Travel to Poland: Vital Considerations Before Your Solo Trip
Foreknowledge is vital in a myriad of situations. More so, in traveling, it helps if you know a bit about the people, culture, and plausible destination areas before you chart a path to the new place. Plus, being prepared to visit a different region requires you to create a comprehensive checklist so that you do not forget anything. Developing this list of essentials needs you to do some research on the destination you want to go to. So, before you embark on your solo trip to Poland, read these useful tips about the necessities you should try to familiarize yourself with.
Getting Familiar with the Polish Country: Geography and Climate
Poland, the central European country, is vast enough to boast of making it to the 17th spot in terms of the world’s most expansive nations in terms of area covered. The 305,000 km2 of dry land also includes an additional 8,500 km2 of open waters. Their economy is not a pushover either. Among the European Union economies, Poland ranks in the 8th position on this list. Its friendly neighbors include:
- Germany to the West
- The Czech Republic to the South West
- Belarus to the North East
- Lithuania and Ukraine to the East
- And Slovakia to the South.
So, what kind of weather can you look forward to when you are visiting? Of course, these factors depend on the time of your trip. Winters are characterized by temperatures that go below the freezing point. If you are not looking for a snowy experience, then try to avoid going there from December to February.
The spring and autumn come with favorable temperatures with a dash of the occasional rainfall. Summer can be comfortably warm with highs of up to 18°C. Those looking for a going on a sightseeing trip can aim for May to September to enjoy the sun on their backs.
Poland Is a Foodie’s Paradise: Know the Delicacies
Poland is not a country that quickly comes to mind when you are thinking of excellent cuisines. France and Italy take the cake in terms of memorable meals and treats. Still, foodies can find a place of refuge and delicious delights when they visit Poland.
Unfortunately, the pierogi, sauerkraut, and potatoes are the first things that anyone thinks of when they are talking about native Polish foods. Visiting the area on your own can give you a wonderfully tasty experience when you go through the local dishes. If you are visiting a local restaurant, you can go to the translate Polish to English website and find convenient ways of placing an order.
A Polish delicacy takes the adage that goes, “You cannot rush perfection” to the next level. Each meal requires you to invest a significant amount of time in its preparation. Throwing a dinner party for guests in the country is not an easy feat to perform. Plus, these situations bring exciting opportunities to show your friends and family the patriotism of the Poles.
Moreover, the country is known for its potatoes. They are the fourth most significant producers of the crop in Europe, occupying a 12% share of production in the organization. This focus on potato agriculture paints a picture of a nation committed to specializing in corresponding dishes. You can have your fill of the many different ways that potatoes can be prepared. If such meals are not your thing, then you can try the many sweets that the Poles expertly make.
The Welcoming and Honest Nature of the Poles
Knowing something about the culture and social norms of the residents in the area you want to visit is beneficial. It can prepare you for any culture shock that you may experience in the region. Of course, we all have our way of doing things. Plus, it is crucial that we observe some tolerance and understanding of the differences inherent between peoples. Visiting Poland is no exception. Finding out about the people can make your solo trip much more enjoyable as you make new and hopefully life-long friendships.
The hospitality of the Poles is something to look forward to. The Poles take hosting quite seriously. Each visitor is treated like a very important guest. They will offer to feed and take care of you with an unmatched kindness. Additionally, the folk is upfront about a lot of things. Indeed, you can casual conversation, or small talk, about the weather or how your day has been. However, expect blunt honesty when you are talking to a Polish resident. The people tell it as it is!
The Rich Culture of the Polish People
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization compiles a list of World Heritage Sites where it attempts to protect society from losing its identity. Poland has 15 internationally recognized sites, with 14 of them being cultural. Below is a list of some of the areas you can visit alone while you are visiting this beautiful country.
- Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska
- Historic Centre of Warsaw
- Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
- Tarnowskie Góry Lead-Silver-Zinc Mines
- Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork
- Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region.
These destinations are tied to a fascinating history that you will get to learn more about when you visit. Plus, you are bound to meet exciting people in your travels.
It might seem like a big step to visit a new place alone. Still, if you have prepared yourself adequately, you will get to have plenty of fun. The scenic forests and extensive mountain ranges can also give you a memorable nature experience when you go to the interior. Plus, there are beautiful lakes and glorious seaside shores that offer new and exciting things to do while you are sightseeing in Poland.