Romanian Odyssey
While some travellers have their hearts set on revisiting favourite destinations, the desire to go somewhere completely new is driving the “trip stacking” trend— the practice of planning several trips in the same time period in case something falls through— reported by The New York Times.
Instead of booking a return to Italy or the Maldives, perhaps it’s time to add a less-trodden place to your trip stacking list. One destination on the rise is Romania, which is still largely overlooked when it comes to a European holiday. The country has long had a fan in Britain’s Prince Charles, who has owned a farmhouse in the remote Viscri village since 2006. “Romania gives travellers a sensation of travelling back in time,” says Raluca Spiac, managing partner of bespoke tour company Beyond Dracula. “Everyone enjoys the beautiful scenery, vast spaces, healthy food and the real-life stories, which is what travel is all about,” she adds.
Spiac suggests spending 12 to 15 days to fully immerse yourself in the country and its traditions. Start in the capital Bucharest and stay at the newly opened Marmorosch Hotel, an adaptive reuse property housed in a former bank headquarters. Don’t miss out on a visit to the lush, forested region of Transylvania; choose between staying at the Bethlen guesthouses and Schuster, the newest boutique hotel in the area.
End the trip with an excursion further north to Bucovina, a region known for its painted monasteries and wooden churches. Consider, too, the Romanian side of the Danube Delta, a Unesco World Heritage Site that is the largest wetland area in Europe. beyonddracula.com