Mention Romania to someone and quite likely you’ll get a blank stare or a news sound bite like: it’s the former home of Nicolea Ceausescu, brutal communist dictator, Ceausescu and wife Elena executed Christmas Day 1989, stray dogs roaming the streets of Bucharest and Bridget Bardot’s feigned attempt to save them and then there’s the gypsies. That is very unfortunate as this is not what Romania is all about. Today’s Romania is a wonderful country inhabited by a great people who have worked diligently to recover from the oppressive years. When President Clinton made his historic visit in 1997, hundreds of thousands of cheering Romanians took to the streets in jubilation that someone from the West had acknowledged them! I was there and I’ve never experienced such collective euphoria and a sense of hope for the future! Their desire to move towards a democratic state after years of a communist dictatorship was overwhelming. Despite numerous challenges and the global economic setbacks, optimism still reigns in Romania.

So let me take you on a brief tour. When you visit, you’ll encounter a country in transition. The vast areas of sprawled vineyards, tremendous historical heritage and breathtaking countryside scenery are just some of the features of the most romantic places in Romania. Whether you want to spend your romantic getaway on a secluded beach, explore life in a lovely attic room in a medieval town, or immerse into one of the many remote mountain areas among villagers, this lively Balkan country has it all!

Bucharest, The Small Paris Of The East

The first place you are likely to visit when you reach Romania is the capital city of Bucharest. At one time, it was compared to Paris, due to its many historic buildings with the unique blend of influences from France and Ottoman Empire. This is a city of contrasts inviting you to sip from the buzzing cup of diversity.

Nothing compares to Lipscani, Bucharest’s old town and also the liveliest entertainment district. Lipscani Street gets its name from the many traders who came here during the 18^th century to sell pottery brought from Leipzig, which was one of the largest trading spots in Europe. I encourage you to spend time with the locals. You’ll discover that a large portion of the Romanian population is young, well read, intelligent, educated, multi-lingual, ambitious and hard-working. I worked in telecom in many countries and never before had I witnessed employees literally memorize multiple handset manuals so that they could assist their customers!  And by the way, they know a great deal more about your world and the west than you do about theirs!

Back to our tour. You will feel the romance in the air on all the picturesque streets with small hidden boutiques, cafes, charming old houses, and luscious bakery shop windows. You can watch a cool video about Lipscani at here.

If you happen to pass by a common gate in the city, would you assume it was once a lively summer garden during the Interwar years? Or, if you see an old seemingly abandoned house, would it cross your mind that it actually hosts a buzzing club with the hottest music mixes? This is the type of contrasts you’d be experiencing here and not a dull moment!

Another must-see is Cismigiu Park, the oldest and most romantic park in Bucharest, located right in the heart of the city. Or have a beer at “Caru cu bere” (The Beer Chariot), a living legend and one of the oldest beerhouses in Bucharest. Located on the famous Stavropoleos Street, the place has its own history, from the superb architecture, to the mural paintings, the stained glasses and the carved cross-beams, all reminding of the early 20^th century’s exuberance.

Charming Brasov

A little up north from Bucharest is Brasov, an amazing city surrounded by the natural beauty of the Tampa Mountains. Brasov is the perfect combination of medieval town and remote mountain resort, where you can enjoy your romantic getaway at any time of year. As a side note, don’t be surprised that along any major road, you might encounter horse drawn carts competing with vehicular traffic! And yes they do drive fast and aggressively as all Europeans but they are very good at sharing the road! As I said, it’s a country in transition and much is influenced by the practical needs to move about even within limited financial resources.

From Brasov you can easily get to the highly popular Poiana Brasov mountain resort, or visit the picturesque castles and fortresses at Rasnov and Bran. Here is a quick video taken from Piata Sfatului (The Council Square) in Brasov.

Explore The Carpathians

For the more adventurous, you can rent a car and head up into the Carpathians and explore the magnificent fairytale scenery. You will discover hundreds of great spots among the defiles and waterfalls, so make sure that your camera is fully charged!

Visit amazing medieval towns, Gothic structures, eccentric citadels and colored houses all across Transylvania, Romania’s central historical region, all surrounded by the epic green landscape.

Some of the very popular Transylvanian attractions are:

- National History Museum of Transylvania in Cluj-Napoca
- Art Museum in Brasov
- Skezely Museum in Miercurea- Ciuc
- Bran Castle Rasnov Fortress
- Saxon fortified churches

Maramures, The Land Of Wooden Churches

Located in the northern part of the country, Maramures is one of the most strikingly beautiful areas of Romania. Most travelers feel as if time stood still here, and can explore life as it’s been hundreds of years ago.

The beauty of the area has impressed Nick Maes (journalist at “The Daily Mail“) so much that he even wrote an article titled “Romantic  Romania“, saying that visiting Romania was like a time travel to the past (in a good way, of course).

The Danube Delta, A Natural Paradise

The Danube Delta is more than just the perfect place to hide from the world; it’s paradise albeit on a budget. The tourism industry is making strides but you need to understand that outer regions are still poor by comparison and the service industry is evolving. If you accept that this is not the Waldorf in New York, you will enjoy the trip immensely and you won’t have paid New York prices! A natural habitat for more than 300 species of birds and fish and oaks and water lilies, the Danube Delta is boasting with the thrills of romance as you watch the night lights reflected in the water or the late evening boats floating on the canals.

A great way to explore this whimsical land is going on a 1-day cruise from Tulcea to Sulina while relaxing, enjoying the local food and strolling on the smaller channels. A spot not to be missed: Gura Portitei, a picturesque fishermen’s village in the Danube Delta.

Sighisoara, The Only Still Inhabited Citadel In Europe

The only European fortified town that is still inhabited, Sighisoara is a must-see for all the romantic travelers. Sighisoara’s citadel with its beautiful churches and medieval architecture was considered a shelter for the lovers who wanted to hide from the public eye and hide in the narrow streets with lively colored houses.

Each part of the city throws you back in a time when princesses and cavaliers wandered the streets of the fortress in a lively bustle. A great place to visit is the Clock Tower, a 64m high tower built during the 13^th century, which also houses the town’s History Museum. But wherever you choose to take your sweetheart, you will find ancient traditions and local customs that are still unspoiled by modern civilization. The staggering beauty of the country and its privileged location at the heart of the European continent makes it a wonderful choice to spend a romantic holiday and even your honeymoon! And lastly, I want to reiterate that the Romanian people are most welcoming and engaging. At the same time they are very inquisitive about your origins and eager to ensure that you truly enjoy and embrace their beautiful country!

By: Adam Kroeker

Are you looking for a romantic getaway this summer? Don’t let your travel agent trick you into believing that romance can only be found with a trip to Italy or France. Instead, take a look at these three Canadian destinations, which might actually be more romantic than their European counterparts…

Montreal: Paris without the problems
You might be mislead into thinking that Paris is the most romantic city in the world. And true, if you are a hunchback of Notre Dame, you might find love on the Parisian streets. But will you actually enjoy your getaway, with the pressure to fulfill Paris’ endless romantic clichés?

Why not make your own romantic traditions in the second-largest French-speaking city in the world: Montréal? Aside from its exceptional food and culture, this city is one of the liveliest in North America, with over 30 kilometres of underground arcades and malls—in Paris, the only things underground are metro lines, a sewer system, and catacombs filled with bones. And in France, you’d be criticized for having an improper French accent. Only a hypocrite would tell you so in Montréal.

But what could take replace Paris’ Eiffel Tower? Perhaps the romantic feel of old Montréal, with its cobblestone streets and vieux-port: where ice skating or a show at the Cirque du Soleil offer attractions that aren’t easily found in France.

Banff: Even better than the Swiss Alps
A romantic getaway to the mountains can make hearts race and heads feel light. But there’s no need to go all the way to the Swiss Alps to find love. Canada’s Rocky Mountains offer an equal experience of grandeur, and the town of Banff is a perfect stage for your own romantic tale.

From Banff, the postcard views of Lake Louise and Cascade Mountain are only minutes away. A beautiful mix of grey rock, green forests, and blue waters makes the region a work of art in summer. But it is best experienced in winter, when skiers dot the slopes and lovers kiss in the cold.

The luxurious Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is a perfect getaway any time of year. Rising like an enchanted castle from the woods, the hotel is both trendy and historical. For history, the now hundred-year-old building has incredible room décor and a high-end spa (for those who haven’t made use of the natural hotsprings nearby). For trendiness, the best sculptors in the world compete right outside its doors every year in the Ice Magic Festival, carving elaborate and beautiful statues out of ice.

Lake of the Woods: Lake Como of the North
Since Roman times, Lake Como has been a hotspot for romance and luxury in the mountains of Italy. But if you like to find your romance in a place of natural beauty, why not go to the destination where you can truly get out and experience the trails—the Canadian Shield region around the Lake of the Woods.

At the Lake of the Woods, men can charm by showing off their rugged side: canoeing, building campfires, and fishing. And none of the spacious apartments around Como are are as intimate as a tent or lavish cabin in Lake of the Woods. What better way to get ready for bed than by snuggling up beside a roaring fire?

Most of Lake Como’s beaches are made of stones that are hard on the back and hot on the feet. But beaches around the Lake of the Woods are made of the softest sand, perfect for true relaxation. And when the sun goes down, spectacular sunsets can be seen over the waters, accompanied by the soft music of the loon.

But Lake of the Woods isn’t only for couples that love the outdoors. The city of Kenora is a cultural gem in the middle of the wilderness, and there’s more history found in the nearby native pictographs than in any Italian museum—with rock paintings dating back 5000 years. And while you might not run into Lake Como frequenters like George Clooney in the Lake of the Woods, the region entertains celebrities of its own, including comedians Will Arnett and Amy Poehler!

By : James Lambert
When I was asked to wax poetic over Prague’s romantic virtues, I leapt at the opportunity. A writing gig that allows me to deliberately pause and reflect on my time in the Czech Republic? Ano, prosím!

I lived (really lived) in Prague for nine years from 2000 to 2009, with the exception an ill-advised repatriation to America in late 2007. I lasted all of four months in the stucco maze of La Quinta, California. It was a comfortably miserable mistake. The town was nice enough but there was no action. I returned to Prague in April.

With this piece I am to convey Prague as romantic city that should be on every couple’s Bucket List. How can I – in 800 words – convince you the reader that Prague is worth your money, your effort, and your time?

In short, I cannot. There are not enough words permitted here to justify the love I have for, and the love I have cultivated in, this stunningly beautiful place. Still, I shall dangle enough proverbial carrots before the proverbial travel website shopping cart so as to ensure that Prague will be czeched off (witty!) your list and forever reside in your grateful hearts as “that most romantic trip of all”.

Indulge me for a moment and let’s state the obvious: The city of Prague is old. Many, many centuries old. 800 A.D. old. A great chunk of modern humanity has overlapped its long history. Prague is a wizened town, drawn from the hearts and minds and ghosts of millions of its past citizens, overlords, and passers-through. Shoot, even that bastard Adolf Hitler handpicked Prague to serve as a living museum of all the nations and peoples he had conquered, citing its unrivaled beauty. As a result, Prague was well protected for the duration of the Nazi empire and emerged almost completely unscathed following World War II. It means that every step in Prague’s architectural evolution remains on display for your admiration, often in daily use and open to the public. Read more on Prague’s incredible history here.

It’s vast architectural treasures, the most generous of Prague’s blessings, will allow you to wander cobblestone streets and to step through time. Imaginative visitors become amaranthine ringers of their everyday selves. It’s possible in Prague. After all, when was the last time you made love in a rowboat beneath a century-old granite bridge? Or frolicked through down a lovers’ hill beneath a canopy of cherry blossoms? Or cuddled up to your sweetheart on a riverboat cruise powered by finest jazz musicians in Central Europe? Or tucked into a Michelin star ranked restaurant steps away from the heart of the Velvet Revolution? Learn more about Prague’s top restaurants here.

There’s more to discover:

• Cavernous wine cellars that run several levels beneath their innocuous street entrances

• Traditional Czech cuisine unlike anything you’ve every tasted: Pheasant and dumplings, pickled sausage, garlic soup, smoked pork neck, goat cheese potato pasta, delicious pastries, and the best beer in the world. Just remember to pace yourself and pack your toothbrushes. Czech cuisine is not your thing? Over three dozen nations are represented in Prague’s dining arena. Come and be amazed.

• An ornate, magical local currency and wildly obtuse exchange rates. Come for the bargains; stay because you withdrew too much money from the ATM!

• An EU capital city growing through its own troubled history: Communist rule ceased only one generation ago. Prague is an ancient city that enjoys the amenities and five-star service models of the Western World.

More seemingly incongruous facts: There exist in Prague breweries (and their brewpubs) that have operated continuously since 1500. Pilsner beer was invented in the Czech Republic over 170 years ago. Über-hot supermodels pop up like dandelions in the Czech Republic, testaments to the striking Slavic genes that shape the face of the nation. Prague enjoys legalized gambling, (gasp!) prostitution, and is very tolerant of marijuana use and open alcohol containers in public. Vice City! Did I mention some the top clubs in Europe? How about the topless pools and swimming holes?

Okay, I admit it. I wrote that last paragraph for the guys out there. After all, there’s a 50/50 chance you’re footing the bill for this little Bucket List vacay. So I’ll throw the ladies a bone:

• World-class shopping in Prague’s city center

• Centuries-old spa towns that dot the land

• Horse-drawn carriage rides through Old Town Square

• World-renown theatre, opera, and museums aplenty

• A thriving cafe scene and sublime music venues

• Accommodations to suit anyone’s taste

• Did I mention the romance?

There. Wasn’t that easy? (Sigh) It’s difficult to convey in words how Prague truly is a magical place. A real-life living, thriving Disneyland. An art-and-architecture buff’s wet dream. The best beer in the world! A highly efficient public transit system that anyone can navigate. Thriving Asian, British, Canadian and American expatriate communities. Some of the best Georgian cuisine outside of Tbilisi itself. And a vibrant, outspoken community of photographers, artists, and filmmakers.

I guess if I had to sum it all up, the truth is that Prague is everything you’re hoping for and nothing you’d expect. It’s a city alight with natural and architectural beauty. Winding rivers, soaring cliffs, lush gardens, dense urban textures, and miles of rolling countryside. The Czechs are a wonderfully idiosyncratic people; prone to gruff facades and hearts of gold, and lively conversationalists! My parting advice is to book a two-week European holiday with Prague as your centerpiece. Consider multi-day trips via train to nearby Berlin, Vienna, or Budapest. You cannot go wrong in Prague. Discoveries await around every corner … What a gift for traveling romantics!