Trailing through Transylvania (no Vampires sighted!)

Budget ✦✦✧✧✧

Romania might seem like an unusual destination for a winter break, and a few people were a bit surprised when I said I was going. However, do not get it twisted! Mid-winter trips to Romania are rising in popularity, as it puts itself on the map for winter sports combined with its stunning landscape. Its unfortunate that the media have given Romania such negative public image in the UK, because the people are welcoming, the scenery is breathtaking and the cost of living is minuscule!

Sun Garden Spa - Cluj Napoca

Staying here is by far the most relaxed I've ever been! Overlooking the Deer Meadow and Baciu Forest, Sun Garden offers luxurious suites for tiny, tiny prices. I'm not joking, have a look! And if it couldn't get any better, the spa treatments are completely out of this world. Think heated hanging beds, heated roman baths surrounded by mosaic walls, and a saltwater jacuzzi. If you consider going to Romania and you're big on wellbeing, then make staying here a priority. Excuse me while I look at flights now... 

TEPIDARIUM- HEATED DETOXIFYING LOUNGERS

WATER TAVERN

MAIN INDOOR POOL

Bâlea Lac

Amidst the mysterious Carpathian Mountains lies Cabana Bâlea Lac, a chalet style cabana, and an ice hotel, surrounded by mountains, snow and ice in the winter, and a beautiful lake in the summer. As a big Game of Thrones fan, i definitely felt as though i was north of The Wall here! It took an age to get here in snow blizzards, driving on slippery roads - it was genuinely dangerous - and it was so cold I felt hot. But this was all part of the beauty of this trip! It was thrilling, the view was bewildering and the snow activities were fun! 

Temperatures on the mountain were as low as -20° (Late December), so pack your thermals! I'm wearing about 8 layers in this picture, and 3 pairs of socks, but still couldn't feel my toes! :(

THE PERFECT SNOWFLAKE

So, that's a wrap on Romania for now! There is so much more to see and do here - I will definitely be going again. If you're looking a trip just as beautiful as a winter break in the Swiss Alps, for half the cost, look no further! As usual, if you want to know more, get in touch below!

Flights (Cheapest Average) £43 London-Cluj Napoca *subject to change*