Romania is a country like no other. Located in the middle of Eastern Europe, Western travelers will be comforted to hear the familiar sounds of a Romance language long since isolated from its cousins. This former communist satellite of the Soviet Union, Romania's recent history is just as intriguing as its more distant past. Whether you're looking to learn more about its famous hill towns and castles of Transylvania (not to mention a well known literary character inspired by one of its residents) or see how a once communist country tries to throw off the terrible memories of its more recent past, Romania will surprise and delight travelers willing to venture slightly off the beaten path.