required to apply for a Romanian visa.