• Tips - Transylvania

November through February. The hills are beautiful year-round, but if you want snow, aim for January or later. What to expect: Pastel towns and endless rolling hills in the Transylvania region. The area is filled with plenty to see, and is perfect for small road trips and visits to local towns. Price range + currency: $, Romanian Leu. Meals and hotels are affordable in Romania, so your only major cost is getting there. Where we’ve stayed: Teleferic Grand Hotel, located right at the base of ski slopes and nearby the pastel town of Poiana Brasov. It also has one of the most amazing spas in winter (pictured above). For a memorable stay right in town, check out Hotel Bella Muzica.

• Day trip to Sighisoara - Transylvania

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a beautiful old town center

• Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) - Transylvania
• Peleș Castle - Romania
• Poiana Brașov, the most picturesque pastel town. Stop for hot chocolate at the unique Doctor Jekelius.
• Izvorul Bigar

When one thinks of Romania, waterfalls aren’t exactly the first thing that springs to mind. Well, the water gently streaming down moss-covered rocks at Izvorul Bigăr may make you think twice. Located within a nature reserve in the southwestern Anina Mountains, this is not your typical cascading, big drop waterfall, but it’s still stunning in its own right.