Ask an Expert: Poland

When you’re planning a trip, it’s helpful to chat with a friend or family member who has been there before. Their first-hand experience and advice is invaluable when planning your own travels. But what happens when you don’t have a friend who’s been to a specific country? That’s where our Destination Specialists come in. To shine a light on Poland and share experience advice about what to do on a Polish vacation, we chatted with Karmen Galamb, Destination Specialist, to get her first-hand insights on this Eastern European nation. 

What is your favourite place to visit? 

I'd have to say Zakopane; it's an extremely popular destination for European tourists, especially in the winter. The town is surrounded by the Tatra Mountains, so the scenery is beautiful all year round. The town's atmosphere is hard to describe; it feels very serene, especially because there's usually a lot of families visiting. It almost feels like life slows down during your stay there. 

What’s a unique way to experience Poland?

On a road trip. I really enjoyed driving through the country. If you are comfortable with driving, I would strongly suggest a road trip as it offers a lot of freedom and access to sites throughout the country. 

What’s a hidden gem that more people should know about? 

The Crooked Forest near Gryfino in western Poland is pretty cool! Dating back to 1930, the forest is full of pine trees that curve and bend in remarkably odd ways. 

What’s a landmark that people shouldn’t miss? 

Malbork Castle is often overlooked, but it’s a really interesting landmark. The 13th-century castle is Brick Gothic, a rare architectural style, and the complex is considered one of the largest castle complexes in the entire world. 

When’s the best time to visit? 

It depends on your preferences, as there’s a lot to do in Poland year-round. If you enjoy winter sports and thermal baths, visit from December to February. The fall is also charming with autumn colours, although it does rain more in the fall than other times of year. 

What’s something more travellers should know about Poland? 

If you want to have a comfortable experience in Poland, travel with cash and take advantage of public transport, which is great in the cities. 

What’s a common misconception?

Many people tend to think that Polish people can be a bit melancholic or even rude. However, this tends to come more from people’s associations with former Soviet bloc countries than any first-hand experience. From my experience, Polish people are incredibly warm and friendly once you engage with them, and they’re great hosts for their beautiful nation.