Monica Suma

As the issue of overtourism continues to gain pace, it’s time to rethink where we travel. Enter Intrepid’s annual Not Hot List, which encourages travelers to visit lesser-trodden parts of the world, and—most importantly—where communities can genuinely see the benefits of tourism. Perhaps you’ve been to Croatia—but have you heard of Vis? And maybe you’ve hiked around the US, but do you know about Romania’s new trail?

You'd be amazed to discover a new side to a parent when traveling together. I did. When I moved to New York City soon after turning 20, my journey quickly took me away from my familiar surroundings in Romania. Getting married early and fully immersing myself in a new culture meant growing up fast.

On pedestrian Adrianou Street, a sought-after thoroughfare in Thissio, famed Greek opera star Maria Callas’ legacy lives on in a boutique hotel opened last April. Set in a restored 19-century building that once housed the Odeon Athenaeum music hall, which honored the legendary singer, the 12-suite La Divina (as Callas was famously nicknamed) blends contemporary design with neoclassical heritage.

Nature enthusiasts are treated to an off-grid haven in the Carpathian Mountains on their way to Matca Hotel, a hilltop retreat in Romania’s Brasov County. Set in a bucolic village with sweeping vistas of the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Mountains, the Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel replicates a Transylvanian village marked by centuries-old customs.

Ancient forests and long-enduring traditions that have produced a storybook’s worth of legends: yes, Romania is as alluring as you’ve heard. Here, you’ll find magnificent castles and medieval fortresses, with diverse landscapes that range from riveting mountaintops, thermal waters and lush meadows to wide beaches and an extraordinary delta by the Black Sea.

Exploring Transylvania comes with promises of medieval citadels, fortified churches, and legendary castles. It’s a genuine retreat for nature lovers amidst the majestic Carpathian Mountains, but since October 2022, the new Via Transilvanica invites active travelers to explore the essence of Romanian culture. The 1,400-km trail snakes through time-warped villages and vast, ancient forests from Bukovina in the northeast to Drobeta-Turnu Severin in the southwest by the Danube River.

Driven by vampire lore and mystery appeal, Transylvania has become Romania’s most popular region for travelers. But legends aside, this magical land of castles, medieval bastions and old-world villages packs in a lot of charm.

Active travelers curious to discover Romania’s primeval forests and its slow ecotourism should set their sights on the new long-distance Via Transilvanica, a trail crossing the country diagonally from Putna Monastery in Bukovina to Drobeta-Turnu Severin by the Danube.

The capital once known as ‘Little Paris’ is celebrating its Belle Époque era with wisteria blossoming on grand villas, much-lauded restoration sites, and local initiatives that honour and preserve the indelible architectural heritage. Join the exploration of Bucharest’s romantic side!

Featuring the favorite places of local Bucharest architect Dragoș Epure (page 36 in print/ 20 in PDF).

Romania’s fourth largest city and capital of the Banat historical province is shining its light in 2023—quite literally—as it picks up the baton as European Capital of Culture. The first city on mainland Europe to introduce electric street lighting in 1884 is celebrating with a wealth of concerts, exhibits, and festivals under the slogan “Light up your city!”

In recent years, Romania has emerged as a go-to destination for gastronomy, distinct heritage sites, and ecotourism. An exploration begins in the much-renewed, dynamic capital of Bucharest, the gateway to an enigmatic Transylvania and the unparalleled Carpathian Mountains. Following a decade in New York City and nearly settling in France, travel writer Monica Suma shares why she moved back and why you should visit, too.

It’s hard not to fall for Prague. The Czech capital exudes a simply staggering wealth of architectural beauty and detail. The city is chockablock full of early-20th-century buildings that survived the Second World War, and resplendent, marvellously preserved old palaces are everywhere. Read on for seven authentic experiences to embark on in and around Prague, including heritage sites, the bounty of nature, and plenty of enthralling mysticism.

Blessed with a plethora of mountain peaks and bucolic pastures, fringed by the Black Sea and the lush Danube Delta, Romania’s borders pack a variety of backdrops to marvel at. While inducing fantasies of vampires for many, there are age-old customs to discover and ancient monasteries in the heart of the countryside as well as medieval Transylvanian castles to keep you busy.

Cinematic nature at its best - this is what Ireland promises. A jolly lineup of colorful villages, each seemingly equipped with its own haunting castle. Add some Irish music jamborees, whiskey jaunts and sea-born delights and you’re well set with a most rewarding menu.