POLAND

Poland surprised me. I went in with low expectations (sorry Poland) and left genuinely impressed. It started with a cheap Ryanair ticket for a few days and I was hooked. Warsaw is fascinating, almost completely rebuilt after WWII, a mix of communist architecture and modern development, incredible food scene, and so much history.

Eastern Europe in general gets overlooked by travellers rushing between Western Europe's greatest hits, but Poland deserves more attention. It's affordable, interesting, and way more accessible than people think.

Quick Poland Travel Tips

Visa: EU/UK/US/Canadian/Australian passport holders get 90 days visa-free in Schengen area. But after Brexit, UK has to sign up for ESTA visa soon, and so far need finger prints now. Do always check your government website first for the latest visa details before visiting.

Money: Polish Złoty (zł). Poland hasn't adopted the Euro. Cards widely accepted. Very affordable compared to Western Europe.

Language: Polish. Younger people in cities speak English; older generation less so. Learn basic phrases.

Transport: Trains connect major cities. Warsaw metro is good. Buses cheap and extensive.

Food: Pierogi (dumplings), bigos (hunter's stew), żurek (sour rye soup), Polish food is hearty and delicious.

History: WWII and communist history is everywhere. Visit museums to understand Poland's complicated past.

Safety: Very safe. Low crime rates, especially compared to Western Europe.

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