What Did We Do In 2016?

Lots. And since it’s the time of the year to look back and ponder, I’ve decided to send you some updates from us.

First and foremost, we’ve grown the team by adding 3 new members. True, they are too small to give us a hand at researching and creating wonderful bespoke itineraries for you but they are the drive and inspiration in everything we do. 3 babies were born in the Beyond Dracula team this year: Magdalena, Filip and Carlo. We’re thrilled to have them and welcome them!

The three partners of Beyond Dracula, with the 3 babies we have so far. Carlo and Magdalena in the picture, Filip is the only 2016 baby missing.

Secondly, we end the year with a new team member but also losing one. Laura joined the team in February and has since been working on some of the most complex itineraries we delivered so far. Giulia, our dear Venetian, will join the family business and leave Beyond Dracula in January 2017. We’ll miss her but she’s not getting away completely, she has a home in Romania anytime she wants to come back.

An almost complete team: Greg, Raluca, Andreea, Giulia and Laura. Missing Traian.

Thirdly, although this year our volume of work decreased in comparison with 2015, the types of trips we put together became more complex. For example, for a group of 13 friends we put together 11 days of fun activities that were all prepared in advance yet allowed for full flexibility during the trip itself. We have also created a Board of Advisors formed by guests who were generous enough to take time to guide and support us as we grow and tackle new phases in the development of the agency. They are a huge help!

Finally, in 2016 we became the first and only agency in Romania to be considered for Wendy Perrin’s WOW List. Just like being part of the PURE community, being considered to be one of the trusted travel experts by Wendy Perrin is a major achievement and a big responsibility to continue to deliver the best quality to our guests.

And while we are yet to be officially on the list, we are formally as of January 2017 part of Traveller Made, a global network of travel professionals who commit to the best practices in the industry and constantly engage to innovate and improve the way they serve guests.

For 2017 we have big plans, many already confirmed, some being worked on. Beyond working further to give every single guest the best experience possible in Romania, we want to try out something new. We want to organize one destination wedding in Transylvania. Not more, just one and here’s why.

But with days to go before the change of years, I rush to wish you all a peaceful end to 2016 and let 2017 be one of those magnificent years for us to remember for a long time to come.

And most importantly, in 2017…travel. If anything can make us more understanding and kinder to each other is traveling. So pack your bags, keep an open mind and travel to a new destination in 2017.

PS: If Romania is the destination you choose, get in touch.