DESTINATION NEXT
ROMANIA
From Transylvania and beyond , there are endless reasons to go batty for this underrated destination .
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Romania ’ s Bran Castle is famously tied to the story of Dracula .
From its legendary medieval castles and brightly colored facades to its rolling hillsides and snowcapped mountaintops , Romania has vast and varied offerings and is a destination worthy of exploration . Bordered by the Black Sea to the east and the Carpathian Mountains to the west , Romania is the largest country in southeastern Europe and home to a sizable portion of the Danube River Basin . And while “ The Land of Dracula ” is synonymous with the world ’ s most infamous vampire , vacationers can expect nothing but a frightfully good time when they visit this scenic destination .
DIVERSE LANDSCAPES Featuring five of 10 officially recognized biogeographical regions — Alpine , Black Sea , Continental , Pannonian and Steppic —, Romania hits the jackpot for outdoor enthusiasts . As they traverse the country ’ s unique and varied lands , travelers can spend their days scouting for brown bears and lynxes in sprawling forests ; dog sledding and skiing on challenging mountain runs and enjoying outdoor pursuits like hiking , biking and rock climbing on rocky terrain . And the fun doesn ’ t stop there ; beneath the surface , ancient treasures await in places like Scărișoara Cave , a subterranean world
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