A Romanian thermal paradise & dancing until sunrise

In Bucarest you will be able to explore the art nouveau architecture, the reminiscence of decacades of a communist capital where artists now use the derelict buildings in creative ways to create a unique backdrop to your visit. A big highlight of visiting Bucarest is that your money will go a long way, transportation is very cheap making it easy to navigate around the city and you can afford to stay in very beautiful hotels which for me is normally completely out of my budget. I stayed in Hotel Lido which had the most beautiful vintage furniture, a gorgeous lounge, art deco detailing and a very spacious and modern room. Relaxing here in the mornings and evenings really allowed me to experience both sides of the city after a long day walking through local markets. A very nice bar to visit in the evenings is Trei Betivi as they often have film screenings and live music which really enhance the experience of this rugged and community centred space and allow you to meet locals.  One absolutely unmissable day trip is to take an uber around 30 minutes out of the centre to Therme Bucchresti. This health centre boasts a wide variety of saunas, each with something unique, for example a pink himalayan salt sauna, a bavarian sauna, a vapour sauna and even, you won't believe it until you see it, a cinema sauna! Buying a very affordable day pass, you are in for a treat as throughout the day a schedule of treatments and sauna professionals enhance the experience using flags, towels and leaves to direct the heat around the room. Alongside this there is an outdoor heated rapid pool, a bar and even restaurant so you can fully relax and lounge all day around the wellness centre, leaving fully revived. This unique and underestimated city brings art, wellness, history and affordable luxury which makes it a perfect weekend away for something a little different.

The reason I discovered and ended up visiting this small town in Romania is to attend the annual 'Untold Festival', a music event held in the capital of the Transalvanian region. This ciy has a vibrant nightlife, historical saxon and Hungarian style buildings and a beautiful array of brunch spots ahead of partying across the festivities. Unlike camping festivals I had been to before, as the festival is held in a huge arena close to the town centre, this allowed for us to stay in an apartment which meant good nights sleep, security and affordable meals in the local restaurants and cafes. The festival itself is a spectacle to see, unlike those I had been to before, this is a whole family affair which brought all ages, characters and individuals partying together across a forest of wackily designed stages, unique performance artists and has been voted the best major festival in Europe. Dancing to my favourite South African DJ, 'Black Coffee' in a small enchanted forest stage and dancing at 4am on a converted school bus to Old school ibiza anthems, this festival was one to remember! The locals are super friendly and gave all the tourists a warm welcome in their town where the event takes place every year and the most incredible thing for me was the sheer size of the main arena, with 90,000 dancing happy people all around me. A must see for anyone who likes music festivals and wants something a little different from camping.