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5 Great Medieval Places to Visit in Transylvania

By U.S. News & World Report

Legends and lore surround Transylvania — a region of Romania that invites images of evening mists, deep shadows and ancient castles. But in the area’s late autumn sunlight, its charming medieval towns and fortified churches often catch visitors by surprise. If you’re searching for historic villages where the past is present, read on. A trip through Transylvania could be just the ticket.

[See: 10 Money-Saving European Travel Tricks.]

Sighi?oara, Romania

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sighi?oara’s 13th-century fortress features a fairy tale look. In the summertime, it’s crowded with tourists, but when autumn leaves start drifting down on its ramparts, spires and cobbled streets, the pedestrian-friendly walled Old Town empties and returns to its residents. School kids playing can be heard and you can enjoy a leisurely walk, sip coffee at a cozy coffeehouse with locals or stop in and watch woodworkers carving bowls in a gallery. For timeless views over the red-tiled roofs of the town’s buildings, hike up to the beautiful Church on the Hill or climb to the top of the Clock Tower, built in the 1300s.

There are numerous museums in town too, but if you’re a fan of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” visit Vlad Dracul’s (also known as Vlad Tepes) kitschy “birth room” and adjacent restaurant near the Clock Tower. The real Vlad (Stoker’s inspiration) was born in Sighi?oara. If you’re looking to retreat to a luxury boutique hotel while in town, check into the restored Fronius Residence. Dating back to 1609, the building has 21st-century amenities, along with an ideal location within easy walking distance of the Old Town’s attractions.

Sibiu, Romania

Considered one of the largest and best-preserved medieval towns in Romania, Sibiu still has some of its three concentric rings of fortified walls standing. Walking along its narrow streets in its historic heart feels like a time warp, taking you through passageways and staircases dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries, along with the town’s pretty squares filled with cafes, bars and shops. Local guides can share historical and architectural information about this old Saxon city, including the unique “eyes of the city,” the small oval-shaped windows set into the centuries-old roofs.

Visit the impressive Brukenthal National Museum, housed in a former palace, to admire magnificent European art or take a trek to the top of the 14th-century Council Tower for a different perspective of the city. For an unforgettable Transylvanian meal, don’t miss Crama Sibiul Vechi — one of the city’s atmospheric wine cellar restaurants located nearby the popular Casa Luxemburg hotel.

[See: 12 Great Destinations in Europe You Can Afford.]

Biertan, Romania

One of the loveliest of Transylvania’s 150 fortified churches is located in the pretty little village of Biertan. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the now Lutheran church was built in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Perched on a hill, and once the stronghold of it residents, Biertan overlooks the quiet little town.

A fall visit here offers an uncrowded time to stroll the beautiful church grounds, connected by archways and gates. Admire the postcard-perfect vineyards and pastoral fields in harvest colors that surround it. Peek inside its towers, and ponder its matrimonial prison (folks desiring to divorce were locked in a single room for two weeks before they were allowed to make a final decision). Inside the church, you’ll find exquisite paintings, stonework and woodcarvings by 16th-century masters. What’s more, the town is easily walkable and offers several guesthouses and restaurants.

Viscri, Romania

The tiny secluded village of Viscri is known for its fortified church, called the White Church, that dates back to the 1100s. But it’s also famous for one of its homeowners: Prince Charles of Wales. Besides purchasing and renovating a traditional Saxon house in the village, Prince Charles also helped restore several others — and his continued admiration for this village and the Transylvanian countryside has been a huge benefit. Instead of being bulldozed as once planned, Viscri is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can stay in numerous guesthouses in the village, buy locally handcrafted felt slippers, socks and hats, and explore the intriguing White Church. Exploring the village offers the chance to step back in time.

Bra?ov, Romania

Located at the foot of the Southern Carpathian Mountains, the vibrant city of Bra?ov is approximately 17 miles from Bran Castle (often referred to as Dracula’s Castle) and is also a popular winter skiing base for nearby Poiana Bra?ov — Romania’s famous ski resort. While much of this city was industrialized during the country’s communist regime, its medieval center remains intact. Brimming with color, the expansive Council Square is ringed with fancily trimmed and pastel-painted Baroque buildings filled with shops, bakeries and cafes. Festivals and markets often take place surrounding the 13th-century Old Town Hall in the center of the square; autumn is a perfect time for sampling some local delicacies, including its unique sheep’s cheese and the sweet cinnamon chimney cakes known as kurtoskalacs. Free walking tours are offered year round, highlighting numerous museums, passing by the famous Gothic-style Black Church, and taking in the preserved medieval towers and walls, with glimpses into tucked away courtyards.

[Read: Where to Go in Europe During the Peak Travel Season.]

For accommodations in the historic area, the Casa Wagner is located right on Council Square, but for the finest view over the city in its striking fall colors, taking the Tâmpa cable car outside of town to Tâmpa Mountain’s peak is a must.

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5 Great Medieval Places to Visit in Transylvania originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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