Andyh428's travel blogs
European travel can be cheap
2008-08-18,
aug
18
2008
Poland
0
0
A weak U.S. Dollar doesn't mean you have to avoid traveling outside the country. While many locations have become so expensive for budget travelers, a few locations are still dollar friendly. Here is just one great example.
Poland:
Poland is a great European travel alternative to pricey countries like Italy and France. The U.S. Exchange rate is actually favorable to Americans, with every $1 U.S. Dollar equaling 2.24 Zloty. Yes, Poland does not use the Euro, and that is music to frugal ears back in the states. Poland is a country chock full of amazing history, culture, nightlife and most importantly food!
If you have never had Polish food, then you are missing out on some great cuisine. You get tons of food for very cheap prices. For example, a Polish lunch, consisting of huge portions of chicken, mashed potatoes and a side of vegetables will run you about 13 Zloty (or $5.75 USD). Wash it down with some delicious European beer, like Poland’s own Zywiec or vodka, which has been produced in this country since the Middle Ages.
As a New Yorker, who has a Polish wife…that can cook, I have fortunately been turned on to some great Polish delicacies. One of my favorites is red borscht. Beat soup, with carrots, potatoes, celery and a topping of sour cream. I'll be the first to admit, that as a typical American, I was indeed hesitant about trying this soup. After all I am used to my chicken noodle or minestrone. But after devouring my first bowl, I am hooked! Beats are not only tasty, but they are extremely good for you.
As for lodging in Poland, check out kayak.com for price comparisons. I searched for a 4 star hotel in late March, and found rates as low as $60 a night! Yes for only $60 US dollars you can stay at the Orient Hotel, it is only a 10 minute drive to the city center. Maybe with all these savings, you want to go grand. Well for $166 a night, you can do just that, at the five star super luxurious Grand Hotel in Krakow. These are just two examples of great finds, in a major city with so much to do and see.
Now flying to Poland can be pricey. The off seasons are the coldest. January to March is prime for budget travelers. But you can still find good deals in April and May, if you book well in advanced. Summer time & the Christmas holiday are the most expensive times to book a flight to Poland. Here are some recent search results I found when booking an 8 day trip (note: all flights leave at night, and you will arrive the next morning, plan accordingly), out of a NYC area airport, to various cities in Poland.
Newark-Katowice, January 7-January 15: $721 on Lufthansa
Newark-Krakow, March 20-March 28: $781 on Lufthansa
Newark-Krakow, April 29-May 7: $970 on Czech Airlines
JFK-Warsaw, June 1-June 9: $833 on Finnair
JFK-Gdansk, July 19-July 27, $1048 on Finnair
JFK-Warsaw, August 2-10, $973 on Finnair
So as you can see, as the temperatures goes higher, so do the prices. Act now for low prices for the holidays. Because once the summer is over, they are sure to skyrocket. Last December I did a search on any NYC airport to Krakow, Katowice or Warsaw, and they all were above $1100 round trip. While searching today, I came across flights for as low as $737 round trip. So if you are thinking of taking the journey, act now or else pay more later.
Ok so you are intrigued by the food, booked your hotel and found a great flight. Now, what to do and see in Poland. Well this fascinating Eastern European country is full of great cities to visit. Each of those cities have some of the most amazing town squares that you will ever lay eyes on in Europe...and quite possibly the world. Here is information on two of Poland's most visited squares:
Krakow:
The Main Market Square is the largest medieval town square in Europe. This beautiful square dates back to 1257, and was designed to be the biggest, since at this time, Krakow was the capital of Poland. The Square is a popular place for public events and festivities, such as the annual Gala Concert of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity and the largest New Year's Eve party in Poland.
Warsaw:
The Old Town Market Place is located in the Old Town area of Warsaw. This square is located in one of the oldest areas of Warsaw. The square was blown up by the German Army after World War II, like much of the city, and was later restored to its prewar appearance. The colorful buildings offer tourist a great photo opportunity at an angle. Walk down any of the streets and find amazing cafes, bars, shops and restaurants. A truly inspirational location to witness when visiting Poland's most popular city.
So there you have it. Great food, cheap hotels and reasonably priced (in this day and age) flights. You CAN see Europe without breaking the bank, and in the process travel to an amazing country. Poland is has so much to offer, at such a great price...it will leave you saying Kocham cie Polska!
Andy
Travelbyandy.com
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