Beyond Dracula Guides: Why They Are at the Center of Our Travel Experiences

Before continuing our In the Guide’s Backpack series, we thought we would let you know why Beyond Dracula guides are the center of everything we do.

When you travel with Beyond Dracula, your experiences are not just planned, they are lived. At the heart of these experiences are the people who make them come alive: our guides.

Unlike many travel agencies that see guides as service providers, we see them as the foundation of our trips. They are not extras in the process; they are the process. Our approach is team-first, not client-first, a philosophy inspired by hospitality leaders like Danny Meyer and Will Guidara.

Guides Who Transform a Trip

A great guide is more than a source of information. They are storytellers, problem-solvers, and ambassadors of the culture they represent. We collaborate with a small group of exceptional guides we have known for years, ensuring that every journey is handled with expertise, empathy, and intuition.

Take Alex, for example, a guide and driver, described by travelers as “superb, actually overqualified.” Or Anita, with a PhD in Olympic history; Andrei, trained as an architect; and others like Anne, Mihai, George, Peter, Ilona, and Luis. Each brings specialized knowledge, patience, humor, and a deep love for Romania and its visitors.

This dedication transforms ordinary itineraries into memorable experiences. A trip with Beyond Dracula is never just a checklist of sights. It is an invitation to see Romania through the eyes of people who know it best.

The Philosophy Behind Our Approach

At Beyond Dracula, guiding is an act of love. We believe that if guides were valued, rigorously trained, and emotionally supported, every destination could shine. This philosophy goes beyond tourism. It elevates the human connection at the center of hospitality.

It also inspired our new website and the In the Guide’s Backpack series, where guides share their favorite places, flavors and stories. Here, travelers gain a deeper understanding of Romania, not only its landmarks, but its people, culture, and hidden gems.

Why This Matters

The hospitality industry often overlooks the importance of guides. Yet well-prepared, passionate guides elevate every travel experience. They are the ones who make a country feel welcoming, alive and unforgettable.

At Beyond Dracula, our success over the past twelve years is possible because we place our guides at the center of everything. When guides thrive, travelers thrive and Romania becomes more than a destination. It becomes a story to carry home.

Explore In the Guide’s Backpack on our website and meet the people who make Romania unforgettable. The best way to know a country is through the eyes of those who love it most.