The recent history of Romania has not put many people off visiting the wonderful and interesting nation, and the country is especially popular for budget skiing holidays with people of all ages. Whilst there are a number of package ‘touristy’ visits available, a lot of seasoned travellers recommend going independent in the country and finding hidden treasures – if only for a short while. The mixture of old and new is bound to amuse as much as bemuse and just adds to the undeniable charm of Romania as a whole.

The capital, Bucharest, offers visitors what was once known as the ‘Paris of the Balkans’. Stunning and varied architecture from a number of eras stretching far back into the ages helps to show where Romania has come from – the post-Stalin architecture of Ceausescu’s regime is certainly an interesting highlight, if only for its ludicrousness, and though earthquakes and World War II took their toll on the country there is still a great deal left to see, from the Palace of Parliament to the Old Court Church and everything in between. Bucharest is also home to a number of modern clubs, bars and restaurants and there is sure to be something for any taste.

Visitors can also check out the medieval town of Brasov, one of the most visited places in Romania and the scene of one of the first protests against Ceausescu which lead to the revolution. The Black Church is one of the largest Gothic churches in the region. Nearby is the town of Bran, another popular tourist spot and home to Bran Castle – ‘Dracula’s Castle’ – a wonderful looking building with a suitably fairytale background of mountains, and supposedly a former temporary residence of Vlad the Impaler (though this claim is disputed), Bram Stoker’s influence for the character Dracula. Elsewhere in Transylvania are the countless health spas and the spa towns littered around the region offer a number of treatments for the weary traveller.

The Black Sea coast is home to numerous resort towns and is popular for family holidays. The region offers more spa resorts, Greek ruins and wildlife tours alongside activities such as watersports. The North of the region presents visitors with the Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a number of different boating tours available.

The popularity of skiing in Romania cannot be overlooked, and winter sports holidays are becoming ever more popular with visitors to the country. Sites in Poiana Brasov and Sinaia are the most popular and offer the whole range of winter sports activities for people of all skill levels.

Even the train rides are considered tourist attractions in Romania, with some lines offering utterly spectacular scenic routes along the Transylvanian region, as well as being very cheap. Romania has something for everyone, so a turbulent recent history shouldn’t put a person off visiting this unique and friendly country.