Transylvania, Romania

Transylvania got famous because of Dracula. Tourists arrive expecting horror-movie castles and instead find green rolling hills, fortified churches, traditional villages, and some of Europe's best hiking. The Dracula stuff is real (Vlad the Impaler was a historical figure, Bran Castle does exist), but it's not the point.

Transylvania is mountainous, rural, and green. Small towns have centuries-old architecture largely unchanged since the medieval period. Brașov is a charming city with Gothic church, old town squares, and mountain hikes. Sighișoara is a 12th-century citadel town with colored houses cascading down a hillside. The countryside is a patchwork of traditional villages, Orthodox monasteries, and forest.

The food is Central European — hearty, meat-heavy, cheap. Ciorbă (sour soup) costs $1.50–2. Mici (grilled minced meat rolls) are $2–3. Mămăligă (polenta) with cheese is a side dish that rivals mains. Wine is good and costs $3–5 per bottle at local shops. The country is arguably Europe's last affordable Western destination.

Bear sanctuary treks exist (watching wild bears in their habitat), hiking is extraordinary, and the people are warm without being over-touristy. Everything is cheap. A three-course dinner with wine costs $6–10. Romania punches above its weight.

Brașov old town and hiking: Start in the city square, visit the Gothic church, then hike up Tampa Mountain for views. $0–3 entry fees, free hiking.

Sighișoara citadel town: A UNESCO site with medieval towers and colored houses. Walk the streets, visit the church at the top, eat dinner with views. One-day trip or overnight. $0–5 entry, $20–40 for accommodation if staying.

Bear sanctuary trek: Volunteer experience or guided trek to observe wild bears in their habitat. Half-day or full-day options, $30–60. Rewarding and ethical (part of conservation effort).

Transfăgărășan Highway drive: A scenic mountain pass connecting Transylvania to Bucharest. One of Europe's most beautiful drives. Rent a car or join a tour group, $30–60.

Budget:: Hostel Dracula (Brașov) — a joke name that actually delivers on good vibes. Dorms $8–12, privates $30–45.

Mid-Range:: Rooms Hotel Brașov — design-conscious boutique. $70–100/night.

Splurge:: Castel Hotel Transylvania — a castle hotel (yes, really) with gardens and restaurant. $150–220/night.

Ciorbă de burtă: Sour tripe soup, made with vinegar and spices. Sounds weird, tastes like comfort. $1.50–2.

Mici: Grilled rolls of minced meat with garlic and spices. Served with mustard and bread. Addictive. $2–3.

Mămăligă: Polenta served with cheese and sometimes fried eggs. Simple, filling, cheap. $2–3.

Papanasi: Fried dough pastry served with sour cream and jam. The national dessert. $1.50–2.

Ciorba de ciuperci: Mushroom soup (Transylvania is mushroom-rich). Earthy, warming. $1.50–2.