· Bran Castle is spectacular, though it has little to do with Vlad Dracul and less with Stoker's Dracula. There is good accommodation in nearby Brasov, easily reached by train or bus from Bucharest, but avoid Poiana Brasov.

There is a lot more to Romania than Bran; Sinaia, Sighisoara and the west front of Voronet Monastery to name but three, and taking a tour will enable you to see a great deal more of this wonderful country. Explore cover some of Romania, but to get into the country you need to search the internet for specialist firms like Prospect or Discover Transylvania. The latter organisation will provide a range of tailor-made tours. Be firm with beggars and watch for pickpockets in crowded towns, otherwise you will have no problems.
David Becket, Crewe

· If you are interested in Dracula, Sighisoara is also an interesting place (it is relatively close to Bran and a place where Vlad Tepes - the model for Dracula - lived for a while).
To get to Bran, take the train from Bucharest to Brasov which takes three hours. Bran is 25 km (16 miles) from Brasov so you can take the local train, bus or hire a car. You can find a place to stay at a pension (agro-tourism) near the castle and arrange with the owner to pick you up from Brasov. To find a pension (site in English and Romanian). For more information about Bran Castle, see romaniatourism.com/castles.html#bran. Going to Brasov you can stop in Sinaia and visit the beautiful Peles Castle or visit the Black Church in Brasov.

Personal safety is not a big issue in Romania. Take care of pickpockets, especially in Bucharest and in train stations. Do not exchange money on the street, even if the exchange rate is very good. Do not go alone in the night, especially if you do not know the place. In general Bucharest is much more crowded and less safe than Brasov, Sinaia or Bran.
Vlad Manole